Pubdate: Sun, 20 May 2012
Source: Asbury Park Press (NJ)
Copyright: 2012 Asbury Park Press
Contact:  http://www.app.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/26
Author: Roseanne Scotti
Note: Roseanne Scotti is New Jersey state director of the Drug Policy Alliance.

BILL TO REDUCE MARIJUANA PENALTIES MAKES SENSE

More than 22,000 people are arrested every year in New Jersey for 
simple possession of marijuana. The results of these arrests can be 
devastating.

Currently, possession of two ounces or less of marijuana is a 
disorderly persons offense that carries a penalty of up to six months 
in jail and a $1,000 fine. Additional fines of more than $600 may 
also be imposed under the existing law.

Currently, a conviction also results in a criminal record that cannot 
be expunged for at least five years.

Once an individual is convicted, he or she is subject to a system of 
legal discrimination that makes it difficult or impossible to secure 
housing, employment, public assistance, federal student aid for 
higher education, and even a driver's license.

Even without a conviction, the collateral consequences of a mere 
arrest can include immeasurable stigma and humiliation, the sometimes 
unmanageable financial burden of posting bail and hiring a lawyer, 
and lost hours at work or school.

Most New Jerseyans agree that these penalties and consequences are 
far too severe.

A 2011 Eagleton poll found that 58 percent of New Jerseyans think 
penalties for use of marijuana should be decreased, and 55 percent 
think penalties for possession of marijuana should be eliminated entirely.

Now the New Jersey Legislature is taking heed and considering a 
common-sense and compassionate reform.

On Monday, the Assembly Judiciary Committee will hold a hearing on 
Assembly Bill 1465, which would make possession of one-half ounce, or 
15 grams, of marijuana a summary offense similar to a parking ticket 
and carrying a fine of between $150 and $500.

Arresting and prosecuting otherwise law-abiding citizens for a few 
sugar packets' worth of marijuana is a waste of law enforcement 
resources and taxpayer money. The current punishment doesn't fit the offense.

A-1465 is a popular and practical reform that will result in fairer 
penalties and less hardship, while saving taxpayers money.

Fourteen other states (Alaska, California, Colorado, Connecticut, 
Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New 
York, North Carolina, Ohio and Oregon) have already decriminalized 
possession of small quantities of marijuana for personal use, in 
amounts ranging from one-half ounce to three ounces.

A-1465 has 18 co-sponsors and bipartisan support. These sponsors are 
to be commended for moving forward with legislation that will promote 
fairness and save taxpayer money.

In 2010, there were more than 800,000 marijuana arrests in the United 
States - one every 37 seconds.

Almost 90 percent of these arrests were for simple possession, not 
distribution or manufacturing.

It is time to end this insanity. Monday's vote in Trenton is a step 
in the right direction.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom