Table of Contents
Is marijuana legal in NJ
1. Legal Status
- Recreational Use: Legal for adults 21 and older since February 2021 (following voter approval in Nov 2020).
- Medical Use: Legal since 2010 under the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act; expanded under Governor Phil Murphy.
2. Possession Limits
- Recreational Users:
- 28 grams, or up to 1 ounce, of cannabis, or its equivalent.
- Medical Patients:
- May possess larger amounts, depending on physician authorization.
3. Sales & Regulation
- Retail Sales:
- Began April 21, 2022.
- Controlled by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission of New Jersey (CRC).
- Licensing:
- Dispensaries must be licensed.
- Includes cultivation, manufacturing, and retail licenses.
4. Home Cultivation
- Both recreational and medical use are illegal.
- Penalties: Can include fines and imprisonment.
5. Public Use
- Not allowed in public places unless specifically permitted.
- Cannabis use while driving is still prohibited.
6. Local Control
- Municipalities may:
- Ban or limit dispensaries.
- Not ban personal possession or use by adults.
7. Medical Marijuana Program
- Broad list of qualifying conditions (e.g., chronic pain, PTSD).
- Patients must have a valid NJ medical cannabis card.
Summary
Marijuana is fully legal in NJ for adults 21+ and for medical use, with regulated sales, strict rules on home growing, and active oversight by the CRC.
