The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey firmly supports New Jersey Assembly Bill A5472 to amend the New Jersey Cannabis Law and allow parent notification of marijuana use on the first offense.

Since its founding over a quarter century ago, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, has been dedicated to preventing substance use and abuse with education and awareness. Through programming and public service media campaigns, including the 15-Minute Child Break parent education initiative, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey has emphasized the power of parent and child communication to prevent substance use, misuse, and abuse and has focused on empowering parents with facts and information to communicate with their children.

Partnership for a Drug-Free NJ research shows that parents who have conversation with their children, at least 15 minutes each day, have children who are 67 percent less likely to experiment with drugs and alcohol. A5472 allows for parents to receive additional information so they can have necessary conversations with their children and utilize these teachable moments by discussing the potential impacts that marijuana can have on the developing mind and body of their child.

The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey remains committed to preventing youth substance use, misuse, and abuse through prevention, education and awareness.

Sincerely,
Angelo M. Valente
Executive Director, Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey