States across the country have voted to legalize marijuana. Mississippi has passed a law that legalizes medical marijuana while Oregon has decriminalized possession of all drugs. In 2020, two-thirds of voters in New Jersey voted to legalize recreational marijuana. However, people can’t drop by the local dispensary and pick up cannabis just yet.
How will legalization work in New Jersey?
Before marijuana is officially legalized in New Jersey, the laws need to change so that police officers can’t arrest people for using cannabis. The new laws will have to eliminate drug charges for people selling, smoking or possessing cannabis.
Additionally, authorities will need to write laws that describe how marijuana can be used legally. Contrary to popular belief, legalization doesn’t mean that people can possess as much cannabis as they want. Citizens of New Jersey will likely have a limit on how much marijuana they can possess at one time. They’ll also have to be 21 or older to purchase cannabis and need to show an ID at dispensaries.
While New Jersey legalized medical marijuana a few years ago, there are only 12 dispensaries in the entire state. As a result, it might take a while for more dispensaries to open and start selling recreational marijuana. People should also be aware that the law doesn’t take effect until next year, so marijuana is technically still illegal until 2021.
What can you do if you’re facing drug charges?
While marijuana is slowly being legalized across the United States, you can still be hit with drug charges in certain areas. An attorney may be able to defend you against charges of possession, trafficking or possession with intent to sell. Your attorney might also get certain charges expunged from your record so that they don’t affect your ability to get a job or find housing.