NEWS FLASH

New Jersey Assembly Committee Advances Marijuana Decriminalization Bill | On Monday, the New Jersey Assembly Judiciary Committee unanimously voted to send a bill that would decriminalize the possession of up to a half ounce of marijuana to the full chamber. The bill now goes before the full Assembly, where there are currently 18 co-sponsors of the bill. If the new law is implemented, first-time violators will be charged with civil offenses with punishments of up to $500 rather than jail time. Governor Chris Christie, who has publicly stated his preference for mandatory treatment programs rather than incarceration for non-violent drug offenders, has yet to take a position on decriminalization efforts.