New Jersey Law would Increase Penalties for Smoking Cannabis on Public Beaches
TRENTON, NJ — In a update to the New Jersey Smoke Free Air Act, Senators Shirley K. Turner and Anthony M. Bucco have spearheaded legislation aimed at curbing cannabis and marijuana use on public beaches. The new bill sets forth increased penalties for violators, distinguishing between the consequences for smoking cannabis or marijuana and those for smoking cigarettes in these public spaces.
Under the revised law, individuals caught smoking cannabis or marijuana on a public beach will face a $500 fine for their first offense, escalating to $1,000 for a second offense, and reaching $1,500 for the third and subsequent offenses. These adjustments represent a targeted approach to address the challenges beach towns have encountered in enforcing smoke-free zones, especially in the wake of cannabis legalization and the decriminalization of marijuana in New Jersey.
The sponsors of the bill believe that the steeper fines will serve as a more effective deterrent against the smoking of cannabis and marijuana on public beaches, aiming to ensure a cleaner and more enjoyable environment for all beachgoers. The penalties for cigarette smoking on public beaches, however, will remain unchanged, highlighting a focused effort to specifically tackle cannabis and marijuana use in these outdoor communal areas.