August 24, 2023

NJ Commission Rules that Jersey City Officers Can’t Be Fired For Off-Duty Marijuana Use

By On NJ

The state Civil Service Commission has ruled once again that Jersey City cannot terminate a police officer using cannabis products while they are off-duty and on personal time.

Jersey City Mayor and gubernatorial candidate Steven Fulop has vowed to appeal the ruling for a third time.

The state Attorney General, Matthew Platkin has reminded city leaders that officers cannot be penalized, due to the CREAMM act.  Under the CREAMM (Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization) Act, law enforcement agencies “may not take any adverse action against any officers because they do or do not use cannabis off duty.”

Four Jersey City officers were fired earlier this summer after testing positive for cannabis. However, none of the officers were on-duty while under the influence of cannabis.

A judge has since ordered two of the officers to be reinstated with back pay.

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