New Jersey Attorney General: Police Can Use Cannabis Off-Duty

New Jersey Attorney General Matt Platkin issued a memo last week outlining that it is acceptable for police to use cannabis while off duty, the New Jersey Monitor reports. On-duty use would still be cause for disciplinary action, including termination.

“To be clear, there should be zero tolerance for cannabis use, possession, or intoxication while performing the duties of a law enforcement officer. And there should be zero tolerance for unregulated marijuana consumption by officers at any time, on or off duty, while employed in this state. The safety of our communities and our officers demands no less.” – Platkin in the memo

The policy also prohibits employers from firing or refusing to hire workers “solely due to the presence of cannabinoid metabolites in the employee’s bodily fluid.”

“Should there be reasonable suspicion of an officer’s use of cannabis while engaged in the performance of their duties, or upon finding any observable signs of intoxication-related to cannabis use (including following a work-related accident subject to investigation by the agency), that officer may be required to undergo a drug test,” the memo states, clarifying that any drug test must also include a physical examination as THC can remain in the bloodstream for weeks after use.

Adult-use cannabis sales are set to begin in New Jersey on April 21 after the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved applications from seven of the state’s medical cannabis operators to expand into adult-use operations.