(908)402-4770On November 28, 2018, Schiller, Pittenger & Galvin, P.C., attorney John DeMassi served as one of three panelists in a continuing legal education seminar sponsored by the Union County Bar Association entitled ”Marijuana and Its Future in New Jersey” two days after a joint legislative committee recommended adoption of S2703 which would legalize, tax, and regulate recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21. The bill legalizes the possession by a person 21 years or older of an ounce or less of cannabis and decriminalizes the possession of more than one ounce but less than two ounces.
The panelists explained the salient provisions of the proposed law. The course focus and the attendees’ inquiries were directed toward the impact the proposed Legislation will have on municipal court and zoning areas of practice. Much discussion concerned the effect legalization would have on the prosecution of DWI (drug related) cases, possession by those under 21 and possession of more than two ounces.
All three panelists emphasized that S2703 will undoubtedly be further amended after negotiations with the Governor but that the general provisions of S2703 will survive.