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Cannabis was considered illegal in New Jersey for years up until 2021, when Governor Murphy signed a new act into law. While cannabis is legal in New Jersey, there are some things you should know before purchasing and using cannabis within the state lines.

Alt text: marijuana leaf

Medicinal cannabis is legal

If you are over 21 years old, you can legally purchase medical cannabis in New Jersey. While it is legal to buy cannabis and hold it, you cannot have more than 6 ounces on you. Also, you cannot be under the influence of cannabis while driving. In that case, you’ll need an Indianapolis DUI lawyer if the police finds you.

What happens when a person is under 21 years of age and is caught with cannabis? According to state laws, the person will receive a written warning. There are also some laws that prevent you from having cannabis in New Jersey. This includes using it in a public place where it is not allowed or in a manner that violates local laws. Such a person can still be arrested for cannabis possession despite the law.

It is also important to note that you cannot cross into a state where cannabis is illegal with cannabis purchased from New Jersey. That state has the liberty to arrest and charge you according to its laws. There are also federal laws that criminalize cannabis, so you must be informed of these laws to prevent breaking any in the process of enjoying your state-given freedom.

Is a cannabis business possible?

If you want to start a cannabis business from home, you have to follow specific processes. So far, the state has 38 dispensaries that are licensed to offer medicinal and recreational cannabis to residents of New Jersey. So you cannot grow these plants in your home for business.

However, some politicians have spoken about the possibility of allowing people with serious health issues to grow their own cannabis to treat their illnesses at home.

What happens when your employer fires you or refuses to hire you for smoking marijuana? In the past, many employers included cannabis tests in drug tests required for employment. But this is fast changing, as it is considered legal in certain states. However, there are some exceptions to this rule. Employers do not take lightly to employees smoking cannabis during work hours. This also applies to employees who drive under the influence of cannabis.

Regardless of the state law legalizing cannabis, an employer can still fire you for smoking during working hours. This is mostly to protect themselves from lawsuits stemming from personal injury or similar issues.

The idea behind legalizing cannabis is to make it safer for the users by regulating the products in the market. New Jersey has done a good job by licensing just a few dispensaries and reducing the quantity a person can carry at a time. Younger people under the age of 21 are also not allowed to buy or carry cannabis. There may be changes to this law in the future, but for now, this is what you should know about cannabis in New Jersey.