Its Hard To Move Forward, Says NJ Father Arrested For Weed – Newark, NJ Patch
ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — According to Ahmad Reed, a New Jersey resident arrested for possessing eight bags of weed, people with non-violent marijuana offenses on their records should be able to move on with their lives and provide for their families. But that’s easier said than done, he says.
Arrested in 2015, Reed – a husband and father – said that he’s struggled to find decent work ever since, at times working temporary jobs that pay as little as $40 a day.
“My ability to support my family has been shattered,” Reed said. “It’s hard to move forward.” (Watch video below)
Reed’s story is just one of many that brought a broad coalition of mayors and community activists together on Wednesday at Newark City Hall. During a joint press conference, the officials – including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop and Hoboken Mayor Ravi Bhalla – called for the “complete expungement” of non-violent cannabis convictions in New Jersey.
Other officials lending support Wednesday included Bloomfield Mayor Michael Venezia, Bridgeton Mayor Albert Kelly, Fanwood Mayor Colleen Mahr, Hope Township Mayor Tim McDonough and New Jersey Sen. Ronald Rice, who represents District 28 (Bloomfield, Glen Ridge, Irvington, Newark, Nutley).
“As mayors of cities, suburbs and rural areas, we know the issue doesn’t distinguish zip codes,” Venezia of Bloomfield said.
According to a joint statement from the mayors, many New Jersey residents have been left unable to escape poverty and the “personal shame” that comes with a marijuana arrest, even years after ending their jail, probation and/or parole terms.
The ACLU-New Jersey says that the collateral damage from a marijuana arrest can be dire:
- Jail
- Loss of one’s job
- A criminal record for at least three years
- Driver’s license suspension
- Up to $1,255 in fines and fees
- Potential consequences for one’s immigration status, financial aid eligibility, and access to public housing
- Loss of the ability to adopt children
On Wednesday, the coalition of mayors called upon the State Legislature to pass bills that will “expunge all misdemeanor convictions for possession of cannabis and review all felony offenses for downgrade and expungement.”
Watch a video from Wednesday’s press conference below.
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