Legal cannabis has taken a long time in New Jersey, and it’s still heavily restricted. On February 22, 2021, New Jersey became the 14th state to legalize cannabis for adults 21 and older when Governor Phil Murphy signed three landmark bills into law. This officially ended cannabis prohibition in the Garden State and established a regulated market for adult-use sales.
Now, in the 2025 legislative session, lawmakers are weighing new proposals that could significantly affect both consumers and the cannabis industry. One such bill, S4154, would make it a disorderly persons offense to purchase cannabis from an unlicensed source. If enacted, individuals could face up to six months in jail and a $1,000 fine. Notably, no other legalization state currently penalizes consumers for where they buy cannabis.
Meanwhile, other legislators are advocating for greater consumer rights, particularly around home cultivation — something still banned in New Jersey despite legalization. Bills A3867 and S1985 would allow adults to grow up to six cannabis plants for personal use, and medical patients to grow up to 10. Additional bills, A846 and S1393, propose permitting medical patients to grow up to four mature and four immature plants. These measures remain in committee
History of Cannabis in New Jersey
Even before legalization, cannabis use was prevalent in New Jersey. Data compiled in 2021 showed that more than 45% of men and nearly 36% of women consumed cannabis prior to legalization.
In 2001, a report from the justice department showed cannabis as the most “commonly abused legal drug” in New Jersey. Cannabis has long been present in the Garden State, and legalization had been bubbling at the surface for many years. It was a long time coming.
In 2004, then-rookie senator Nicholas Scutari faced ridicule when he proposed legalizing cannabis in New Jersey. In fact, one senior lawmaker even warned he’d be kicked out of Trenton for suggesting it. Even many Gen-X policymakers, influenced by anti-drug messaging, resisted the idea.
Despite years of arrests and racial disparities in enforcement, the push for legalization persisted. Progress came in 2010 when Gov. Jon Corzine signed a medical cannabis bill before leaving office. His successor, Chris Christie, opposed it and hindered its rollout, leaving the program weak. Momentum returned under Gov. Phil Murphy in 2018, reigniting efforts for full legalization.
While many New Jersey lawmakers and political leaders were once hesitant about cannabis legalization, public opinion consistently told a different story.
In 2020, then-Senate President Stephen Sweeney, with support from future Senate President Nicholas Scutari, introduced a constitutional amendment placing legalization on the ballot. Voters overwhelmingly approved it.
Legal cannabis sales officially began in April 2022 with the opening of the state’s first dispensaries.
Contact Us Today
Get your cannabis needs met at City Leaves, Egg Harbor Township’s favorite dispensary. We’re the best place to score the best bud at the best price. With our rewards program, you can earn while you burn. Come pick up on your way to the shore or wherever else you enjoy cannabis. You can also order online or call (609) 288-8574 to learn more.