New Jersey Legalization Status

Legalization Timeline

  • November 3, 2020: New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize the recreational use of cannabis for adults 21 and over.

  • February 22, 2021: Governor Phil Murphy signed three bills into law, formally legalizing recreational cannabis. These laws include:

    • A21: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, which sets up the framework for the legal cannabis market.

    • A1897: Decriminalization of marijuana and hashish possession.

    • A5342: Addresses penalties for underage possession and consumption of cannabis and alcohol​.

    • April 21, 2022: Licensed sales of recreational cannabis began​.

Key Statutes

  • Possession Limits: Adults 21 years and older can legally possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis​

  • Purchase Limits: Per transaction, adults can purchase:

    • Up to 1 ounce (28.35 grams) of dried flower

    • Up to 4 grams of solid cannabis concentrates

    • Up to 4 grams of vaporized formulations

    • Up to 1,000 mg of ingestible cannabis products like edibles​.

  • Consumption: Cannabis can be consumed in private spaces. Public consumption is prohibited, and landlords can ban usage on their properties. Driving under the influence of cannabis is illegal​.

  • Medical Cannabis: New Jersey’s medical marijuana program has been in place since January 2010 under the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. It allows patients with qualifying conditions to access cannabis from state-licensed dispensaries​​.

Social Justice and Equity

The legalization effort in New Jersey places a strong emphasis on social justice. The laws aim to address the disproportionate impact of cannabis prohibition on minority communities by including expungement provisions and prioritizing diversity in licensing for new cannabis businesses​​.

Regulation and Oversight

The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) oversees the legal cannabis market, including the issuance of licenses for dispensaries, cultivation, and manufacturing facilities. Municipalities have the authority to regulate or ban cannabis businesses within their borders, but cannot prohibit delivery services from operating​​.