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Prosecutors and potheads agree: Harsh penalties for marijuana use don't help anyone in this state.

(Andrew Mills/The Star-Ledger)

Acknowledging that laws against marijuana use are about as effective as those employed during Prohibition, the New Jersey State Municipal Prosecutors Association has overwhelmingly recommended legalizing pot.

While it’s advocacy you would expect from NJ Weedman, it’s a stunning stance for the very people who prosecute pot users. That official endorsement signifies that legalizing pot for recreational use in the Garden State is much more than a pipe dream.

The prosecutors favor legalization because of the damage a marijuana possession conviction has on a person’s reputation, says Jon-Henry Barr, the association president.

And, indeed, convictions for even a small amount of marijuana have haunted youthful users well into adulthood, making it more difficult to get a job or buy a home. Civil penalties can mean the loss of parental rights, employment or driver’s license.

Perhaps the most troubling aspect of New Jersey’s marijuana laws is their unfair application. Even though usage rates are comparable, blacks are about three times more likely to be arrested on charges of possession than whites.

As legalization would bring in much-needed revenue for New Jersey, it would end the senseless expenditure of time and money on fighting pot use when those law enforcement resources could be devoted to battling real problems and real criminals.

Consider this: More than 22,000 individuals were arrested for marijuana possession in New Jersey in 2010, at a cost of more than $125 million.

The vote of the association’s board of trustees coincides with several legislative measures with the same aim.

A bill introduced by Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) would legalize the sale, purchase and cultivation of marijuana by adults 21 and older under a system he says would be strictly regulated by the Division of Alcoholic Beverage Control.

Another, co-sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), calls for letting voters decide whether to legalize an ounce or less.

Such legislation has no chance of becoming law while Gov. Chris Christie is in office. But even if he decides to run for president in 2016 and leave at the end of his term, it’s not too soon to begin the conversation about legalizing marijuana here.

Sixteen states have decriminalized or legalized pot for non-medical use, while eight more are headed toward some kind of legalization.

Just last year, it seemed impossible that gay couples would be able to wed in New Jersey.

But things can change quickly — especially when a law-and-order group such as the prosecutors association says it’s time for that change.

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