New Jersey Fraternal Order Of Police Criticizes Jersey City's Lawsuit Over Off-Duty Marijuana Use By Officers

The New Jersey Fraternal Order of Police has criticized Jersey City's federal lawsuit challenging a state policy permitting off-duty marijuana use by police officers.

“The law of the State of New Jersey and the guidance from the Office of the Attorney General clearly provides that police officers may use cannabis while off duty but are prohibited from being under the influence of cannabis while engaged in the performance of their duties,” reads an official release by Fraternal Order of Police – New Jersey State Lodge.

As reported by Marijuana Moment, the Fraternal Order of Police strongly opposes this legal challenge, calling it an unnecessary waste of taxpayer dollars. "Jersey City’s attempt to muddy these clear directives through frivolous litigation is an unfortunate waste of taxpayer dollars,” per the release.

See Also: Yes, It's Legal For NJ Cops To Use Weed Off-Duty, Another Case Confirms No Conflict With Fed Law

Jersey City officials argue that the policy, issued in February by the state attorney general's office, conflicts with federal law.

The core issue lies in the interpretation of New Jersey's laws and guidance from the Attorney General's Office, which explicitly allows police officers to use cannabis during their off-duty time but strictly forbids any use while on active duty.

Jersey City's lawsuit is rooted in a federal statute that restricts individuals using marijuana from acquiring firearms or ammunition. The city contends that providing ammunition to officers known to use cannabis could force city officials to violate federal law, potentially making them lawbreakers.

However, a federal firearms policy exception may apply to local law enforcement officers. This exception states that certain provisions do not apply when firearms are intended for use by the United States, its departments and agencies, or states and political subdivisions.

Read the full story here at Marijuana Moment.

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