New Jersey police officers can legally use cannabis if they don’t
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New Jersey police officers can use cannabis outside of work hours with no penalty. The news came via a memo from acting New Jersey Attorney General Matthew Platkin to police chiefs, telling them they “must not take adverse action against officers because of their use of cannabis off-duty or not.”
Officers are prohibited from using cannabis on duty, but according to Platkin’s memo, a weed-contaminated urine test would not serve as grounds for dismissal, Police1.com reported.
Photo by JANIFEST/Getty Images
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“To be clear, there should be zero tolerance for cannabis use, possession or intoxication while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer,” Platkin said. But 24/7 officials can do whatever they want regarding the use of legal cannabis as long as they are 21 years of age or older once New Jersey starts selling adult-use cannabis on April 21.
Cannabis use, professional or non-professional, still prohibited for New York police officers
In contrast, New York City police officers are “strictly prohibited” from consuming cannabis, even when off-duty. A memo was sent out to all NYPD uniformed and civilian members exactly a year ago, shortly after weed was legalized in the Empire State under then-Governor Andrew Cuomo.
Introduction of legal cannabis in New Jersey
The Garden State Cannabis Regulatory Commission granted licenses to a group of medical marijuana dispensaries known as alternative treatment centers to begin selling recreational cannabis on April 21.
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“We are very excited that adult sales will begin in New Jersey on April 21,” tweeted Boris Jordan, Curaleaf’s founder and chairman. “We have prepared for this moment and look forward to welcoming new customers at both Edgewater and Bellmawr locations.”
We’re excited to announce adult sales in New Jersey starting April 21st. We have prepared for this moment and look forward to welcoming new customers at both Edgewater and Bellmawr locations. $CURA $CURLF
— Boris Jordan (@Boris_Jordan) April 15, 2022
The commission had given initial approval to a handful of operators in multiple states to begin selling, including Acreage Holdings, Ascend Wellness, AYR Wellness, Curaleaf, Green Thumb, Columbia Care, TerrAscend, and Verano Holdings.
This article originally appeared on Benzinga and has been republished with permission.
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