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Use of Recreational Marijuana is Legalized by NJ Voters

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Use of Recreational Marijuana is Legalized by NJ Voters

November 5, 2020

While many people have been focused on the most recent presidential election, the residents of New Jersey were also considering the possibility of legalizing recreational marijuana. Despite numerous tries of legalizing marijuana being unapproved previously, New Jersey has recently voted for it to finally happen. Not only was the question voted in favor of, but by a large percentage of voters.

What Does This Mean?

Despite the approval of making marijuana recreational, it will likely still take some time for the state to make regulations and rules surrounding it. But, we can expect the following:

  • People will still need to be of age to possess or use marijuana, at least 21 years old
  • The purchase of recreational marijuana will be taxed
  • There will still be a legal limit, although that limit is not yet known
  • People will still be at risk of losing their job if they use it during work hours

We will have to wait and see what kind of laws and rules the state sets. This also leads many to wonder if nearby states will speed up the process of putting their own regulations and rules in place. The state taxes collected from the purchase of recreational marijuana will be a 6.625% state tax. Additionally, different counties can enact their own additional taxes at 2%.

While we do not know how long it will take until you can legally buy marijuana for recreational use, we do know that other states have taken up to two years to figure the laws out. Some lawmakers have stated that they will work hard to speed up this process, so they can begin collecting taxes, creating jobs, and also decriminalizing the use of marijuana.

Read more: Potential Defenses to Crimes

Are You Dealing with Marijuana or Other Drug-Related Charges?

Until the laws go into place, you still can be charged with possession of the use of illegal drugs, including marijuana. Some counties may choose to be less strict with marijuana arrests or rulings, while knowing that the laws will soon change, but this is not guaranteed. If you are currently facing drug-related charges, it is important to reach out to a drug defense lawyer today. 

Criminal drug charges in the state of New Jersey can negatively affect you in many ways. Drug charges can lead to expensive fines, a permanent criminal record, and even jail time. With a permanent criminal record, you may find it difficult to maintain or find, employment. If you are required to serve jail time, you could also lose your job. Drug charges can be a big inconvenience in your life but fortunately, there are a few defenses available that may be an option for you.

Additionally, the state of New Jersey has first-time offender programs available, which allow you to serve community service time or attend drug treatment courses in return for a reduced sentence. This often means the chance of avoiding jail time or drug charges on your record.

Read more: The Differences between Felony and Misdemeanor Drug Charges

Contact an Experienced Middletown Drug Defense Lawyer About Your Drug Charges in New Jersey

Were you arrested or charged with drug charges in New Jersey? The consequences of a conviction could be severe, leaving you with a permanent criminal record and possibly even sending you to jail. That is why you need to speak with a qualified criminal defense attorney as soon as possible about your case. The attorneys at Rudnick, Addonizio, Pappa & Casazza PC have successfully represented clients charged with drug charges in Middletown, Howell, Marlboro, Manalapan, and throughout New Jersey. Call (732) 264-4400 or fill out the online contact form to schedule a consultation with a member of our legal team. We have an office conveniently located at Park Village, 25 Village Court Highway, #35, Hazlet, NJ 07730, as well as an office located in East Brunswick, NJ.

The articles on this blog are for informative purposes only and are no substitute for legal advice or an attorney-client relationship. If you are seeking legal advice, please contact our law firm directly.

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