The Newark Municipal Council passed a resolution sponsored by North Ward Councilman Anibal Ramos urging the administration of Mayor Ras J. Baraka to issue an order prohibiting Newark police officers from using marijuana in their off duty
The resolution was approved by a vote of 5 to 0 by the Municipal Council Wednesday. Central Ward Councilwoman LaMonica McIver abstained. The resolution heads to the mayor and city business administrator for consideration.
The resolution follows a memo issued Friday by state Acting Attorney General Matthew Platkin that said off-duty police officers can use marijuana without punishment. New Jerseyans will be allowed to legally use marijuana beginning today.
With legal sales of recreational marijuana beginning potentially next week, acting Attorney General Matt Platkin has issued a memo to law enforcement leaders reminding them New Jersey law allows cops to light up when they're off duty. -NJAG
Ramos said police officers are prohibited by federal law from using marijuana because they are required to carry firearms. The federal Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms prohibits any firearms purchaser from using marijuana, Ramos said.
"Since police are required to carry a firearm both on and off duty, they would be unable to perform their duties under the federal law," Ramos said. "If and when the federal law is changed, only then should we even begin to consider the possibility of police officers using marijuana."
Ramos said marijuana also impairs police officer's judgement and could lead to questions in court about an officer's actions.
"Being an armed police officer is a privilege that comes with great responsibility," Ramos said. "Allowing police officers to use marijuana even when they are off duty is just bad public policy, plain and simple."