How to purchase recreational marijuana in New Jersey – What can you buy, how much, and where to buy it.  Is possession of Marijuana still a crime?

New Jersey, like many states (but NOT Pennsylvania) has legalized the still Scheduled I drug Marijuana (Cannabis) for recreational purposes.  The State’s Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMM) permits the legal sale and use of cannabis and cannabis products for residents and non-residents.  This New Jersey program now allows person to purchase marijuana for recreational purposes without the need to obtain a prescription from a doctor.  Many states, including New Jersey and Pennsylvania, still maintain medical marijuana programs 

What forms and how much Marijuana can you purchase in New Jersey?

Recreational Marijuana is now legal in New Jersey and sales began in April of 2022.  Currently only 17 stores, however, within the state are permitted to sell it.  Adults are permitted to purchase up to one ounce (1 oz) of Cannabis and can purchase this Scheduled I drug in the following forms:

1. Dry flower
2. Concentrated oil
3. Resin
4. Vape
5. Tinctures
6. Topical
7. Syringes
8. Lozenges
9. Soft chew

It is very important to understand that New Jersey does NOT permit the sale of perishable edibles, such as brownies or gelatins.

Who can grow Marijuana in New Jersey? 

According to state law, all Marijuana (Cannabis) sold in New Jersey must be grown in the state by a licensed growers.  Anyone other than a licensed grower is NOT permitted to grow this drug in New Jersey. 

It can take approximately eight to twelve weeks for a Marijuana flower to reach the sufficient size and color for harvesting.  One of the largest marijuana facilities is located in Vineland, New Jersey.  It is a 200,700 sq. ft. facility.  It is one of two marijuana producing plants located in Vineland, Cumberland County, New Jersey.

Where can you buy recreational Marijuana in New Jersey

Here is a list of approved cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey.

1. Apothecarium Dispensary (Warren, Essex, Bergen Counties)
2. Ascend (Essex, Bergen Counties)
3. The Botanist (Camden, Atlantic Counties)
4. Breakwater, ATC (Middlesex)
5. The Cannabis (Gloucester, Cumberland Counties)
6. Curaleaf (Camden, Burlington Counties)

The illegal possession of Marijuana and possession with the intent to sell or distribute is still a crime in New Jersey

Despite New Jersey’s decriminalization of marijuana, you can still commit a crime in the Garden State for its illegal possession or distribution.  New Jersey, under Section 2C: 35-10 makes the illegal possession of a controlled or illegal substance like marijuana a felony offense. While the Garden State does treat marijuana somewhat difference than other drugs, the possession of 50 or more grams is a crime of the 4^th degree while less than 50 grams is a disorderly persons offense. While second offenses do not increase the criminal level of the offense, in New Jersey it does increase the potential consequence with regards to prison time and fines.

Remember that New Jersey doesn’t classify crimes as misdemeanors or felonies, but rather indictable crimes vs. offenses. Indictable crimes range from the 1^st to the 4^th degree with the 1^st degree reserved for the most serious crimes which would include some serious drug offenses depending of upon the weight and the drug in question. Pennsylvania doesn’t make this distinction and classifies simple possession of a misdemeanor regardless of the weight in question

Contact Our Marijuana Criminal Defense Lawyers in PA & NJ

Please click here to contact our Philadelphia criminal defense lawyers. We offer free case reviews and serve the following areas in Pennsylvania and New Jersey,  Atlantic City, Camden, Cherry Hill, Chester, Conshohocken, Doylestown, Media, Norristown, Philadelphia, Pottstown, Salem, Upper Darby, Upper Merion, Upper Providence, Vineland & Woodbury areas.