Mayor DeLuca makes a case for legalizing marijuana

http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/18/01/08/with-the-new-year-we-need-a-new-law-to-legalize-marijuana/

We must eliminate the unequal and unfair pattern of marijuana possession arrests, particularly the disparately higher rate of arrests of African-Americans

It is a good point, but the same point can and should be made about all drugs. White drug use is treated as an illness. Black drug use is treated as a crime.

The Town Committee discussed allowing dispensaries and grow operations in Maplewood if the state legalizes recreational marijuana.  Stay tuned......

I agree wholeheartedly that marijuana should be decriminalized.  However, when I was younger all the kids I knew, of all races, who smoked did so while hiding in their parents basements or garages, not standing out in the middle of the street leaning against their car like my neighbors do, at the 4th of July fireworks surrounded by families, or in a playground in the middle of the day while children are playing.  I'm not a hypocrite, so I've never called the police on people I've seen/smelled smoking pot in public, just rolled my eyes a bit.  But use some damned common sense, it's illegal so walking down the street smoking a joint in public probably isn't the smartest thing to do.  ESPECIALLY in a suburban area like M/SO where you will be noticed and most likely stopped.

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So if you're wealthy enough to afford a house with a basement you shouldn't get arrested?

spontaneous said:

I agree wholeheartedly that marijuana should be decriminalized.  However, when I was younger all the kids I knew, of all races, who smoked did so while hiding in their parents basements or garages, not standing out in the middle of the street leaning against their car like my neighbors do, at the 4th of July fireworks surrounded by families, or in a playground in the middle of the day while children are playing.  I'm not a hypocrite, so I've never called the police on people I've seen/smelled smoking pot in public, just rolled my eyes a bit.  But use some damned common sense, it's illegal so walking down the street smoking a joint in public probably isn't the smartest thing to do.  ESPECIALLY in a suburban area like M/SO where you will be noticed and most likely stopped.

will there be a joint smoking area only designated at the July 4th festivities in Memorial Park?

mtierney said:

will there be a joint smoking area only designated at the July 4th festivities in Memorial Park?

Sure, right next to the designated alcohol consumption area.

mtierney said:

will there be a joint smoking area only designated at the July 4th festivities in Memorial Park?

If so, will you meet me there and share a joint? 

Edited: Isn't alcohol allowed only at Maplewoodstock, not July 4th?

Mayor DeLuca and the TC ought to start here at home. They ought to instruct the Chief of Police that those caught with a small amount of marijuana should not be arrested but just given a warning to not smoke in public. I believe that with the exception of Maplewoodstock, alcohol is prohibited in our Parks. The same rule can apply to Marijuana. The TC can also ask the  Prosecutor to use her discretion and not prosecute such "crimes".

That’s the nicest thing you ever asked me, Lost!    Nonetheless, I will respectfully decline your invitation, thank you. Only time I got near weed was at a Willie Nelson concert — it was being happily smoked by a number of music lovers in the balcony of a Red Bank theatre where we were sitting! It is a disgusting smell. Made my eyes tear up.

LOST said:

mtierney said:

will there be a joint smoking area only designated at the July 4th festivities in Memorial Park?

If so, will you meet me there and share a joint? 

Edited: Isn't alcohol allowed only at Maplewoodstock, not July 4th?

yahooyahoo said:

So if you're wealthy enough to afford a house with a basement you shouldn't get arrested?

spontaneous said:

I agree wholeheartedly that marijuana should be decriminalized.  However, when I was younger all the kids I knew, of all races, who smoked did so while hiding in their parents basements or garages, not standing out in the middle of the street leaning against their car like my neighbors do, at the 4th of July fireworks surrounded by families, or in a playground in the middle of the day while children are playing.  I'm not a hypocrite, so I've never called the police on people I've seen/smelled smoking pot in public, just rolled my eyes a bit.  But use some damned common sense, it's illegal so walking down the street smoking a joint in public probably isn't the smartest thing to do.  ESPECIALLY in a suburban area like M/SO where you will be noticed and most likely stopped.

NOT the point being made at all.