Kennedy supports weed decriminalization, has concerns about legalization

Democratic congressional candidate Amy Kennedy backs decriminalization of marijuana for New Jersey but stops short of endorsing complete legalization.

“I would like to see it separated to immediately address decriminalization,” Kennedy told the New Jersey Globe.  “I have obvious concerns, like most parents do.”

On her campaign website, Kennedy says she is “outraged by how the overzealous prosecution of those possessing even small amounts has disproportionately impacted people of color.”

“We should expunge criminal records of nonviolent possession charges and invest in the communities most hurt by unjust, unequal, and unnecessary enforcement,” the House candidate said.

Kennedy says she’s not ready to endorse a public referendum until she sees the final language that is expected to be presented to New Jersey voters in November.

One of her opponents for the 2nd district nomination, Brigid Callahan Harrison, has called for the federal government to take the lead on the issue.

Kennedy said she would like to see cannabis removed from the list of Schedule I controlled substances so that it can be researched and addressed on the federal level.

A former public school teacher and mother of five, Kennedy has worked as a mental health and addiction advocate before joining the congressional race.

The winner of the Democratic primary will take on freshman Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-Dennis), who will seek re-election as a Republican after switching parties in December.