NJ Takes Big Step Toward Decriminalizing Marijuana, Until Sept.

New Jersey has taken a big step that could ultimately lead to decriminalization – and, perhaps, legalization – of marijuana across the state.

In a July 24 memo to all prosecutors, Attorney General Gurbir Grewal asked for an adjournment of all marijuana cases in municipal courts statewide until at least Sept. 4.

What wasn't clear is if this will become an official policy, or what will happen next.

Indeed, during a press conference on Tuesday, Gov. Phil Murphy said he was "all in" for legalization but not for decriminalization, which puts use of the drug "in the hands of the bad guys." He referred further comment to Grewal.

In his memo, Grewal was responding to a recent attempt by Jersey City to decriminalize marijuana – an attempt that was rebuffed a day later by the Office of Attorney General. Read more: 1st NJ Town Where You Can Use Pot – And Likely Get Away With It

Grewal said the Jersey City controversy "made clear that some municipal prosecutors would benefit from additional guidance about the scope of their discretionary authority, particularly with regard to marijuana offenses."

To address this issue, Grewal said he plans to convene a working group of criminal justice stakeholders – including the Hudson County prosecutor and the chief municipal prosecutor of Jersey City – to study the issue and "advise me on possible solutions."

"By the end of August, I intend to issue a statewide directive concerning the scope and appropriate use of prosecutorial discretion in marijuana-related offenses in municipal court," he said.

Grewal's office, however, took issue with the way Jersey City reacted to the news, particularly Mayor Steven Fulop, who said in a tweet that the municipality "pushed" this policy and "we stood our ground as the right side of the issue."

In a statement, Grewal's office said Fulop's office made statements that "did not accurately describe" what the Office of Attorney General had agreed to.

Ihe Office of Attorney General said it had not made a final decision on its policy toward marijuana and that "the best way to develop progressive solutions is through a collaborative approach that involves multiple stakeholders across law enforcement, civil rights organizations, and community leaders."

"The attorney general remains deeply committed to social justice issues and looks forward to working with other criminal justice stakeholders as the state examines over the coming month the appropriate scope of municipal prosecutors’ discretion in marijuana-related cases."

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