South Brunswick Schools Planned To Tell Parents About Marijuana

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ — School Superintendent Scott Feder weighed in on the controversial marijuana law that, before state lawmakers approved changes on Friday, prevented police from notifying parents of underaged users.

On Thursday, Feder told parents that irrespective of forthcoming changes to the law, if students are caught smoking pot or drinking alcohol, the school district will inform them.

“We want to tell you as a school, if your child is caught with marijuana or alcohol, you will absolutely be notified,” Feder said.

Earlier this year Gov. Phil Murphy signed bills into law that made adult use of marijuana legal. But under the original legislation, police were prohibited from notifying parents or guardians if kids commit a first-time offense of marijuana use or possession.

Murphy signed legislation on Friday that allows police to now notify parents.

This legislation faced backlash from several law enforcement agencies, including South Brunswick police chief Raymond Hayducka.

Calling the legislation “ridiculous,” Hayducka had said it would put additional pressure on school districts.

Read More Here: Marijuana Rules For Underaged 'Ridiculous:' South Brunswick Chief

Feder said that many people were not aware that voting for legalizing marijuana would mean “taking away parental rights.”

“I honestly don't know where all this came from with the underage rules about marijuana,” he said.

The superintendent assuaged all fears by telling parents nothing would change at the district when it comes to reporting underage cannabis users.

Feder said he met with the school district’s safety specialists and resource officers to discuss the matter.

“The school will be looking at all of our policies and updating it according to the law. But if a child has marijuana, paraphernalia or alcohol, the schools will still be addressing that as we always have,” he said.

At the meeting, Feder told parents he was looking forward to the new bill that could repeal the “non-disclosure” aspect of the law.

“But we are not under that (previous) rule. Kids should know that. Parents should know that.”

Under the new law, law enforcement officers will “provide written notification to a parent or guardian of anyone under age 18 who commits first offense of unlawfully possessing or consuming an alcoholic beverage, cannabis, marijuana, or hashish."

Read More Here: NJ To Require Parental Notification For Marijuana

The bipartisan bill was approved by lawmakers the past week.

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