Cannabis remains a Schedule I substance at the federal level. However, as more states legalize cannabis, it has become more widely accepted and destigmatized in the US. In 2023, 21 states, including Washington D.C. and Guam, have legalized adult-use cannabis.
New Jersey is one of these states, having legalized adult-use cannabis on April 21, 2022. The Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act allows residents and visitors 21 years and older to purchase and use adult-use cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Restore is a medical dispensary and can only serve registered patients in New Jersey, but we want to provide a rundown of both the adult-use and medical landscapes from a legal perspective to help you make informed purchasing decisions.
Here are some details about New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis laws that you should know:
- Dispensaries can sell up to one ounce (28.35 grams) of usable cannabis or an equivalent amount, including four grams of resin and solid/liquid cannabis concentrates, four grams of oil, and 1,000 mg of edibles.
- Adult-use consumers can legally possess up to 170 grams, or six ounces, of cannabis at once, including only 17 grams of concentrates or hash.
- Legalized product categories include dried flower, resin, concentrated oils, vape formulas, topicals, tinctures, lozenges, soft chews, and syringes. Edible products like cookies and brownies are not available at dispensaries.
- Cannabis can be legally consumed in private spaces but not in public parks, beaches, workplaces, indoor public areas, or school property. Landlords can also prohibit smoking on their private property.
- It is illegal to drive under the influence of cannabis. First-time offenders face a fine of at least $300 and at most $500, 12 to 48 hours of detainment, and up to a 30-day prison sentence.
- The law also allows for gifting up to an ounce of cannabis to an adult 21 years or older, but accepting payments for such gifts is illegal. Transporting cannabis across state lines is also prohibited.
New Jersey has also allowed medical cannabis use since 2010, with the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
Here are some details about New Jersey’s medical cannabis laws:
- Qualified patients can possess up to three ounces of medical cannabis within 30 days. Doctors can make provisions for unlimited access if necessary.
- To purchase from a medical dispensary, patients must have a New Jersey medical marijuana card, which requires a prescription from a doctor or advanced practice nurse.
- The exact usage limitations for adult-use consumers apply to medical users under New Jersey’s 2006 Smoke-Free Air Act.
In conclusion, New Jersey’s cannabis laws have come a long way since the state’s first medical marijuana program. With the legalization of adult-use cannabis, it’s essential to stay informed about the current laws and regulations.
If you have any questions or concerns about cannabis laws in New Jersey, feel free to contact us. Our team is knowledgeable about the latest developments and can provide helpful resources and advice to ensure you stay safe.
