2010
New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act signed by Governor Jon Corzine, establishing a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients.
New Jersey has undergone significant changes in its cannabis and hemp legislation in recent years, evolving from strict prohibition to a regulated market for both medical and recreational use. This resource tracks the development of these laws, providing up-to-date information on the legal status of various cannabinoids and state resources for businesses and consumers.
As of 2023, both medical and recreational cannabis are legal in New Jersey. The state has established the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) to oversee both markets. Hemp and hemp-derived products are legal under the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act, which aligns with federal legislation following the 2018 Farm Bill.
Status: Legal
Hemp-derived CBD is legal in all forms (oils, edibles, topicals, etc.) as long as it contains less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Status: Legal (Regulated)
Legal for medical patients and adults 21+ through licensed dispensaries. Possession limit of 6 ounces.
Status: Gray Area
Not explicitly regulated, but potentially legal if hemp-derived with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC. Subject to ongoing regulatory clarification.
Status: Gray Area
Similar to Delta-8, not explicitly addressed in state law but may be legal if hemp-derived with less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Status: Legal
Legal when derived from compliant hemp plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Status: Legal
Legal when derived from compliant hemp plants containing less than 0.3% Delta-9 THC.
Status: Gray Area
Not explicitly addressed in state legislation. May be legal if hemp-derived, but regulatory status is uncertain.
Status: Gray Area
Synthetic derivatives are in a legal gray area pending further regulatory clarification.
New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act signed by Governor Jon Corzine, establishing a medical marijuana program for qualifying patients.
Governor Phil Murphy expands the medical marijuana program, adding new qualifying conditions and increasing patient access.
New Jersey Hemp Farming Act signed into law, aligning with the federal 2018 Farm Bill and legalizing hemp production in the state.
New Jersey voters approve Public Question 1, a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis for adults 21 and older.
Governor Murphy signs the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (NJCREAMMA), establishing the framework for legal cannabis sales.
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) adopts initial rules for the adult-use cannabis industry.
First recreational cannabis sales begin at select dispensaries throughout New Jersey.
Continued expansion of both medical and recreational cannabis markets, with additional licenses issued and dispensaries opened across the state.