New Jersey introduces fines for underage cannabis consumers
A new bill will put penalties on minors that consume cannabis in the state.
As part of New Jersey's legal cannabis plan, state lawmakers tabled bill that would provide for fines and other penalties for underage marijuana use in the state. The bill is designed to meet the demands of Governor Phil Murphy, who refused to sign a law on legal weed without such penalties. The governor's office said last week it would not sign the marijuana legislation until lawmakers added clear, non-criminal penalties to deter minors. His office recommended fines for possession of marijuana for anyone under the age of 21. The measure is called A5211 and provides for a minimum fine of $ 250 for anyone ages 18 to 20 who own up to six ounces of marijuana - the legal limit for anyone age 21 and older. Teens wouldn't have to pay the fine, but they could face juvenile sentences such as community hours if caught possessing marijuana. Those between the ages of 18 and 20 who are caught with more than the legal amount could face fines of $ 500 or more under the bill. Last November, New Jersey voters voted to legalize marijuana for anyone aged 21 and over. Also, the legislation only allows people of that age to buy it from pharmacies. "The bill is largely a consensus between the legislature and the governor's office," said an administration source unauthorized to speak publicly. "There are a few final technical changes that remain to be made. By and large, the governor's office is working in good faith with the legislature to get the law ready by next week." According to Senator Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, who tabled the marijuana bill, the chamber will not be bringing its own version of the cleanup legislation until Thursday. "It's being cleaned up while we speak," Scutari said earlier in the week. "The bill that the Assembly has, while very close, is not going to be exactly what we're going to introduce." The Senate and the Assembly have scheduled voting rounds for Monday, and then they could pass the legislation. With that, it would make its way to Murphy, who signs it into law.