Drug Decriminalization

The ACLU-NJ was instrumental in decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana in the state, and our recommendations helped lead to one of the most forward-looking frameworks for cannabis reform in the country, with a strong emphasis on racial and social justice.

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The war on drugs has been one of the most destructive policies in the history of our country, one that has disproportionately harmed communities of color. It has provided an excuse for police officers to systemically abuse the rights of people of color – especially Black people – and low-income people. We must move towards a harm reduction approach, work toward ending drug criminalization, and reduce the consequences for people who have already been caught up in the criminal legal system.

The ACLU-NJ was instrumental in decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana in the state, and our recommendations helped lead to one of the most forward-looking frameworks for cannabis reform in the country, with a strong emphasis on racial and social justice.

The ACLU-NJ is a member of the Abolish the Drug War coalition, which works to decriminalize drugs in New Jersey by treating substance use as an issue of public health.

The Latest

News & Commentary
Joint and Grinder bud cannabis with crushed cannabis flowers

Years After Cannabis Legalization in New Jersey, We’re Still Pushing for Equitable Community Reinvestment

As we approach 4/20, we’re reminded of the strides we’ve made to address the harms of the failed drug war in New Jersey over the past few years. But we know there is still more to do to further policies and programs that promote public health and racial justice.
News & Commentary
The New Jersey State House in Trenton.

Building a Budget that Prioritizes Equity and Justice for FY26

A state’s budget is a list of its most pressing priorities. In the face of federal attacks, our state must do all it can to push equity and justice forward. Here is what the ACLU of New Jersey is urging state leaders to include in New Jersey’s FY26 budget.
Press Release
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ACLU-NJ Statement on the Cannabis Regulatory Commission's Failure to Meaningfully Increase the SEEF

We are extremely disappointed that the Cannabis Regulatory Commission has failed to live up to its promise to meaningfully reinvest cannabis revenue into communities targeted by decades of marijuana criminalization.
Issue Areas: Racial & Economic Justice, Drug Decriminalization
News & Commentary
Black women wearing a black jacket in front of a grey background

It’s Past Time to Decriminalize All Drugs: A Q&A with Outreach Worker Ayesha Rogers

To hear more about the human toll that drug criminalization takes, we spoke with Ayesha Rogers, Outreach Worker for the Newark Community Street Team, who has felt the impact of this unjust system firsthand.
Court Case
Mar 21, 2022

United States v. Lewis

Amicus brief addressing whether prior convictions for possession of substances controlled under state, but not federal, law can serve as enhancements under federal sentencing law.
Court Case
Nov 24, 2021

State v. Sheira & State v. Gomes

Amicus brief addressing the impact of marijuana legalization on applications to Pretrial Intervention (PTI) for people who previously received conditional discharges for marijuana offenses.
Court Case
May 30, 2011

Joye, et al. v. Hunterdon Central Regional High School