Advertisment: OHP » OHP Order 112 » CBT ROS Banner 970x250 July 2025 » ohp-april-botanigard.Xr9R0z1R68.gif.avif

Marijuana Decriminalization Bill Proposed by Legalization Opponents in New Jersey

The measure, proposed by State Sen. Ronald Rice and State Sen. Robert Singer, would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis and address concerns about racially discriminatory arrests.

New Jersey Flag Adobe Stock Credit Erllre Resized

Two New Jersey legislators opposed to legalizing recreational marijuana introduced a bipartisan bill on Thursday that would decriminalize the possession of small amounts of cannabis and address concerns about racially discriminatory arrests.

The measure, proposed by State Sen. Ronald Rice, a Democrat who chairs the Legislative Black Caucus, and State Sen. Robert Singer, a Republican from Ocean County, would reduce the penalty for possession of 10 grams or less of marijuana to a $100 civil fine for the first violation, $200 for the second, and $500 for subsequent offenses.

Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For » CBT Best Companies 2026 ROS Parallax Reveal » bcc-ads-730x570
Advertisment: Cannabis Business Times » Cannabis Business Times Best Cannabis Companies to Work For » CBT Best Companies 2026 ROS Parallax Reveal » bcc-ads-730x570

“There are more blacks in jail than any other ethnic group for the personal use of marijuana, and that’s a social justice issue,” said Rice, who represents Newark and the surrounding area.  He said the measure would allow the inmates to petition the court to be released and have their criminal records expunged. Those arrested for simple possession would no longer face up to six months in jail and would not face the threat of having a criminal record.

Advertisment: Frank Mayer » Frank Mayer Order 84 » CBT ROS Medium Rectangle 300x250 July 2025 » CBT Web Ad - July 2025
Advertisment: Frank Mayer » Frank Mayer Order 84 » CBT ROS Medium Rectangle 300x250 July 2025 » CBT Web Ad - July 2025

But the bill could divert attention from Gov. Murphy’s campaign promise to legalize marijuana at a time when public opinion polls show popular support in the state for legalization has dipped.

Read more

Top image: © erllre | Adobe Stock

Advertisment: Frank Mayer » Frank Mayer Order 84 » CBT ROS Medium Rectangle 300x250 July 2025 » CBT Web Ad - July 2025
Advertisment: Hanwha Vision » Hanwha Vision Order 78 » CBT ROS 300x250 Medium Rectangle July 2025 » D53_Cannabis-Business-Times_300x250_v1
Page 1 of 487
Next Page
Advertisment: Greentank » Greentank Order 111 » CBT ROS Mobile Adhesion 360x120 July 2025 » GT AC ADS 600X200@2x