Everything You Need to Know About Cannabis in New Jersey

Good things take time – and perhaps the same can be said of the New Jersey cannabis industry. In December 2020, New Jersey passed its Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act, which ultimately allowed for the legal sale and use of cannabis and cannabis products in the Garden State.

Despite being passed nearly two years ago, it has taken the legislators until 2022 to formally establish the recreational industry in the state and hand out licenses to dispensary owners.

The slow movement is largely due to the federal regulation hoops the New Jersey state government has to jump through. After all, cannabis is still federally classified as an illegal drug.

Still, we remain resilient and are finally starting to see adult-use dispensaries like The Retreat get ready to open doors and legally sell cannabis to residents 21 years and older.

Whether you’re interested in getting involved in the industry or you’re curious about how to safely purchase cannabis in New Jersey.

Buying cannabis in New Jersey

Unlike strolling through a liquor store, purchasing cannabis is a much more restricted process. Think of it more like walking into a big designer retail store, like Gucci. They might make you show identification and wait in line for a sales representative to assist you individually. In the same way, walking into a dispensary has several different checkpoints.

Identification & Age Limits

First, as in many other states, you will need a valid, government-issued ID to legally purchase recreational cannabis in New Jersey. This requirement ensures that we are selling cannabis products to residents or visitors that are 21 years and older.

You will likely need to show your ID two or three times for the safety and security of both you and the dispensary team. Be patient and have your ID readily available for the security team to have the smoothest experience.

Rest assured that dispensaries are legally not allowed to make copies of your ID or retain records of your purchase beyond what is required for tracking financial transactions.

Payment

Since cannabis is not yet federally legal, many major banks and credit card companies are unable to process cannabis transactions. In other words, you can only pay with cash or a debit card at New Jersey dispensaries.

Most places will have an ATM in-store if you are in a pinch, but planning ahead is the best way to avoid unnecessary withdrawal fees. At The Retreat, we have an ATM available directly in our store for your convenience.

In general, prices will vary by location and product. We suggest that you do your research ahead of time by exploring a dispensary’s online menu to get an idea of how much you might spend.

You should also know that all transactions are subject to a New Jersey sales tax of 6.625% plus a social equity excise fee of one-third of 1% (or 0.33%).

Legal Limits

Unfortunately, you can’t stock up for the year in a single visit. In each transaction, New Jersey recreational dispensaries are allowed to sell up to the equivalent of 28.35 grams or 1 ounce of usable cannabis.

According to the Official State of New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission, this means up to:

• 28.35 grams (1 ounce) of dried flower, or;
• 4 grams of solid cannabis concentrates or resin or the equivalent of 4 grams of concentrate in liquid form (solution in milliliters), or;
• 4 grams of vaporized formulations (oil), or;
• 1000 mg of multiple ingestible cannabis-infused products (10, 100 mg packages) like gummies or;
• A purchase of a combination of products may be 1/2 ounce of dried flower plus 2 grams of concentrate, or 5 packages of gummies and 1/2 ounce of dried flower.

Consuming cannabis in New Jersey

Although buying and selling cannabis is legalized in New Jersey, public consumption – much like alcohol – is not allowed.

Therefore, you may only smoke on private properties where you have the explicit permission of the owner. However, landlords may prohibit cannabis use on their property, such as in the case of Airbnbs or other similar properties. You may also use designated smoking areas to consume.

First Time Use

If you are consuming cannabis for the first time, it can be exciting and daunting! We always recommend starting low and taking it slow. This means whether it’s your first time smoking ever or your first time trying a new product, you should start by taking the lowest dose and only increasing your dosage after a few hours.

This approach to consuming cannabis will help avoid some of the effects of overconsumption, which can vary by individual, but generally includes:

• Extreme confusion, anxiety, panic or paranoia
• Increased heart rate
• Increased blood pressure
• Hallucinations or delusions
• Severe nausea and vomiting

You can also always ask our team at The Retreat for tips based on your specific purchase to help get an idea of how to best set your mood before consumption. We can tell you how to create the best retreat for your individual needs.

Other cannabis laws in New Jersey

Of course, the state is constantly refining its cannabis laws to ensure a safe and secure industry for consumers and entrepreneurs alike. Here are some other legal considerations about cannabis in New Jersey:

• It is illegal to transport cannabis across state lines, regardless of the method (driving, flying, etc.). Cannabis purchased in the state of New Jersey must be consumed and/or appropriately discarded within the state.
• You may not operate vehicles while under the influence of cannabis; the legal ramifications are equal to that of an OUI charge.
• You may gift up to 1 ounce of cannabis to another adult of 21+ years.

For more information about New Jersey cannabis laws, see the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s guidelines or visit The Retreat’s FAQ page.

Buy Cannabis in New Jersey at The Retreat

With so many product options and new changes to the industry, buying cannabis in New Jersey can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. Let us ease any anxiousness at The Retreat by being your one-stop shop for a cannabis shopping experience that feels as good as getting a massage.

As a modern wellness company, The Retreat puts your well-being first. Our budtenders are well-versed in natural remedies and ways to unwind that feel as good as they are good for you. Explore our range of cannabis products online or stop by in-store to learn more.