Parents will be notified the first time their underage child is caught using marijuana or alcohol after legislation was passed.
The legislation was sponsored by Senators Vin Gopal, Joe Lagana, Dawn Addiego, and Linda Greenstein. It was signed into law on Friday.
The law revises the recently enacted adult-use cannabis law that already requires parental notification by law enforcement officers for second and third violations.
Parental Notification of Marijuana Legal Issues
“Marijuana was legalized for adults. Not for children or teenagers,” said Senator Gopal (D-Monmouth), who serves as the Senate Majority Conference Leader. “Parents need to be notified if their underage child is using marijuana or alcohol. So they can take the appropriate steps to protect them from the potentially harmful effects of substance use at young ages and to help them make responsible decisions. Allowing parents to remain involved and informed can help to make sure that first-time offenders do not become repeat offenders.”
“The goals of social justice reform and greater economic opportunity through legalizing marijuana should not be achieved at the cost of parental involvement,” said Senator Lagana (D-Bergen). “As a father, I know that all parents would want to know if their children used alcohol or drugs. When they become adults, they can make responsible decisions based on well-informed, good judgment. Until then, parents need to be included so they can provide the guidance and safeguards their children need.”
“Parental involvement is not only a right, it is a responsibility,” said Senator Addiego (D-Atlantic/Burlington/Camden). “It’s a matter of good judgment and common sense that parents are quickly informed. If their child is caught breaking the law by drinking or using marijuana before they reach the legal age. Parental intervention at the first offense will help make sure it doesn’t happen again. We want the first offense to be the only offense.”
Legal NJ Cannabis Issues
“It is important to remember that it is still illegal for minors to possess or consume marijuana, alcohol, and other substances in New Jersey,” said Senator Greenstein (D-Mercer/Middlesex). “Parents should be notified of their children’s possession or consumption of drugs and alcohol. They have a right to know about any offenses to ensure that their children are safe.”
The law requires parental notification upon the first violation for underage possession or consumption of alcohol, cannabis item, marijuana, or hashish by individuals under the age of 18. The parent or guardian of a minor will be notified. But it’s only after a second violation. They will be provided with information on how to access community-based services. Parents and guardians will also be notified of subsequent violations with the minor subject to a referral for community services.
