In New Jersey, it’s currently illegal for adults to consume cannabis for recreational use. They are only allowed to use cannabis for medical purposes. Over the past few years, there have been many efforts made to legalize cannabis in the state but these have all been unsuccessful.
Last August 2019, the state lawmakers revealed that the process of legalizing cannabis in New Jersey is still active. However, by the end of last year, the state legislature passed a referendum bill placing it on the 2020 ballot for voting.
Cannabis Criminalization
The NJ police have revealed that they have made more than 20,000 arrests in 2013 for cannabis possession. This has so far been the highest number of arrests over the past decade.
The increase in the number of arrests was at odds with that of the number of arrests at the national level. In 2017, New Jersey made the most arrests on cannabis position compared to other states.
The maximum punishment that the state has imposed for possessing 50g of cannabis or less is a 6-month jail time plus a fine. Only a few first-time offenders have served time in jail.
FAQs
- Is cannabis legal in New Jersey?
It’s not yet legal to use cannabis in New Jersey for recreational purposes. However, medical use is allowed for patients who possess a medical marijuana card that’s approved by the state.
- Is medical marijuana legal?
Using marijuana for medical purposes is legal in New Jersey, ever since the NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was put into law, which was in January of 2010.
- Can people younger than 18 register?
Patients of any age can register for the program for as long as it has the approval of their physician. Minors are required to have a legal guardian that will serve as their caregiver until they reach the age of 18.
- Do out of state medical marijuana licenses work in New Jersey?
No, the state of New Jersey will not recognize marijuana cards that are out of state since it is a violation of the following rules of their program:
- Certified by such physician for a specific debilitating condition
- Maintain a bona fide relationship with an in-state medical practitioner that’s registered under the program.
- A resident of New Jersey
- Where to buy medical marijuana in New Jersey?
You can get a supply of marijuana for medical use at any dispensary licensed by the state of New Jersey.
- Is it possible to buy medical cannabis for a friend in New Jersey?
Designated caregivers are the only ones who are allowed to purchase medical cannabis on the patient’s behalf in New Jersey. As a caregiver, you’re responsible for providing care for only a single patient.
- Does insurance cover medical marijuana in New Jersey?
No, medical cannabis is not covered by any health insurance in New Jersey. Medicaid doesn’t cover it.
- Am I allowed to grow marijuana in New Jersey?
No, it is illegal to cultivate or grow cannabis in New Jersey. It’s also illegal to possess any kind of cannabis plant.
- Will my boss fire me if I use medical marijuana?
If the caregiver, patient, or anyone who is covered by the scope of the law consumes medical marijuana, they will not be subjected to any disciplinary action.
In fact, the Senate Panel of the state has just approved a bill that will protect employees who are dealing with medical cannabis patients.