Finding a job is difficult for anyone these days. But it’s near-impossible if you have a criminal record. As research shows those with a criminal record are far less likely to reoffend when they have gainful employment, several states are weighing the benefits and risks of “banning the box”, or limiting how employers can use criminal history in the hiring process. In New Jersey, a bill to do just that is expected to go before lawmakers in the next two months. [Read more…]
‘Marijuana Refugees’ Leave NJ For Colorado
When your child is sick, you’ll do just about anything to make them better—including moving halfway across the country to get them the medicine they need. For some families being called “marijuana refugees”, it makes little sense to remain in a state where medicine is promised and not delivered. Instead, they’re moving to a state where a variety of medical marijuana can be found, without having to go on the black market and risk arrest. [Read more…]
New Jersey Drug Treatment Sorely Lacking and Not Widely Available
When you are addicted to drugs—whether it is heroin, cocaine, or even alcohol—getting clean is a monumental effort. Very few people are able to abandon an addition without intense assistance. For many, this means inpatient treatment. But in the state of New Jersey, getting into a treatment program is far easier said than done. [Read more…]
Christie Refuses to Budge Further on Marijuana Laws
True to the hard line he has taken in the past against marijuana legalization, Governor Chris Christie says he will not support a bill that would allow New Jersey medical marijuana users to buy their medicine out of state. Like others who have anti-pot positions, he says marijuana advocates will get an inch and take a yard, continually pushing for greater and greater progress. This, he says, is unacceptable. [Read more…]
Newark Pastor: Marijuana Enforcement is Racist
A Newark pastor recently had some time in the spotlight after an opinion piece was posted to NJ.com and in the Star-Ledger. His recommendation: that New Jersey decriminalize marijuana possession, namely because it’s enforced in a “racially biased” manner and is costing taxpayers millions. [Read more…]
NJ Lawmakers Consider Marijuana Decriminalization
If you were to be caught in possession of marijuana today, you would be charged with a crime. It’s considered a disorderly persons offense and carries a possible jail sentence of up to 6 months, along with fines reaching $1,000, not to mention a criminal record. In moving with the changing tides of marijuana attitudes, New Jersey lawmakers have introduced two marijuana decriminalization bills, and either one would be a vast improvement on the current situation. [Read more…]