6/20/2011 – NJ Assemblyman Reed Gusciora is expected to introduce a bill this week to decriminalize the possession of up to 14 grams of marijuana by adults. A look at the Uniform Crime Report from the NJ State Police reveals some striking statistics for marijuana arrests. The 2009 report contains the most recent published data available, although preliminary data on 2010 points to an increase for cannabis violations.
In 2009 the Garden State arrested 26, 254 people for marijuana. Eight-five percent of the arrests (22, 439) were for possession of less than 50 grams. Currently, adults caught with anything from a joint to two-ounces are treated the same way; with a custodial arrest and a criminal prosecution.
In 2009 New Jersey performed more arrests for marijuana than for all other drugs combined. Fifty-six percent of all drug possession arrests were for marijuana.
The same year saw 3,815 arrests for Sale/Manufacture of marijuana. This is compared to 8,128 arrests for sale/manufacture of cocaine or opium products in 2009. Yet fewer NJ residents were arrested in possession of cocaine or opiates (14,609) than for marijuana (22,439).
The conclusion that could be drawn that enforcement of cannabis prohibition laws in New Jersey is focused on the individual user rather than those selling. This is different compared to other drugs.
Some additional information from the NJ UCR
– Forty-two percent of persons arrested for drug abuse violations were under the age of 21.
– Males accounted for 81 percent and females 19 percent of the arrests.
– Fifty-four percent of total persons arrested in 2009 were white, 45 percent were black and 1 percent were other races.
– The Hispanic ethnic origin accounted for 14 percent of the arrests and 86 were non-Hispanic.
Fourteen US states allow a civil citation to be issued at the point of encounter with police. A nominal fine is levied at a later time and the offense is treated similar to a traffic violation for speeding. The decrim states on the east coast include: Maine, New York, Massachusetts and Connecticut.
Chris Goldstein is a respected marijuana reform advocate. As a writer and radio broadcaster he has been covering cannabis news for over a decade. Questions? [email protected]