The Sale of Recreational Cannabis Comes to New Jersey

It’s happening, on Thursday New Jersey will officially begin selling marijuana to adults. The results of the 2020 general election are finally making moves as New Jersey residents voted to legalize marijuana about 16 months ago. On Monday, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission passed the approval to seven medical-marijuana companies to start selling their products for recreational purposes.

Thirteen individual dispensaries will be open throughout the state, with many located only a half-hour from New York City. It is not yet determined which dispensaries will be open for business on April 21. New Jersey will become the second state on the East Coast to fully authorize the sale of cannabis to the full adult audience.

An official cannabis market is yet to exist in New York City despite cannabis cafes, THC infused fine-dining experiences and random marijuana trucks lurking along the streets. Last year, New York State legalized the recreational use of cannabis but licenses have not yet been awarded to any businesses.

For adults 21 and older it is legal to possess up to three ounces of cannabis and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis for personal use. It may be consumed in a private home or at a state-licensed on-site consumption site, which is coming soon. Where smoking tobacco is allowed, smoking and vaping cannabis is permitted. No one may smoke cannabis in outdoor dining areas at restaurants or in motor vehicles (even if they are parked), doing so can result in a civil summons and fine. Selling any amount of marijuana without a license or driving while under the influence or impaired is prohibited.