Efforts by NORML-NJ volunteers in New Brunswick to enact a Lowest Law Enforcement Priority Ordinance are making the news in local papers. Contact Evan Nison the ballot initiatives coordinator evan@normlnj.org to get involved!
Hundreds in New Brunswick Sign Petition to Change Local Marijuana Law
New Brunswick, NJ – Volunteers from the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law, New Jersey State Chapter (NORML-NJ) have begun gathering signatures from New Brunswick voters for a ballot initiative that would make marijuana arrests for personal use by adults the lowest law enforcement priority in the city.
“Passage of this initiative would increase public safety by freeing up local police resources to focus on serious issues and at the same time save taxpayer money by reducing arrests for a law that frankly, most Americans feel is unjust and more harmful to people than the drug itself.” said Evan Nison, Ballot Initiatives Coordinator for NORML-NJ.
While marijuana possession and use would remain illegal, it is hoped that a successful ballot initiative will result in a significantly reduced number of arrests for simple marijuana possession within the City of New Brunswick. Aggressively arresting and prosecuting citizens in New Brunswick for simple marijuana possession offenses costs taxpayers dearly and squanders precious New Brunswick police resources, which many feel would be much better spent on preventing and prosecuting serious and violent crime. READ FULL ARTICLE
New Brunswick group looks to make marijuana arrests by police low priority
NEW BRUNSWICK — A marijuana-law reform group is hoping to persuade city voters that marijuana possession isn’t worth the police department’s time.
The New Jersey State Chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Law is gathering signatures for a ballot initiative aimed at making marijuana possession the city’s lowest law-enforcement priority. Organizers are hoping to place the question on November’s ballot. The measure would only deprioritize arrests for possession of the drug for personal use, meaning those attempting to sell or distribute the drug could remain high priorities.Matt Brockbank, a Rutgers University senior and one of 42 volunteers circulating the petition, said marijuana possession laws are ineffective and enforcement of them wastes valuable policing time.
“New Brunswick is a dangerous city and the police have a tough time managing the crime as it is,” Brockbank said.
Similar ordinances have already been enacted in more than 30 U.S. cities, though this would be the first in New Jersey. According to NORML-NJ, a 2003 law passed in Seattle resulted in a 75-percent drop in marijuana possession arrests after two years. READ FULL ARTICLE
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