Update on Legal Weed in NJ

As far as Kean University and its policy on drugs/alcohol go, the current policy on alcohol states, “The University permits the moderate and responsible consumption of alcoholic beverages on campus within stated limits.”

As for marijuana and other drugs,“The possession or distribution of narcotics, dangerous drugs or controlled dangerous substances that are prohibited by the laws of the federal, state or local government are also clearly prohibited by Kean University and are subject to legal action.”

It remains unclear whether the university’s policies would change when/if marijuana is legalized recreationally in the state of NJ. Would students be allowed to smoke cannabis on campus, vaporize it inside the privacy of their own dorms, etc?

A student, Jamie Albert, shared her thoughts on the possible legalization. She said, “I think it would be great to pass a law that allows people to purchase marijuana legally, however…humans tend to complicate things, and I have a strong feeling that legislation would over-tax a plant that technically anyone could grow, and that drug companies would alter the substance.”

The “AToD” of Kean University stands for, “Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs.” It is a task force that was put in place to “serve a variety of functions in the area of prevention and intervention of substance use at Kean University. The task force is under the Division of Student Affairs and is overseen by the Office of Counseling and Disability Services.”

The task force has yet to respond for comment on the potential legalization of marijuana in NJ.

According to northjersey.com, on Oct. 22, Senate President Stephen Sweeney said, “We sent a formal list to the governor of the members that he would be helpful with, and I would expect him to participate because it’s important to him, too.”

Sweeney is on board with legalizing. Photo Courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.

Murphy responded saying, “You give me the list and I’m all in…I’ve not gotten any list, but I’m very happy to do that.”

Posted by nj.com on Oct. 18, a new poll was taken showing that, “58 percent of NJ residents said they support it, while only 37 percent say they oppose the plan.”

Despite more than half the state being in support, numerous towns have already said they will ban the recreational sale of the drug in their communities. Northjersey.com writes, “Elmwood Park, Saddle Brook, Hasbrouck Heights, Carlstadt, Clifton, East Rutherford, Franklin Lakes, Mahwah, Midland Park, North Haledon, Wayne, Upper Saddle River, and Wyckoff have all banned sales of recreational marijuana.”

Aside from being able to legally purchase cannabis from dispensaries that would be built in towns around NJ, the proposed bill would also address, “clearing low-level marijuana convictions from people’s criminal records.”

The latest bill would impose a 12 percent tax on marijuana sales, with cities and towns allowed to add a 2 percent tax of their own…The bill also attempts to address racial inequities.