Top 10 Things You Should Know About New Jersey's Cannabis Law

The Cookies recreational cannabis store is about to open its Harrison NJ location and there is a lot of anticipation coupled with misinformation on Facebook about the legalization of cannabis in the State of New Jersey. Two examples of misinformation are as follow: Purchasers are anticipating buying cannabis and smoking it on the way out of the store. Others are concerned that teenagers, who apparently are already smoking cannabis illegally are going to purchase cannabis at Cookies and smoke a lot more.  Neither of the prior statements is possible and both are illegal.  We thought we put together the Top 10 Things You Should Know About New Jersey’s Cannabis Law to clarify what the law allows and does not allow.

How It Started

New Jersey has joined a growing number of states in the United States that have legalized the use of cannabis. With the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (N.J.S.A. § 24:6I-31 et. seq.) and the regulations issued by the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (N.J.A.C. § 17:30-1.1 et seq.), the state has created comprehensive guidelines surrounding the use, sale, and possession of cannabis.

The Top Ten Things You Should Know

Here are the top ten things you should know about the law:

1. Age Limit: Adults aged 21 and over are permitted to use and possess cannabis and related products. Minors are strictly prohibited from using cannabis, and it is illegal to distribute cannabis to minors or enable their consumption.
2. Place of Consumption: Cannabis cannot be consumed in public places, including streets, parks, and other public areas. The law restricts cannabis use to private residences. Landlords, however, have the right to prohibit cannabis use on their properties.
3. Possession Limit: An adult can possess up to six ounces of cannabis and 17 grams of oils, concentrates, or hashish without facing legal penalties. Possession of amounts beyond these limits can result in criminal charges.
4. Driving Under Influence: Driving under the influence of cannabis is strictly prohibited, mirroring the state's strict Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) laws for alcohol.
5. Workplace Rules: Employers are allowed to maintain drug-free workplaces. This means employers can prohibit the use of cannabis during work hours and test employees for cannabis use.
6. Purchase Locations: Only state-licensed retail locations, such as dispensaries, are permitted to sell cannabis products.
7. Purchase Limits: In each transaction, a consumer can buy up to the equivalent of 1 ounce (28.35 grams) of usable cannabis. This includes up to 1 ounce of dried flower, 4 grams of solid cannabis concentrates or equivalent liquid form, 4 grams of vaporized formulations, or 1,000 mg of ingestible cannabis-infused products like gummies.
8. Taxation: All transactions are subject to New Jersey's sales tax of 6.625% plus a social equity excise fee of 1/3 of 1% plus the Town of Harrison sales tax of 2%
9. Crossing State Lines: It is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, even if the destination also has legalized cannabis.
10. Gifting: A consumer may give up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult 21 years or older without accepting any payment or compensation for the gifted cannabis.

This is a brief overview of New Jersey's cannabis laws. It's important to remember that there are many more specifics and nuances to the laws and regulations regarding cannabis use in New Jersey. Always consult official resources or legal professionals for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

The Cookies Harrison recreational cannabis store is located at 331 Angelo Cifelli Drive, in Harrison NJ. Angelo Cifelli Drive is located just off of South Frank E. Rodgers Blvd and a short walking distance from the Harrison Path Station.

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