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NJ Assembly Judiciary Committee Approves A-1465 by a 7-0 Vote to Decriminalize Possession of Small Amounts of Marijuana

The legislation, summarized below passed through the Assembly Judiciary Committee by a bipartisan 7-0 vote.

Key points:

Under Assembly Bill 1465, the possession of 15 grams or less of marijuana would be a summary offense, punishable by a fine of $150 for a first violation, $200 for a second violation and $500 for a third. Currently, possession of this amount is a disorderly persons offense that carries a penalty of up to a $1000 fine and six months in jail. Additional fines of more than $600 may also be imposed under the existing statute. Currently, a conviction also results in a criminal record that cannot be expunged for at least five years.

Bill sponsors and more details after the jump...