Contents
- What is Marijuana’s Current Status in New Jersey?
- How Accessible is Cannabis?
- Marijuana Retailers
- Limited Quantities Available
- Can You Light Up a Joint Anywhere?
- Is Cultivation an Option?
- Some Things are Worth the Wait
These days, there’s a new aroma in the air in New Jersey. It’s not from any of the fragrance companies in this state but emanates from the many cannabis connoisseurs. Does this mean that the New Jersey weed law permits recreational consumption now?
The good news is, yes, it does. Recent amendments have been made to the regulations governing pot use in this part of the country.
Continue reading to learn more about them and how you can now access new marijuana strains and other cannabis products.
What is Marijuana’s Current Status in New Jersey?
The Garden City has had a long journey toward legalizing marijuana. The herb remains illegal under federal legislation, with each state deciding whether to allow it or not.
In 2010, New Jersey weed law permitted the use of medical cannabis. Patients had to wait a while before being able to purchase this herb. The bill, signed in 2019 and known as Jake’s Law, brought about significant changes.
Voters approved recreational marijuana in 2020, but the legislator only declared it lawful in 2021. The lovers of this herb had to wait until April 2022 for it to be legally available for sale.
This good news, although delayed, came just as everyone was preparing for the summer season. Giving the residents more reason to relax and enjoy the warmer weather.
While weed is legal in New Jersey, you still need to follow specific regulations. Let’s look at a few of them.
How Accessible is Cannabis?
As with all weed laws across the country, only those 21 years and older can buy, possess, or consume marijuana for recreational purposes. You’ll need to produce a valid ID to purchase a related product.
Medical pot users are only allowed to obtain this herb with a valid Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) card. This rule means that they need to qualify to use pot for health reasons, as set out in the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act.
Marijuana Retailers
Are you wondering, “Where can I buy weed in New Jersey now?” Currently, the dispensaries selling medical marijuana are retailing it for adult use as well.
These are the only outlets with valid licenses permitted to trade in cannabis. It’s illegal to purchase from any unlicensed vendor. However, you can share your stash with a friend if you accept no compensation in return.
The issuing and receiving of this kind of gift shouldn’t exceed one ounce; you’re only allowed to give it to someone 21 years or older.
Limited Quantities Available
When shopping for your favorite cannabis product, it’s important to note that there’s a limit to how much you can procure. According to the New Jersey medical marijuana law, patients can only buy up to three ounces of medicinal weed every 30 days.
Those wishing to purchase pot for pure enjoyment have a threshold of one ounce in dried flower form. If you’re interested in a liquid or a concentrated solution, then the maximum allowed amount is 0.17 oz.
Regarding commodities such as gummies, you can only obtain 0.035 oz. or less. Consumers can purchase a combination of these goods if the total amount is one ounce. However, you may have up to six oz. in your possession at any time.
Can You Light Up a Joint Anywhere?
In this 130 miles of coastline, you may think it’s safe to light up a joint outdoors. While marijuana is legal in New Jersey state, the laws don’t allow you to consume cannabis wherever you like freely.
When ingesting weed or its products, you need to do so in the privacy of your home. If you’re renting a property, you must obtain permission from the owner.
The New Jersey dispensary laws allow on-site consumption in certain outlets, provided they’re zoned to do so. Avoid trying to smoke pot in your car, as this is also not permitted, even if you’re a passenger. It includes ingesting edibles or vaping.
Suppose you’re planning a road trip interstate and want to pack in your cannabis supply. It’s not allowed. Transporting marijuana across state lines is federally illegal.
Is Cultivation an Option?
Many parts of the country permit pot cultivation, but The Garden State isn’t one of them. This is the only US region that doesn’t allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis.
The good news is that on August 19, 2021, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved rules to begin licensing cannabis businesses. Applications for Class 5 Retailers opened on March 15, 2022.
For now, you can buy weed in New Jersey, even the new strains, until the law allows you to raise your own. Many who have been cultivating marijuana enjoy the process and recommend it when the legislation changes.
Some Things Are Worth the Wait
The state of New Jersey has waited a long time to enjoy the freedom of freely lighting up a joint. Although you can only do this in your home, it’s a remarkable improvement for now.
As the various weed laws across the country change regularly, The Garden State is bound to have more positive future developments.
Whether a medicinal consumer or a recreational user, take some time to put your feet up and inhale a relaxing cultivar.
Writer’s Notes
The visiting website has title case headings. Paragraphs are fairly long, but here I kept it shorter as it looked better. The tone is casual and informative and doesn’t have bolding.
There are also images in their articles.
Kyle Kushman
Kyle Kushman is an American writer, educator, activist and award-winning cannabis cultivator and breeder specializing in veganic cultivation. He is a representative of Homegrown Cannabis CO company, has been a contributor for over 20 years, and has taught courses in advanced horticulture at Oaksterdam University in Oakland, California and across the United States. Kushman also hosts a cannabis podcast called “The Grow Show with Kyle Kushman”.
About the Author/s
The New Jersey Digest is a new jersey magazine that has chronicled daily life in the Garden State for over 10 years.
