Yo, what’s good, this is Dan and I’m here to answer the question on everybody’s mind – is weed legal in New Jersey? With around 800,000 visitors coming through every year, you know it’s one of the hottest spots in the country. So, let me break down the nitty-gritty of New Jersey’s marijuana laws so you can get your facts straight.
The History of Cannabis in New Jersey
New Jersey’s weed history is wild, man. It’s had its ups and downs, but that’s what makes it interesting. Weed has been seen as an enemy to the people of NJ and the police department made a whopping 24,765 arrests for possession in 2013 alone – and we’re talking small amounts, dude. That’s a record for two decades! But then in 2017, they topped it with 34,500 people being arrested on major and minor cannabis charges – that’s more than any other state in the whole country! That was all before Governor Jon Corzine signed off on medical marijuana legalization in January of 2010 though. More on that later.
Cannabis Decriminalization
In February 2021, Governor Phil Murphy signed off on not one, not two, but three bills that changed the game for weed legalization in NJ. We’re talking Regulated Cannabis where weed is sold, bought, distributed, and used under specific conditions. Sounds like it’s fully legal right? Yeah man, it is – but only when a Cannabis Regulatory Commission sets out rules about how people can use it. Then there’s Marijuana and Hashish which includes all forms of weed that aren’t for medical use or regulated cannabis.
Is Weed Legal in New Jersey?
The million-dollar question – is weed legal? You bet your sweet ass it is! Medical and recreational cannabis are both allowed in NJ. There have been a few hiccups though thanks to some people not knowing the rules and regulations. The police have still been arresting people for possession of weed unless they had a medical marijuana card. But on April 21, 2022, the sale of recreational weed was finally approved and licensed.
Medical Cannabis
Governor Jon Corzine signed off on medical marijuana legalization in January of 2010, but then Governor Chris Christie put a halt to it by imposing restrictions on the program. NJ had one of the toughest medical marijuana regulations in the nation at that time. It wasn’t until 2013 that Governor Chris Christie signed SB 2842 into law and allowed the purchase and sale of edibles, oils, and dried cannabis for both adult and minor patients.
Recreational Cannabis
Governor Phil Murphy signed off on changes to the rules and regulations around recreational cannabis in NJ in 2021. It’s now been decriminalized with some restrictions in place.
Cannabis Penalties For New Jersey
Now that recreational cannabis has been taken off the criminal list, people are wondering what the current rules are. Here’s a quick rundown:
– Adults can possess up to six (6) ounces of weed or 17 grams of hashish.
– You can be under the influence of either one without penalty.
– Smoking weed in public is still illegal – you gotta do that ish on your own property or in the privacy of your own home.
– If you’re under 21 and you’re caught with weed in public, you’ll get a written warning for the first offense. For the second offense, you’ll get another written warning with info about community-based supports and services – plus your parents will be notified. The third offense and beyond will get you a referral to community-based support.
How to Get Your Medical Marijuana Card in New Jersey?
You gotta be a New Jersey resident, dawg. Then you gotta have a relationship with a registered practitioner of the program. After that, you gotta be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by the practitioner. The approved conditions include:
– Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
– Anxiety
– Cancer
– Chronic pain
– Dysmenorrhea
– Glaucoma
– Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease
– Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
– Migraine
– Multiple sclerosis
– Muscular dystrophy
– Opioid Use Disorder
– Positive status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)
– Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
– Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
– Tourette Syndrome
If you have a terminal illness with less than 12 months to live, you’re good too.
FAQ
I know y’all got more questions, so let me answer some of the frequently asked ones.
How Much Weed Can You Have in NJ?
Dispensaries can sell and distribute up to 28.35 grams or 1 ounce of usable cannabis per transaction.
Do You Need a Medical Card to Buy at a Dispensary in NJ?
Nope, if you’re 21 and have an NJ ID, you can legally buy weed from an approved dispensary.
Do NJ Dispensaries Take Card?
Nah man, marijuana is still illegal at the federal level which means banks might not process credit card transactions properly. Bring cash when you go.
The Bottom Line
So yeah, weed is legal in New Jersey! Don’t underestimate the Garden State – it’s got some flavor too. Just remember that just because it’s decriminalized, doesn’t mean you can smoke it wherever you want. Be smart and be aware of the rules so you don’t get yourself into trouble. Peace out!