Doherty: New Law on Underage Marijuana & Alcohol Use Another Step by Democrats to Cut Parents Out of Parenting

Says Keeping Parents in the Dark on Substance Abuse a Recipe for Disaster

Senator Michael Doherty said a new law prohibiting police from notifying parents of marijuana and alcohol use by children is another step by Democrats in their race to replace parents with government.

“This latest law is another step by New Jersey Democrats to cut parents out of parenting,” said Doherty (R-23). “They’re already legislating liberal values into our public school curriculum in an attempt to supersede family values, and they’re working hard to eliminate the right of parents to make important medical decisions for their children. Now they’re saying parents don’t need to be notified when kids are caught using drugs or alcohol. This erosion of parental rights should frighten every single mom and dad in New Jersey.”

As part of their effort to legalize marijuana, Democrats in the Legislature passed a law establishing a written warning system for the underage possession or consumption of marijuana, hashish, and cannabis items.

For juveniles under the age of 18, parental notification would only be permitted upon a second offense.

The written warning system and limitations on parental notification were also applied to the underage possession and consumption of alcohol under the law signed by Governor Phil Murphy on February 22.

“Any amount of underage drinking or drug use is substance abuse,” added Doherty. “Keeping parents in the dark once it’s identified is a recipe for disaster. Parents need to know so they can take action when necessary to keep their kids safe.”