In New Jersey, recreational cannabis is legal, and the start of adult-use sales was hailed as historic. The state is rolling in the revenue while New Jerseyans are also reaping the benefits.
Flower, concentrates, and… New Jersey edibles? That’s where it gets a little complicated.
Many cannabis consumers prefer edibles because they’re a healthier alternative to smoking, have a more potent effect, and last longer. But, are edibles legal in New Jersey?
Elevate Holistics is here to investigate the edibles in NJ mystery and explore other New Jersey cannabis laws and questions such as, can you buy edibles in New Jersey?
So, what’s really going on with edibles in The Garden State? Let’s find out.
First, Is Cannabis Legal in New Jersey?
The cannabis plant has been legal for residents with qualifying conditions since the state introduced its medical marijuana program back in 2010. With the medical marijuana act, those in New Jersey could access legal cannabis products from dispensaries across the state.
Then, in November 2020, the legalization of recreational cannabis began. And, as of April 21, 2022, one day after the canna-community holiday, New Jersey cannabis was legal for adult use.
Now, adults 21 or older can buy legal cannabis products from medical dispensaries with clearance to sell for recreational purposes.
New Jersey law refers to the regulated form of weed as cannabis, while the unregulated – black market – form is marijuana.
However, the state is implementing strict restrictions on the purchasing, possession, and consumption of cannabis products.
So, keep a close eye on New Jersey state law changes regarding the cannabis plant.
New Jersey Marijuana Possession Limits
Lawmakers have legalized possession of up to six ounces of weed for adults aged 21+, but you can only purchase a limited amount of cannabis legally at a time.
The purchase limit is as follows:
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One ounce of cannabis flower
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Four grams of solid cannabis concentrates or resin
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The equivalent of four grams of concentrate in liquid form
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Four grams of vaporized formulations like cannabis oil
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1000mg of ingestible cannabis-infused products like gummies
Where Can You Smoke Cannabis in New Jersey?
The only place you can legally smoke weed in New Jersey is in your private residence.
However, your landlord can prohibit cannabis use on their property.
Other cannabis products like vapes can be easier to smoke discreetly; however, the laws still apply. Public consumption is illegal in New Jersey, even for medical cannabis patients.
Where Can You Smoke Marijuana If You Have A Medical Card? Check out our blog for more information.
Can You Grow Cannabis in New Jersey?
Even though medical and recreational cannabis are legal in New Jersey, it is illegal to grow cannabis at home.
Growing marijuana plants at home can land you three to five years in prison and a fine of $25,000. If it appears you’re planning to sell cannabis, you’ll be faced with an even heftier sentence.
New Jersey DUI Laws
Driving while high is illegal and could result in a cannabis DUI. Remember that cannabis can stick around in your system.
So, even if you are not currently high, the police could still charge you for cannabis DUI if they believe the presence of cannabis in your system impaired your ability to drive safely.
If you’re convicted for driving under the influence of cannabis in New Jersey, you face the following penalties:
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$300 to $500 in fines
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Jail sentence of up to 30 days
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License suspension of up to one year
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12 to 48 hours of education at an Intoxicated Driver Resource Center
It is also illegal to consume cannabis in the car, even if you’re a passenger.
And if you plan on traveling, note that taking New Jersey cannabis across state lines violates federal law and could be penalized accordingly.
Now, let’s get to the burning question – are edibles legal in New Jersey? Now that adult-use cannabis is legal, are edibles legal in New Jersey for purchase?
Are Edibles Legal In New Jersey?
Finally, yes, edibles are legal in New Jersey.
In the past, the state put strict regulations on the cannabis product, preventing even medical marijuana cardholders from accessing the infused goodies. However, as of early in 2024, you can now legally find marijuana edibles at dispensaries in New Jersey.
Edibles are a prominent sector of weed products for cannabis consumers who don’t want to smoke or vape, which is often the older generation or those who rent their residence.
They are the fourth most popular cannabis category in the US and are growing in popularity yearly, according to the cannabis analytics firm Headset.
The cannabis industry expects edibles to reach a whopping $3 million in sales across the US this year.
Regardless of the figures, the laws regarding edibles in New Jersey are a little complicated, but what exactly are edibles?
What Exactly Are Edibles?
Edibles refer to any food product infused with cannabis or cannabis extracts.
You can add cannabis to many foods, like chocolates, brownies, gummies, lozenges, beverages, and more. (New Jersey edibles include gummies and lozenges.)
How Long Does It Take For Edibles To Kick In?
Unlike smoking weed, the effects of edibles can take much longer to kick in.
While inhaling cannabis can produce nearly immediate effects, consuming edibles may take 1-3 hours until you feel anything. That’s why you have to be careful with your dosing.
The effects may hit you hard out of nowhere if you consume too much.
When Did New Jersey Legalize Edibles? -- October 2024 Update
Marijuana consumers may soon be able to buy edibles in New Jersey as state lawmakers have proposed regulations that will lift the ban on “edible products resembling food.”
The proposed new legislation will update New Jersey marijuana law to allow the production of baked goods, butter, drinks, and other cannabis-infused edibles.
The proposal can’t be approved till December 2023, but licensed marijuana manufacturers in the state can apply for a waiver.
Jeff Brown, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission Executive Director, said, “These waivers will allow for some immediate expansion of edible products in both the medicinal market, which is critical, as well as the adult-use market. These will enable us to start approving some products.”
When edibles do hit the shelves, they will have a limit of 10 milligrams of THC per serving, while drinks will be capped at 5 milligrams.
Now that we’ve gone over New Jersey edibles, let’s hear about the hefty chunk of change the state is now making in cannabis sales.
OCTOBER UPDATE:
As we mentioned, medical and recreational marijuana regulations have changed, and edibles are now legal as of October 2024.
While you won’t be able to find a whole lot in dispensaries just yet (because cannabis companies have only recently started making them there), edibles are officially allowed thanks to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission, NJ legislative efforts, and, of course, New Jersey residents.
New Jersey Recreational Cannabis Sales
According to the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission, almost 12.5K customers bought nearly $2 million worth of recreational cannabis products on New Jersey’s first day of recreational cannabis sales.
Recreational dispensaries generated $24 million in the first month of legalization.
That start of adult-use sales was referred to as “historic” as New Jersey recreational cannabis sales matched New Mexico’s. The Land of Enchantment brought in almost the exact same amount of revenue on its adult-use launch day.
As of early 2023, there are over 60 cannabis dispensaries in New Jersey, and that number is only expected to rise over time.
These dispensaries are required to put policies in place so that patients are prioritized and able to get their medicine first.
The state continually monitors dispensary inventory so that patient access and supply are not affected.
With the opening of recreational dispensaries in New Jersey, you no longer have to ask yourself, “Do I need a medical card to buy at a dispensary in New Jersey?” Nope! As long as you’re at least 21, you’re all set. (Just make sure you have your ID on you.)
Today, the cannabis industry is absolutely thriving throughout the Garden State.
Cannabis Social Equity in New Jersey and Other Perks
Overall, states that have legalized cannabis for adult use have garnered more than $10 billion in cannabis tax revenue since licensed sales began in 2014.
On top of the tax revenue gained from legalizing cannabis, this also creates thousands of jobs, and social equity programs to help those affected by the war on drugs.
Legal New Jersey cannabis comes with two state taxes and a local tax: a municipal tax, social justice excise fee, and sales tax.
The largest portion of this revenue will go to “impact zones” where marijuana laws have been most enforced.
New Jersey officials say that taxes from cannabis sales will be allocated to communities of color that have been disproportionately impacted by cannabis prohibition.
And as the price of cannabis goes down, the “social justice excise fee” will increase.
Get Better, More Affordable Weed in NJ With a Medical Card
Cannabis may be legal in New Jersey, but the benefits of having a medical card in the Garden State are unlike any other.
Simply put, if you want to save money, get high-quality products, and experience priority service, it’s time to get a medical card.
With a New Jersey MMJ card, you don’t have to pay nearly as much in taxes, and you’re always a priority within dispensaries and in the case of a state cannabis shortage. You also have a higher possession limit than your adult-use friends do.
But, how do you get your NJ MMJ card? Through Elevate Holistics, of course.
Our telehealth team is here to make the process as simple — and as affordable — as possible. You can get your card for under $150, and the entire process will take less than 30 minutes. Plus, you can renew your medical cannabis card or book same-day or throughout the weekend. The choice is yours.
Are you ready to experience the beauty of medical edibles and other canna-products? Click below to book an appointment today.
