New Jersey cops will now not be examined for hashish until they’re suspected of utilizing or being underneath the affect whereas on responsibility or if their place requires federal drug testing, just like different drug-free office protections included within the state’s marijuana legalization legal guidelines.
The determination, which grew to become a thorny challenge, got here after months of back-and-forth negotiations is supposed to “provide officers with clear guidelines and protection.”
What Happened
In April 2022, Attorney General Matt Platkin issued a memo to police chiefs and regulation enforcement businesses instructing them that they “may not take any adverse action against any officers because they do or do not use cannabis off duty.”
Under the brand new pointers, cops can nevertheless be screened for hashish in the event that they work or maintain licenses regulated by the federal authorities, reported NJ’s app.com, in that hashish stays unlawful on a federal stage.
Those who fall underneath this exception embrace officers who’re assigned to a federal activity drive; maintain a federally-regulated license that requires drug testing, resembling a pilot license or industrial driver’s license; work for a regulation enforcement company that receives a federal contract or grant, which requires drug testing.
On-Duty Consumption Still Banned
Police officers stay barred from consuming hashish whereas on responsibility, however in line with Platkin’s memo, a weed-tainted urine check wouldn’t function trigger for firing, reported Police1.com on the time it was issued.
“To be clear, there should be zero tolerance for cannabis use, possession or intoxication while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer,” Platkin stated on the time. But off the clock, officers can do what they like concerning the consumption of authorized hashish as long as they’re 21 or above.
New Jersey hashish gross sales started on April 21, 2022.
Photo: New Jersey State Police
