New Jersey Cannabis Laws
New Jersey voters approved Question 1 in November 2020 with 67% support, and recreational sales launched April 21, 2022.
What's legal (21+):
Possess up to 6 ounces (one of the most generous limits in the US)
Purchase from licensed dispensaries
No home growing — NJ does not allow personal cultivation
Consumption:
Legal in private residences
Illegal in public places, vehicles, and federal property
Landlords and employers can set their own policies
No consumption in parks, beaches, or boardwalks
Unique NJ provisions:
Cannabis cannot be grounds for loss of parental custody
Employers cannot fire employees solely for positive THC tests (with exceptions for safety-sensitive positions)
Strong odor of cannabis is not probable cause for police search
For tourists: No residency requirement. Valid 21+ ID required. NJ dispensaries accept out-of-state and international IDs.
Where to Buy
NJ's dispensary network is growing but still limited compared to more mature markets:
North Jersey (NYC accessible):
Rise (Paterson, Bloomfield) — multiple locations accessible from NYC. Among the busiest in the state
Zen Leaf (Elizabeth, Neptune) — convenient to NJ Transit lines
The Apothecarium (Maplewood) — boutique experience in a charming downtown
Curaleaf (Bellmawr, Edgewater Park) — national chain with reliable service
Jersey Shore:
The Botanist (Atlantic City) — combining gambling and cannabis, the classic AC experience
Zen Leaf (Neptune) — near Asbury Park and the Shore
Central/South Jersey:
Columbia Care — multiple locations throughout the state
Ascend (Montclair, Fort Lee) — upscale dispensary experience
Pricing: NJ is expensive — $45-65 per eighth plus about 13% tax (6.625% sales + 2% social equity + optional local). The limited license count keeps prices high.
Wait times: NJ dispensaries can have significant lines, especially on weekends and near NYC. Online ordering for pickup is strongly recommended. Check wait times on Google Maps before visiting.
The NYC Connection
New Jersey's cannabis market is inseparable from New York City:
Getting there from NYC:
NJ Transit trains from Penn Station serve multiple dispensary-adjacent towns (30-45 min)
PATH train from WTC/33rd St to Hoboken/Jersey City
Bus: NJ Transit buses from Port Authority to various NJ cities
Driving: Holland Tunnel, Lincoln Tunnel, GW Bridge. Parking is easier and cheaper than Manhattan
Why NJ over NY? While New York has its own legal market now, NJ's dispensaries opened first and remain more established. Many NYC residents still make the trip for better selection and availability.
Legal border crossing: Cannabis is legal in both NY and NJ, but crossing state lines with cannabis is technically a federal offense. In practice, no one is checking bags on NJ Transit or the PATH. But know the legal reality.
Jersey City and Hoboken: These NYC-adjacent cities have emerging cannabis retail. Accessible by PATH train, they're the most convenient options for Manhattan residents.
Newark Airport (EWR): NJ's major airport follows state law. TSA won't confiscate legal amounts. Same federal caveats for flying interstate.
Practical Tips
Shore season: Summer at the Jersey Shore (Memorial Day to Labor Day) is iconic. Dispensaries near shore towns get packed. No consumption on beaches or boardwalks — but Airbnbs and vacation rentals along the shore often accommodate cannabis use.
Atlantic City: The gaming capital has embraced cannabis. Dispensaries operate in AC, and the city's nightlife, restaurants, and beach scene pair well. Hotels on the boardwalk prohibit smoking but many have balconies.
College towns: Princeton, New Brunswick (Rutgers), and other college towns have emerging cannabis scenes. Princeton is surprisingly cannabis-friendly despite its preppy reputation.
Payment: Most NJ dispensaries are cash-only or debit card with cashless ATM. Have cash ready and budget for the $3-5 ATM fee.
No home grow: NJ is one of the few legal states without home cultivation. All cannabis must be purchased from licensed dispensaries.
Best time: Late spring through early fall for outdoor enjoyment. Summer Shore season is peak cannabis tourism. Fall foliage in the Pine Barrens and North Jersey is underrated.
Equity: NJ has a strong social equity program. Supporting equity-licensed dispensaries helps communities most impacted by prohibition. Ask if a shop is equity-licensed when you visit.
Author
Nyke Perényi
Head of Marketing, Weed.de
Nyke Perényi is Head of Marketing at Weed.de, overseeing strategic positioning and the brand's online and offline marketing. She develops creative campaigns, builds partnerships, and strengthens presence across digital and traditional media. She has been dedicated to cannabis education and destigmatization for years. In her spare time, she's active on Instagram and YouTube and is the creator of the cannabis card game Green Deal.
Published January 23, 2025 · 8 min read
