Cannabis law in New Jersey (2026)
Last reviewed: 9 October 2026
In short: Adults aged 21 or over may possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis and cannabis products and buy from licensed dispensaries, including as visitors. Growing at home is not authorised.
| Rule | What applies |
|---|---|
| Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adult | Permitted within limits [1] |
| Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adult | Up to 6 ounces of cannabis and cannabis products. [1] |
| Growing at homePersonal use by an adult | Prohibited [2] |
| Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adult | Licensed retail stores for adults [1] |
| Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult | Restricted in some places [1] |
| Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adult | Legal for medical use [2] |
| VisitorsPersonal use by an adult | Foreigners expressly covered [1] |
| Minimum agePersonal use by an adult | 21 years [1] |
| Purchase limit in licensed shopsPersonal use by an adult | Per transaction up to the equivalent of 1 ounce (28.35 g) of usable cannabis: 1 ounce of dried flower, 4 g of concentrate, resin or vape oil, or 1,000 mg of ingestible products. Combinations are allowed within that equivalent. [1] |
| Driving after cannabis usePersonal use by an adult | Driving while high is illegal: the laws on driving while impaired apply to being under the influence of cannabis. [1] |
Notes
- Dispensaries may sell up to 1 ounce of usable cannabis per transaction. Taking cannabis across state lines remains prohibited under federal law.
- The Commission's answer is that state law gives it no authority to authorise home growing; pending bills on home growing were not assessed.
- Licensed dispensaries with consumption areas allow on-site use by patrons aged 21 or over. The page does not list the places where smoking is prohibited.
- Medical and adult-use customers may use the same licensed dispensaries, although some locations dispense medicinal cannabis only.
Sources
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission: Recreational Cannabis in New Jersey (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
- New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission: General Information - Legal Cannabis in New Jersey (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
National rules that also apply
These rules are set at national level in the United States and apply here too, alongside the rules above. All national rules for the United States
| Possession for personal use | Criminal offence (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
|---|---|
| Growing at home | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
| Sale to consumers | Prohibited (source: U.S. Government Publishing Office (govinfo)) |
New Jersey and neighbouring states
| State | Possession for personal use | Growing at home | Sale to consumers | Use or carrying in public places | Medical cannabis | Visitors |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New Jersey | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | Not allowed | Licensed dispensaries | Allowed where tobacco smoking is | Medicinal Cannabis Programme | Visitors 21+ may buy |
| Delaware | Legal, 21+, within limits | No home growing | Licensed retailers (since Aug 2025) | No use in public areas | Yes, registered patients | Any adult 21+; no residency test |
| New York | Legal for adults 21+, within limits | ⚠ Not yet verified | Licensed retail dispensaries | Banned where smoking is banned | Medical cannabis programme | Source silent on visitors |
| Pennsylvania | Criminal offence (misdemeanour) | Prohibited | Prohibited (medical dispensaries only) | — | Certified patients, 24 conditions | — |
More rules in New Jersey
- Car speed limitsBuilt-up areas: 25 mph (35 mph low-density districts) · Outside built-up areas (single carriageway): 50 mph
- Minimum age for a car driving licenceMinimum age for a car licence: 17 (probationary licence) · Earliest age to drive a car supervised: 16 (special learner's permit)
- E-bikes and speed pedelecsLegal class: Licensed and registered · Minimum age: 15 years
- FireworksConsumers may buy and use category F2 fireworks: No (ground sparkling devices only)
- Knives and pepper sprayFolding pocket knives: Not listed; "manifestly appropriate" test · Locking or one-handed knives: Banned without explainable lawful purpose
- Statutory minimum wageNational statutory minimum wage: Yes · Current adult minimum wage (gross): $15.92 per hour
- Using a mobile phone while drivingHolding a phone while driving banned: Banned (primary offence) · Hands-free use: Allowed
- Seat belts and child seatsSeat belt compulsory in front seats: Yes · Seat belt compulsory in rear seats: Yes (adults in the back: secondary law)
- Tobacco and nicotine age limitsMinimum age to buy tobacco: 21 · Minimum age to buy e-cigarettes: 21
- Drink-driving limitsBlood alcohol limit for ordinary drivers: 0.08% · Lower limit for novice or young drivers: Any alcohol, under 21
Related pages
General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.