Medical Marijuana Program
New Jersey’s medical marijuana program was established in 2010 with the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Significant enhancements were made with the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act in 2019, which:
-Increased the monthly purchase limit for patients.
-Reduced the frequency of required physician visits.
-Expanded the list of qualifying medical conditions.
-Phased out the sales tax on medical cannabis, eliminating it entirely by July 1, 2022.
Recreational Cannabis Legalization
In November 2020, New Jersey voters approved a constitutional amendment to legalize recreational cannabis for adults aged 21 and over. The Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act, enacted in February 2021, established the framework for the adult-use market. Retail sales commenced in April 2022, allowing adults to purchase cannabis from licensed dispensaries.
Reciprocity for Out-of-State Medical Marijuana Patients
New Jersey offers a form of medical marijuana reciprocity for visiting patients. Out-of-state medical marijuana cardholders can apply for a nonrenewable, six-month Medical Cannabis Program (MCP) card. To qualify, visiting patients must:
Consult with a registered New Jersey healthcare practitioner who will enroll them in the state’s registry.
Provide a current copy of their registration from their home state’s medical marijuana program.
This temporary MCP card allows visiting patients to:
Purchase medical cannabis without paying state sales tax.
Access patient-only lines and hours at dispensaries.
Cannabis Consumption Lounge
New Jersey is in the process of establishing cannabis consumption lounges, providing designated spaces for adults to consume cannabis products. Key aspects of the consumption lounge regulations include:
- *Licensing: Only licensed cannabis retailers can apply for a consumption lounge endorsement. The application process requires municipal approval and adherence to specific structural and operational standards.
- *Regulations: Consumption lounges must:
- Be attached to a licensed dispensary.
- Restrict entry to individuals 21 years and older with valid photo ID.
- Prohibit the sale of food, alcohol, and tobacco products on-site.
- Allow patrons to bring their own food or have it delivered.
- Ensure that consumption areas are not visible to the public and that smoke does not infiltrate public spaces.
- *Current Status: As of early 2025, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission has opened applications for consumption lounges. However, the rollout has been gradual, with fewer than a dozen municipalities passing ordinances to allow such establishments.
Notable Consumption Lounge: High Roller Cannabis Dispensary and Lounge
The High Roller Cannabis Dispensary and Lounge, located within the Claridge Hotel in Atlantic City, stands as New Jersey’s first combination dispensary and consumption lounge. Occupying a 10,000-square-foot space, the facility features a retail dispensary on the first floor and a consumption lounge on the second floor. This establishment provides a legal venue for on-site cannabis consumption, marking a significant development in the state’s cannabis landscape.
Refining Policies
New Jersey’s comprehensive approach to cannabis legislation encompasses both medical and recreational use, with provisions for out-of-state medical marijuana patients and the development of consumption lounges. As the state continues to refine its cannabis policies, these initiatives reflect a commitment to accessibility, safety, and responsible consumption.
Learn More Here: https://newjerseymmjdispensary.com/the-dos-and-donts-when-visiting-a-dispensary/