“I don’t know if they have the correct guidance on how to charge without overstepping.”
By Sophie Nieto-Muñoz, New Jersey Monitor
A New Jersey state lawmaker who visited Colorado and saw how the first state to sell legal recreational cannabis deals with motorists driving under the influence wants to create a marijuana enforcement division under the state Attorney General’s Office.
Assemblywoman Shanique Speight (D) said she wants the new division to compile data to give law enforcement officers some clarity on the state’s cannabis law, which she said has left them confused over when they can and can’t charge drivers with a marijuana offense.
“I don’t know if they have the correct guidance on how to charge without overstepping,” Speight said.
The bill would task the new marijuana enforcement division with creating a database that includes information on arrests made for driving under the influence where cannabis possession or use is involved; arrests, dismissals, convictions, and adjudications of cannabis charges; and marijuana seized by officers.
The data would be presented annually to the governor and Legislature, and include any recommendations for improvements. The bill would also require the division to create a public awareness campaign about cannabis use while driving.
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