4/12/21 Caucus
By: Carolyn Maxwell
PERTH AMBOY – One of the topics for discussion was the city’s options regarding marijuana. Business Administrator Edward Remsen said we need to have a series of conversations involving this. He then introduced Mr. Edmund DeVoux, President of the New Jersey Cannabis Association who was present at the meeting in order to answer questions by the Council and the public.
Mr. DeVoux said, “Some of these questions may have to be taken up by the state or federal government. Currently there are 16 marijuana dispensaries throughout the state. Many people grew up in neighborhoods with heavy drug use. At one time, alcohol wasn’t considered a drug. For 90 years, cannabis was unlawful and criminalized. During the 1960’s-1970’s there was a war on drugs. It was during the anti-war protests, and people preferred smoking marijuana. Marijuana is not addictive or a gateway drug. It has some medical benefits. Most adults approve of it for adults 21+. The marijuana commission met and said it could be processed, sold and distributed and doctors can recommend it as a prescription. We don’t know what the regulations are and cities are opting out of something not in place yet. There are people from different occupations on our commission. We have medical committees, license holders of marijuana, architects, lawyers, janitorial services. Not everyone connected to the marijuana industry has to touch the plant.”
Council President Petrick questioned, “Is there a timeline for us to do the regulations?”
DeVoux responded, “You don’t have to do anything now. Mid-August (around August 21st) regulation must be put in place.”
Petrick then stated, “We don’t know what the state board regulations are.”
DeVoux continued, “The commission has until August 21st to set the regulations for the state. You can opt in or do nothing. The state cannot dictate your ordinance or regulation. The state has not taken up homegrown use. As of now, the old marijuana laws are still being enforced. The old memo states that the cannabis laws should not be enforced as vigorously as in the past. As of now, it’s illegal to grow marijuana at home.”
Councilman Joel Pabon spoke up next, “It’s important that the age for use is 21+ to use marijuana. In the past, officers were told to stay away from minors if they had 6 ounces or less of marijuana.”
DeVoux then stated, “On February 22nd, bills were amended regarding adult use and underage use. A minor’s parent can be contacted, but no arrest made. Police can confiscate the marijuana. We are trying to engage our youth and community policing.”
Councilwoman Milady Tejeda spoke up and said, “Some residents have spoke at meetings to say that medical research has said that marijuana is affecting lungs.”
DeVoux answered, “Right now, there are 106,000+ registered patients for medical cannabis (in New Jersey). Nicotine, alcohol, and sugar are addictive, but not cannabis. Marijuana has been used in treatment of Alzheimer’s and Lou Gering’s Disease (ALS). Patients have responded to cannabis. We advocate for adult use – not for minors. I don’t advocate for its use. Regular cannabis is free from additives. It’s regulated for safety and security.”
Councilman B.J. Torres spoke next, “Holland legalized cannabis and the usage stopped.”
DeVoux responded, “Teenage use has dropped in states where it’s regulated. With the tax rate, 90% of the revenue will go to neighborhoods which have been disenfranchised. You can levy an additional 2% tax if you opt in.”
Torres asked, “Who would be in charge of regulating marijuana?”
DeVoux answered, “It will be the state.”
Torres then asked if a person grows marijuana in their field would they be classified as an agricultural worker.
DeVoux answered, “It may not prohibit your workers, but we do have some people who work with cannabis who were represented by the Union (UFCW).”
Tejeda then asked, “Would the records be expunged of persons who had charges for possessions of lower levels of marijuana?”
DeVoux answered, “They would have the opportunity to have their record expunged.”
Petrick then asked, “What about those driving under the influence?”
DeVoux stated, “There is no test for marijuana. Traces can remain in a person’s system for as long as 90 days after they use it. They can’t detect if you have marijuana in your system if you are stopped while driving.”
Councilwoman Morales then asked, “Are there stats on motor vehicle accidents with states where marijuana has been legalized?”
DeVoux answered, “The numbers are not reliable because of population growth for some states where marijuana was legalized awhile ago.”
B.A. Remsen then spoke up, “We have been grappling with the situation. There is an implication of adopting resolutions before all the facts come in.”
DeVoux then said, “There is no regulated industry in New Jersey today. You have the opportunity to control your destiny today. If you opt out, you can’t reapply for 5 years. Work with the Cannabis Commission. Public policy in government affairs is my specialty. You can share what you want (in your ordinance) with many organizations such as the League of Municipalities, other towns, and the Cannabis Commission.”
Councilman Petrick concluded the discussion, “We are gathering experts pro and con and we’re inviting you to speak again.”
