New Jersey police officers are no longer tested for cannabis unless they are suspected of using while on duty or being under the influence, or when their position requires state drug testing, similar to other drug-free workplace protections mandated in the marijuana legalization laws of the state are included .

The decision, which became a thorny issue, came after months of back-and-forth negotiations and is intended to “provide officers with clear guidelines and protections”.

What happened

in April 2022, Attorney General Matt Platkin issued a memo to police chiefs and law enforcement officials, who direct them that they “must not take adverse action against officers because of their off-duty use of cannabis or not.”

However, under the new guidelines, law enforcement officers can be screened for cannabis if they work or hold licenses that are regulated by the federal government, NJ’s reported app.comas cannabis remains illegal at the federal level.

Those covered by this exception include officers assigned to a federal task force; Possess a state-regulated license that requires drug testing, such as B. A pilot’s license or a commercial driver’s license; Work for a law enforcement agency receiving a federal contract or grant that requires drug testing.

On-duty consumption still prohibited

Police officers are still barred from using cannabis on duty, but according to Platkin’s memo, a weed-contaminated urine test would not serve as grounds for a dismissal, Police1.com reported at the time of its publication.

“To be clear, there should be zero tolerance for cannabis use, possession or intoxication while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer,” Platkin said at the time. But 24/7 officials can do whatever they want regarding the use of legal cannabis as long as they are 21 years of age or older.

New Jersey Cannabis sales began on April 21, 2022.

Photo: New Jersey State Police