New Jersey voters approved recreational marijuana in November 2020. But it wasn't legal to fire up the bong until Gov. Phil Murphy signed the official framework into law on Feb. 22.
Now, adults 21 and over are allowed to consume cannabis on private property, although places like bars and restaurants can set their own rules. Similar to New Jersey's alcohol laws, it's still illegal to smoke or consume marijuana in a public place, such as a park or the beach.
Underage use is prohibited, but results in a series of written warnings instead of fines and arrest.
Cannabis has also been decriminalized in New Jersey. You can possess up to six ounces of marijuana or 17 grams of hashish without penalty.
It's legal to buy up to an ounce of cannabis at a licensed dispensary (see below). New Jersey residents can't grow marijuana at home.
People accused of illegally selling less than an ounce are issued a written warning for their first offense, and can be charged with a fourth-degree crime for each following incident – but they can't be arrested.