This bill amends current New Jersey law regarding the distribution of controlled dangerous substances, specifically focusing on those in edible form, to minors. It upgrades the offense of distributing, dispensing, or possessing with intent to distribute such substances to individuals under 17 years of age from a crime of the third degree to a crime of the second degree when the act occurs in specific locations, including school properties, school buses, child care centers, youth camps, and during school-related events. The penalties for a second-degree crime include a term of imprisonment of five to ten years and a fine of up to $150,000.

Additionally, the bill introduces new legal language that clarifies the circumstances under which these enhanced penalties apply, including the specific locations where the offenses can occur. It also establishes that a conviction under this section will not merge with other related offenses and outlines the conditions under which a court may waive or reduce the minimum term of parole ineligibility. The bill emphasizes that ignorance of the age of the recipient or the presence of children at the time of the offense is not a valid defense, thereby strengthening the legal framework against the distribution of controlled substances to minors.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 2C:35-7