The past few years have seen dramatic changes in state marijuana laws across the country. With some states legalizing medical marijuana, and other states continuing to outlaw marijuana altogether, it can be hard to keep track of the relevant laws in your state. Read on for an overview of New Jersey’s laws regulating the use of marijuana.
In general, state marijuana laws are usually much less severe than those state laws prohibiting hard drugs, such as cocaine and heroin. New Jersey marijuana laws allow for the use of medical marijuana, but also have mandatory minimum penalties for non-medical possession and/or sale of the substance. For example, those with a doctor's recommendation may possess up to two ounces of marijuana per month; but non-medical possession of that same amount is a felony charge punishable by 18 months of incarceration.
Details of New Jersey's marijuana laws, including classifications of crimes and penalties, are listed below. See FindLaw's Drug Charges section for additional information.
Code Section |
24:21-1, et seq.; 2C:35-2, et seq. |
Possession |
Under 50 g.: disorderly person (up to 6 months in jail and $1,000 fine); 100 hrs. of community service and additional fine if within 1000 ft. of school; Over 50g.: felony (up to 18 months in jail and a $25,000 fine) |
Sale |
Less than 1 oz.: 4th degree crime (18 months jail, $25,000 fine); 1 oz. to 5 lbs.: 3rd degree crime (3-5 yrs. in prison, $25,000 fine); 5-25 lbs.: 2nd degree crime (5-10 yrs. in prison, $150,000 fine); Over 25 lbs.: 1st degree crime (10-20 yrs. in prison, $300,000 fine) |
Trafficking |
Leader of narcotics trafficking network: life (25 year minimum before parole) and/or $500,000 |
Note: State laws are constantly changing -- contact a New Jersey drug crime attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.
More Information
For more information on New Jersey’s marijuana laws, feel free to click on the links below to access additional resources. You can also learn more about marijuana and other drugs, in general, by taking a look at FindLaw’s section on drug charges. Finally, if you have more specific questions, or are facing marijuana-related charges, contact a local drug crime lawyer.
Research the Law
New Jersey Marijuana Laws: Related Resources
Charged Under New Jersey Marijuana Laws? Contact an Attorney
Although New Jersey has legalized the medical use of marijuana, its recreational use (as well as deviations from the medical marijuana program) remain illegal. Having a legal defense strategy is your best bet for avoiding jail time. If you've been charged with a marijuana-related crime in New Jersey, it's in your best interest to contact a local drug crime attorney to discuss your case and get help crafting your defense.
