Is CBD Legal in New Jersey? NJ Hemp Laws (2023)
Is CBD legal in the state of New Jersey?
Yes, CBD is perfectly legal in New Jersey.
Both hemp and marijuana plants produce CBD, the non-psychoactive cannabinoid. In New Jersey, both of these CBD sources are legal.
The state legalized medical marijuana in 2010, and in 2019, CBD sourced from hemp was also legalized following the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill.
This guide discusses the legality of CBD in New Jersey and on a federal level. It also teaches you tips for choosing quality CBD oil and where you’ll find excellent CBD products.
Is CBD Legal in New Jersey?
CBD is sourced from both hemp and marijuana plants. In New Jersey, both of these CBD sources are legal.
Marijuana-derived CBD was legalized first when then-Governor Jon Corzine signed into law the Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act in January 2010. This law legalized the use of medical marijuana for patients suffering from severe and debilitating medical conditions.
While this gave access to legal medical marijuana though, New Jersey had one of the lowest enrollments in the program. The state’s very strict regulations, the high costs, and the low number of participating doctors contribute to the small number of registered patients.
In 2018, the federal government legalized hemp through the 2018 Farm Bill. This bill allows the use of industrial hemp and all its parts (including CBD), as long as the hemp provider is federally-compliant and their crops contain no more than 0.3% THC.
This finally gave residents (not just registered patients) access to CBD sourced from hemp. Residents can now legally buy, use, and possess hemp-derived CBD products without fearing any legal repercussions. This also gave them access to CBD even without a doctor’s recommendation or joining the state’s medical-marijuana program.
To be in line with the 2018 Farm Bill, the state’s lawmakers passed the New Jersey Hemp Farming Act in August 2019. This bill adopts the same standards set by the 2018 Farm Bill that, for industrial hemp to be considered legal, it must contain no more than 0.3% THC by dry weight.
The new bill fully legalizes hemp-derived products (including CBD) in the state and allows non-registered patients and residents access to the cannabinoid.
Related: CBD Legalization by State
Do You Need a Prescription to Buy CBD Oil in New Jersey?
No. You can buy hemp-derived CBD oil in New Jersey even without your physician’s recommendation or prescription. There’s also no possession limits to hemp-derived CBD, as long as its THC level is less than 0.3%.
As for marijuana-derived CBD, you’ll need to register with the state’s medical-marijuana program first. You’ll also need a medical marijuana prescription or recommendation from an authorized physician before you can buy CBD products with higher THC levels.
Do You Need a Medical Card to Buy CBD Oil in New Jersey?
It’s perfectly legal and safe to buy hemp-derived CBD products even without a medical card in New Jersey. Just make sure its CBD is sourced from industrial hemp with a THC level of no more than 0.3%.
You’ll need a medical marijuana card though to buy marijuana-derived CBD products. You can apply for one when you join the state’s program.
Is CBD Legal in New Jersey for Minors?
Under New Jersey law and the 2018 Farm Bill, persons of all ages have access to CBD derived from industrial hemp, provided it’s compliant with the laws.
Before giving CBD oil to a minor though, speak with his physician first and seek professional advice.
However, for CBD sourced from marijuana, minors must have a designated caregiver and must be registered with the state’s program to be able to buy, use, and possess medical marijuana products.
Is Traveling with CBD legal in New Jersey?
You should be fine and not get into any legal problem when traveling with hemp-derived CBD in New Jersey or even crossing state borders. Just make sure that your CBD oil is derived from industrial hemp and has a THC level that doesn’t exceed 0.3% THC. You can check this info on the manufacturer’s website.
Traveling with medical marijuana products, including marijuana-derived CBD oil, within the state is also okay if you’re a registered patient with a valid card.
However, crossing state borders with marijuana-derived products could land you in some legal troubles. On a federal level, marijuana is considered an illegal drug, and traveling with it is a crime.
Can You Fly with CBD?
Yes. You can also board a plane with your hemp-derived CBD oil. To avoid delays though or any trouble with the law, we recommend bringing a copy of the product’s COA showing its THC value.
Flying with marijuana-derived CBD oil though is prohibited since marijuana’s still considered an illegal drug.
Where to Buy CBD in New Jersey?
Looking for places to buy CBD oil in New Jersey is easy. They’re readily available in local dispensaries or online.
Buying CBD oil online though gives you extra perks. Online shops offer big discounts, free shipping, and even same-day delivery.
Online shops also give you more options to choose from — from excellent CBD brands to different CBD products. You can also buy CBD oil for pets online.
When you shop for CBD oil online, keep these tips in mind:
1. Look for the Product’s COA
When buying CBD oil, only buy those that have been tested and certified by an accredited third-party facility. The COA shows that the product’s safe for consumption and free from harmful pathogens and toxins. It also shows the product’s potency.
Reputable CBD brands share the laboratory results of their products, and you can easily view these on their websites.
2. Avoid Brands That Make Too-Good-to-Be-True Claims
You’ll know the CBD brand cares for its consumers when it’s compliant with state and federal laws. They don’t make outrageous health claims to lure buyers into their buying their products.
If you encounter CBD companies that advertise their products as a magic cure for all health problems, stay away from them. They’re not being compliant with the law, and they’re probably only after your money.
3. Read Reviews
To truly get to know the CBD oil you’re buying and its manufacturer, you have to read reviews about the product not just on their website but on other platforms as well like forums and social media sites.
These reviews and customer feedback offer good information about CBD oil, its expected results, and any side effects it may have.
Avoid CBD products that have many negative reviews. This could mean that the product is of very poor quality.
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | |
|---|---|---|
|
Best Overall CBD Oil
|
Royal CBD – Full Spectrum
|
Click for Best Price |
|
Best Organic Formula
|
Gold Bee
|
Click for Best Price |
What Type of CBD is Right for You?
You’ll see three types of CBD when buying CBD oil in New Jersey – pure CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, as well as full-spectrum.
Pure CBD oils are simply oils that contain only CBD. It doesn’t contain any additional cannabinoids or terpenes.
Broad-spectrum CBD oils have additional cannabinoids as well as terpenes. What sets it apart from full-spectrum CBD oil is that it’s THC-free.
Full-spectrum CBD oils, in addition to their cannabinoid and terpene content, contain THC.
These three types of CBD are all beneficial and can help you, health-wise.
However, for stronger effects, choose full-spectrum CBD oils. They offer more potent relief, with all compounds working together to boost each other’s therapeutic effects.
Recommended and Trusted CBD Retailers in New Jersey
You can buy hemp-derived CBD online in New Jersey. Buying CBD online is convenient, provides more perks, and gives you more CBD brands to choose from.
For brick-and-mortar CBD retailers though, here are a few of our recommendations based on their ratings and number of reviews.
Newark
- Let’s Smoke Shop
- Cloud Depot Vape and Smoke Shop
- Smoking Monkey
Jersey City
- VYRT Glass and Vapes, Kratom, CBD, and Hookah Store
- Smoker’s Heaven Smoke and Vape Shop
- Strictly CBD
Paterson
- Lava Smoke Shop
- RISE Dispensaries Paterson
- Bloody Good Vape and Smoke Shop
Elizabeth
- Holy Smokes
- Urge Smoke Shop
- Good Guy Vapes
Toms River
- EarthE CBD Store
- Toms River Vapors
- Vape Dr & Smoke Shop
Is Marijuana Legal in New Jersey?
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010. Registered patients with qualifying medical conditions can possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana each month.
Home cultivation, however, is prohibited.
As for recreational marijuana, it’s now legal in New Jersey after having been approved by over two-thirds of the state’s voters last November 2020. This new law took effect on January 1, 2021, and adults over 21 years of age can now use recreational marijuana legally.
However, this doesn’t mean that marijuana for adult use is now readily available in New Jersey. The state still has to set the regulations, and it will take several more months before you can enjoy legal weed.
Related: Is Marijuana Legal in New Jersey?
How Much Marijuana Can I Buy or Grow?
Medical marijuana cardholders are allowed to possess up to 3 ounces per month of usable marijuana. Home cultivation is prohibited.
As for recreational use, there are no regulations yet as to how much marijuana you can buy, possess, or grow at home.
Is Smoking Marijuana Legal in New Jersey?
Registered patients with valid medical marijuana cards are allowed to smoke marijuana, but only in the privacy of their own homes. Smoking marijuana in public is strictly prohibited.
It’s now legal to smoke recreational marijuana, but to be on the safe side, only do so inside your own residence or on a private property
What are the Types of Marijuana Allowed in New Jersey?
The only allowed forms of CBD and medical marijuana products in New Jersey are oils, flowers, lozenges, and topicals.
When Did New Jersey Legalize Marijuana?
Medical marijuana was legalized in 2010, but this is only available to approved patients with valid medical marijuana cards.
New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in November 2020, which took effect on January 1, 2021.
Of note, there are no regulations or implementing laws for recreational marijuana yet. It will take several more months before you can fully and legally enjoy recreational marijuana.
Final Thoughts — Buying CBD in New Jersey
It’s legal to buy CBD products sourced from both hemp and marijuana in New Jersey.
Hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC is available to all residents and even non-registered patients. Marijuana-derived CBD with higher THC content, on the other hand, is only available to registered cardholders.
If you want to buy CBD oil in New Jersey, be sure to follow our tips in choosing CBD oil to protect yourself.
Do your research, read reviews, and look for the product’s laboratory test result. More importantly, only buy CBD oil made by trusted brands.
