Legal cannabis became law for adult-use in the state of New Jersey with sales beginning April 21, 2022. These are the most frequently asked questions we come across regarding NJ recreational cannabis.
Here’s what you need to know before you indulge:
Q: Is weed legal in New Jersey?
A: Yes, cannabis is legal in New Jersey for adults 21 years and older.
Q: When did cannabis become legal in New Jersey?
A: CREAMMA (Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act) is a piece of legislation in New Jersey that was signed into law on February 22, 2021. The law legalizes the use of recreational marijuana for adults over the age of 21 and creates a regulated marketplace for cannabis products in the state.
Q: Do I need a medical card to buy cannabis in NJ?
A: No, you do not need a medical card to purchase cannabis products in NJ. However, certain products or dispensaries may only be available for medical patients.
Q: Can I legally buy cannabis in NJ if I am from out of state?
A: Yes, as long as you are 21 years or older, you can legally purchase cannabis in NJ, even if you live in another state. You can buy weed in New Jersey regardless of your state of residency. However, it is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines.
Q: Where can I buy cannabis in New Jersey?
A: You may only buy from alternative treatment centers and dispensaries licensed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission. A list of licensed businesses is available online at Heady NJ & the CRC website.
Q: How much cannabis can I purchase at one time in NJ?
A: In NJ, adults 21 years and older can purchase up to one ounce of weed or equivalent in other forms, such as edibles or concentrates.
Q: What can I buy from a dispensary?
Dispensaries can legally sell up to the equivalent of 28.35 grams (1 ounce) of usable cannabis per transaction, including:
- 28.35 grams (1 ounce) of dried flower
- 4 grams of solid cannabis concentrates or resin, or the equivalent of 4 grams of concentrate in liquid form
- 4 grams of vaporized formulations (oil)
- 1000 mg of multiple ingestible cannabis-infused products (10 100 mg packages) like gummies.
Combining products in a purchase transaction is allowable. In NJ a consumer mix & match, for example, purchasing 1/2 ounce of dried flower plus 2 grams of concentrate, or 5 packages of gummies and 1/2 ounce of dried flower.
Product categories may include dried flower, concentrated oils, resin, vape formulas, tinctures, topicals, syringes, lozenges, and soft chews. Perishable edibles like cookies and brownies are not available for sale or purchase from any dispensary.
Equivalency is based on the total weight of the product sold. For products containing both THC and CBD, the equivalency is based on the total weight of the concentrate.
It’s important to note that the law allows adults 21 years and older to be in possession of 1 ounce total of weed and/or cannabis products.
Q: Where can I legally consume cannabis in NJ?
A: You can legally consume weed in the privacy of your own home. It is illegal to consume pot in public spaces in NJ.
Q: Can I grow my own cannabis plants in NJ?
A: No. New Jersey is one of a small number of draconian states that allows no home cultivation, not even for medical patients.
Q: Can I use my credit or debit card to buy cannabis products in NJ?
A: While some weed shops may accept credit or debit cards, most are cash-only businesses. Check with the dispensary beforehand to determine their accepted payment methods.
Q: Can you give cannabis as a gift in New Jersey?
A: Yes, you may share up to 1 ounce of weed with another adult 21 years or older. However, you cannot receive payment or compensation for the gifted cannabis.
Q: Are edibles legal in NJ?
A: Yes, edibles are legal in NJ. However, they may not look similar to food in any way.
Q: Are concentrates legal in NJ?
A: Yes, concentrates are legal in NJ when purchased from a licensed dispensary.
Q: Where can I smoke cannabis?
A: You may use cannabis on private property, but property owners have the right to restrict weed use on their property. Licensed and zoned dispensaries allow for onsite use, but marijuana use is prohibited on federal lands, in federal buildings, or in public spaces where smoking is banned.
Q: Can I be fired for smoking weed?
A: Yes, workplaces have the right to prohibit cannabis use and require a drug test if work procedure or safety is compromised.
Q: Can I travel with cannabis in NJ?
A: While it is legal to possess and consume cannabis in NJ, it is illegal to transport it across state lines or to other countries. It is also illegal to transport pot within NJ if it is not properly secured and in compliance with state regulations.
Q: Can I get in trouble for smoking weed in my car?
A: Yes, it is illegal to smoke or consume weed in a motor vehicle in NJ. Doing so can result in a citation or even criminal charges.
Q: What happens if I drive while high?
A: The consequences for driving high are the same whether the intoxication is the result of pot use, alcohol, medication, or some other substance.
Q: Where can I find the most current information on NJ cannabis laws and regulations?
A: You can find the most current information on NJ cannabis laws and regulations on the CRC website. Be sure to check our comprehensive cannabis industry directory.
Q: What are the different cannabis licenses available in New Jersey?
A: Class 1 Cannabis Cultivator license, Class 2 Cannabis Manufacturer license, Class 3 Cannabis Wholesaler license, Class 4 Cannabis Distributor license, Class 5 Cannabis Retailer license, Class 6 Cannabis Delivery license.
Q: How hard is it to get a medical cannabis card in NJ?
A: The process of getting a medical card in NJ can vary depending on your individual circumstances. However, generally speaking, the process involves a few steps that include:
- Consultation with a registered NJMMP physician. You will need to consult with a physician who is registered with the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) to determine if you have a qualifying medical condition.
- Obtaining certification: Once your doctor determines that you have a qualifying condition, they will provide you with a certification.
- Registering with the NJMMP. You will then need to register with the NJMMP and submit your certification, along with a completed application and the required fee.
- Medical Cannabis Card Approval. Once your application is approved, you will receive your medical marijuana card.
Q: How is weed taxed in NJ?
A: Cannabis is subject to various taxes in NJ, including a state excise tax, a local tax, and a sales tax. The specific tax rates and regulations can vary depending on the type of cannabis product and the local jurisdiction.
Q: What are the qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana in NJ?
In NJ, the following conditions are considered qualifying medical conditions for medical marijuana:
- Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders
- Chronic pain of visceral origin
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Tourette’s
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Terminal cancer
- Muscular dystrophy
- Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
- Terminal illness, if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life
- Any terminal illness if the physician has determined that the patient is likely
- to receive hospice care within 12 months
- Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
- Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
- Glaucoma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- HIV/AIDS
- Many medical conditions that are chronic or debilitating and that, in the professional judgment of a doctor, might be alleviated by the use of medical weed.
New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC) FAQ
Q: What is the NJCRC?
A: The NJCRC, or the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission, is a state agency responsible for regulating and overseeing the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs. The Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA), which legalized pot for adult rec use in New Jersey, established the creation of the NJCRC.
Q: What is the purpose of the NJCRC?
A: The NJ CRC’s primary purpose is to ensure that the medical and adult use cannabis industry in New Jersey operates safely, effectively, and in compliance with state laws and regulations. The NJ CRC’s work includes setting rules and guidelines for weed businesses, issuing licenses, and overseeing compliance. The CRC also provides oversight, enforcement, and change authority to state laws and regulations.
Q: Who is on the NJCRC?
A: The NJ CRC has five members appointed by the Governor of New Jersey with the advice and consent of the state Senate. The members must include a public health expert, a law enforcement professional, a person with experience in the legal weed industry, and two other members with diverse backgrounds. The current members of the NJ CRC are Krista Nash, Diana Houenou, Sam Delgado, Maria Del Cid, and Charles Barker. Jeff Brown is the Executive Director.
Q: What is the purpose of the NJCRC?
A: The NJCRC’s purpose is to ensure that the medical and adult-use cannabis industry in New Jersey operates safely and in compliance with state laws and rules. The NJCRC’s work includes setting rules and guidelines for legal weed businesses, issuing licenses, overseeing proper implementation, and making changes to state laws and rules as needed to reflect changing circumstances.
Q: How can I contact the NJCRC?
A: If you have questions or concerns about the NJ CRC or the state’s medical and adult-use cannabis programs, you can contact the agency by phone, email, or mail. The NJCRC’s contact information is available on its website. Additionally, the NJ CRC holds regular public meetings. The CRC meetings provide an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions, provide feedback, and learn more about the agency’s work. They are on zoom via YouTube.
