NJ Cops Can Use Recreational Marijuana Off-Duty, State Says

NEW JERSEY - Off-duty police officers in the Garden State can partake in consuming marijuana without penalty, according to the state’s top law enforcement official.

In a memo to police chiefs and local, county and state officials last week, acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin noted that New Jersey police departments “may not take any adverse action against any officers because they do or do not use cannabis off duty.”

Police departments also can’t fire or refuse to onboard employees simply due to the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in an officer’s body fluids, Platkin added.

Law enforcement officers are still barred from possessing or consuming marijuana while at work, or performing any work while under the influence.

“There should be zero tolerance for cannabis use, possession or intoxication while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer," Platkin said. "And there should be zero tolerance for unregulated marijuana consumption by officers at any time, on or off duty, while employed in this state. The safety of our communities and our officers demands no less."

If there is “reasonable suspicion” of an officer's use of cannabis while at work, or if signs of intoxication are observed, the officer in question may be required to undergo a drug test, Platkin said.

Right now, while it's legal to possess small amounts of pot in New Jersey, there still isn't any place for Garden State residents to legally purchase cannabis … unless they're registered patients with the state medical marijuana program. Read More: 5 Things You Need To Know About Marijuana Legalization In NJ

Recreational marijuana sales begin in the state on Thursday, April 21 for those 21 and older without a medical pot card. The state Cannabis Regulatory Commission states that recreational users can purchase up to one ounce in a single transaction starting April 21.

13 dispensaries so far have been approved to sell adult-use cannabis products. The approved sellers have been given the green light to open at the following locations:

• Bellmawr
• Bloomfield
• Edgewater Park
• Paterson
• Phillipsburg
• Maplewood
• Rochelle Park
• Elizabeth
• Lawrence
• Williamstown
• Egg Harbor

NJCRC Chair Dianna Houenou said that patient access and public safety remains the top priority.

"These approvals were given based on commitments from the ATCs that we would not see adverse effects with expansion," Houenou said. "Expansion into the adult-use market – with a substantial advantageous start ahead of new applicants – is a privilege that must not be taken lightly."

You can read the state’s guidelines for safe and responsible marijuana consumption here.

New Jersey voters approved a ballot question in November 2020 to legalize regulated marijuana sales in the state for those 21 and older.