Decriminalizing Weed In NJ Would Be ‘Victory,’ Sen. Rice Says

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Marijuana decriminalization in New Jersey wouldn’t be a “second choice” or a “stop-gap measure.” It would be a victory for equality and justice, a state lawmaker from Essex County says.

Sen. Ronald Rice, a Democrat who represents the 28th District, recently praised Gov. Phil Murphy for backing the idea of decriminalizing recreational marijuana.

Last week, Murphy said he now backs marijuana decriminalization since lawmakers have tried – and failed – to legalize it.

"Although I remain disappointed in the Legislature's inability to legislatively legalize adult-use marijuana, I am optimistic that the people of New Jersey, who overwhelmingly support legalization, will vote to do so," Murphy said.

• See related article: NJ Voters Will Decide Whether To Legalize Marijuana: Lawmakers

On Nov. 27, Rice issued a strong statement of support for decriminalization, a concept he’s repeatedly backed in the past.

“Decriminalization is not, as I’ve seen in media reports a ‘second choice,’ a ‘stop-gap measure’ or a ‘short-term solution.,’” Rice said. “It certainly isn’t a reason to be ‘disappointed.’ It’s a long sought-after and hard-fought victory for any person or family caught up on the wrong side of a small-scale marijuana arrest, particularly people of color and those without the means to hire proper legal representation.”

• See related article: NJ Marijuana Arrests Are Criminalizing Black Residents, Study Says
• See related article: 'It's Hard To Move Forward,' Says NJ Father Arrested For Weed

“Because black and brown people are arrested and incarcerated for small amount marijuana use and possession at a rate of three times more than whites, decriminalization will go a long way to correct social injustice and an unfair, biased system,” Rice continued. “It downgrades offenses to misdemeanors, allows those in jail to go home to their families, and frees people from the yoke of a criminal record that prevents better housing and jobs, student financial aid or the driver’s license necessary for a fresh start on life.”

The senator added:

“If full-throated support of decriminalization doesn’t indicate where a person’s heart is, nothing does. It shows compassion and a commitment to equality and justice. And, in contradiction to a new buzz phrase linked with legalization, nothing puts you “on the right side of history” more than supporting decriminalization to level the playing field for all residents in this great state of ours.”

Rice represents Newark, Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington and Nutley. He previously served as deputy mayor and councilman for Newark.

While he’s been a consistent supporter of decriminalizing cannabis use, Rice has also opposed legalizing recreational marijuana in New Jersey, at one point calling it a “colossal blunder.”

“The public has not properly been educated on the topic of recreational marijuana,” Rice said in May. “People don't realize, particularly people in urban communities, how it will affect their lives. In urban communities, neighborhoods will struggle against the spread of 'marijuana bodegas' disguised as dispensaries.”

Rice has also expressed concerns about children's access to marijuana-infused edibles and motor vehicle accidents caused by impaired driving.

• See related article: Essex County Democrat Says NJ Legal Weed Is 'Colossal Blunder'
• See related article: New Jersey Senator Has Worries About Legalizing Marijuana

The concept of decriminalizing marijuana has also drawn support from some of Rice's Republican peers in New Jersey.

Earlier this week, Sen. Declan O’Scanlon, who represents the 13th District, said he supports decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana.

"Reasonable people can agree that individuals in possession of small amounts of marijuana shouldn’t face arrests and a lifetime of compromised opportunity and productivity," O’Scanlon said. "Such harsh, disproportionate penalties don’t just hurt individuals, they cost our entire society in lost productivity and potential. These particular disproportionate penalties facilitate the squandering of hundreds of millions of dollars in precious law enforcement and drug treatment resources."

Considering the "indisputable fact of the racial disparities" involving marijuana arrests, there's a moral imperative to act quickly, the senator said.

"Make no mistake though, people who are in possession of larger amounts with intent to sell should still face appropriate, proportionate penalties," O’Scanlon added. "Those selling to minors should face penalties an order of magnitude higher."

Despite a growing chorus of voices calling for legalization, decriminalization and expungement, marijuana arrests have risen dramatically in New Jersey over the past few years, according to a recent study.

Earlier this month, the ACLU of New Jersey released a report that claims someone is arrested for marijuana possession in the state every 15 minutes, a number that’s only gotten worse over the past few years.

In 2017, New Jersey made 37,623 arrests for marijuana possession and distribution charges, going up nearly 35 percent from the 27,923 arrests made in 2013 on possession and distribution.

There were 2,356 marijuana possession arrests in Essex County during 2017, the ACLU stated.

• See related article: NJ Marijuana Arrests 'Soaring' As Legalization Debate Continues

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