What Sort of Cannabis Should You Purchase?

For first-timers especially, it’s incredibly important to know that cannabis isn't a one-size-fits-all experience. In fact, there are hundreds of cannabis consumption forms and strain combinations that will impact how the cannabis will be used and what effect it will have on you. Assess your cannabis goals and whether you are pursuing cannabis use for euphoria, relaxation, pain relief, anxiety relief, or something else. Then, do your research ahead of time to narrow the list down to a few products that might help you meet your needs. Most dispensaries will have a product list available online, as well as information about the different strains and forms. You can also ask your Cannabis Advisor once you arrive at the dispensary, as they are knowledgeable about the products the dispensary carries. In New Jersey, the only way you can legally purchase cannabis is by visiting a licensed dispensary or alternative treatment center. Purchasing cannabis from individuals is illegal, and you can’t grow your own supply. However, you can purchase from a dispensary and gift cannabis to another adult, but you may only give up to an ounce. The gift cannot be compensated through favors or money. Suggested Reading: A Guide to New Jersey’s Recreational Cannabis Products

Who Can Purchase Cannabis?

Adults aged 21 years and older may now purchase cannabis in New Jersey, whether they hold a medical card or not. This applies to New Jersey residents as well as residents of other states traveling in New Jersey. Anyone under 21 years old is not allowed to use or possess cannabis unless they’re a registered New Jersey medical patient with a qualifying condition, approval from a physician registered with the state, and registration and approval from the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP). Patients visiting New Jersey from other states may apply and receive a six-month medicinal cannabis approval if they are under 21 but hold a medical cannabis card in their home state.

What Is the Process for Purchasing Cannabis at a New Jersey Dispensary?

When you arrive at a New Jersey dispensary, you will need to show a government-issued photo ID proving you are 21 or over. If you intend to purchase medicinal cannabis products, you will need to display your registry card. After identification is complete, depending on the dispensary, you may need to wait until there is space available to enter the shopping area. Once you're granted access, you are free to browse the available products and ask questions of the staff. You'll typically order at a counter, where you can ask additional questions if necessary. After displaying your ID again, the budtender will ring up your purchase, and you'll pay for your products. The products will be presented to you in a sealed container, and you should leave the container sealed until you arrive home with your purchase.

What Forms of Payment Are Accepted at New Jersey Dispensaries?

Since cannabis remains illegal at the federal level, you may not use a credit card to purchase cannabis. While most dispensaries have ATMs on-site to make withdrawals, some dispensaries have installed cashless ATMs, which essentially work like you're using your debit card to pay for your purchase. Zen Leaf Dispensaries, though, offer Aeropay. Download the Aeropay app to skip the ATM and pay by QR code!

How Much Can You Buy From a Dispensary at a time in NJ?

Dried, cured cannabis flower is often the most popular, though dispensaries offer a variety of options, each with their own limits: 1. Flower - 1 ounce 2. Concentrates, oils, or vapes - 4 grams 3. Edibles - 1,000 mg Or, you can purchase a combination of these products not to exceed an ounce of consumable cannabis.

What Can You Purchase at A Dispensary?

The best cannabis dispensaries in NJ will have a wide range of products available for sale, offering a variety of effects and purposes. For instance, Zen Leaf Dispensaries sell a range of cannabis flower strains, concentrates, vape products, edibles, topicals, oral products, inhalers, and transdermals, so regardless of what you’re looking for, you can find it at our dispensaries. Many of these products are suitable for both medical and adult use.

Can Dispensaries Deliver Products?

If the dispensary hires licensed delivery drivers, deliveries are legal in New Jersey. Zen Leaf Dispensaries offer delivery out of Zen Leaf Neptune to a robust list of zip codes .

How Do Cannabis Taxes Work?

Cannabis, like most items, has an associated sales tax. Recreational cannabis will be subject to the state sales tax of 6.625%. This number can rise if the municipality imposes a 2% municipal tax, and the commission is capable of implementing a social equity excise tax as well. Medical cannabis, though, is not taxed. This allows patients to purchase the product they need without experiencing additional hurdles.

Where Can You Use Cannabis?

Cannabis should only be used in approved areas. This means that you can use the cannabis you purchase on private property with the owner's approval, in any legal smoking areas, and in a multi-family residence so long as use has not been restricted. Meanwhile, you're not allowed to use cannabis in any indoor public place, in areas where you're not allowed to smoke tobacco, in any vehicle, or on federal property.

When Can You Use Cannabis?

Cannabis should be used responsibly. Don’t use cannabis if you’re: 1. Planning on driving, as it's considered an intoxicating substance and can get you a DWI. 2. Planning to operate heavy machinery or participating in any other similar activity that will require focus. 3. In an area with non-smokers or minors; not only is it generally considered rude, but it may not be legal depending on the circumstance.

How Much Cannabis Can You Keep in New Jersey?

Now that you have your cannabis, it's important to know how much you can have in New Jersey. While you can only purchase up to an ounce per day and keep an ounce on your person, you can only store up to six ounces of cannabis in your home. It must be stored in a safe location outside the reach of minors.

Can You Grow Cannabis in New Jersey?

Although there is pending legislation that may one day allow recreational cannabis users to cultivate their own cannabis plants, they may not currently do so in New Jersey. If you want cannabis, you must purchase it from an approved dispensary. Medical cannabis users, though, may cultivate up to ten plants per person or a maximum of 12 for the household, but only certified medical patients may consume the resulting cannabis.

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Guide to Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey

Guide to Cannabis Dispensaries in New Jersey

By Danyal Swan June 9, 2023

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In the spring of 2022, New Jersey legalized the sale of recreational cannabis for those 21 years of age and older. While this means anyone of legal age can legally purchase and possess cannabis, it doesn’t mean you can buy or use it anywhere.. For example, cannabis can only be purchased at a licensed dispensary, and using products on federal lands or in restricted areas remains forbidden.

As a result of the continued regulations, you'll likely have questions, especially if you’ve never purchased cannabis at one of the many New Jersey dispensaries. You might be wondering where to begin and how to even take that first step, as well as what some other restrictions are.

We’ve created this guide to help walk you through what you need to know about cannabis in New Jersey. Following the law may seem like a hassle at first, but being responsible about your purchasing decision goes a long way to ensuring that cannabis is de-stigmatized across the country.

If you’ve never visited a dispensary before, there are some things you should know before you travel to a local NJ cannabis dispensary. Cannabis may be legal in New Jersey, but it’s not a free-for-all, so it’s best to do your research before your visit.

Dispensary vs. an Alternative Treatment Center

You’ve probably seen dispensary and alternative treatment centers popping up across the Garden State. While both facilities legally sell cannabis in the state of New Jersey, there's a difference in their purpose within the state. That difference comes down to medical and recreational cannabis law in New Jersey. Most dispensaries in New Jersey sell recreational cannabis to all people over the age of 21 who wish to purchase it. As such, these dispensaries have only been allowed in the state since recreational legalization occurred.

By contrast, an alternative treatment center specializes in providing medical cannabis products to registered medical patients. They have been present in the state since 2010 with the legalization of medical cannabis but have more restrictions about who can and can't purchase their products. People who are not registered medical patients in New Jersey cannot purchase cannabis from an alternative treatment center.

Suggested Reading: New Jersey Recreational Cannabis Is Here

How Do You Find the Right NJ Cannabis Dispensary?

There may be a few New Jersey dispensaries to consider, but only a few can be considered the best cannabis dispensaries in NJ.

Before you drive to any old dispensary, there are some things you should ask yourself:

Does the dispensary carry a variety of products?
Does the dispensary carry the type of product I’m interested in?
Are they capable of delivering the cannabis to my house if necessary?
Do they accept a form of payment that I can provide?
Are the staff knowledgeable, enthusiastic, and happy to help?
Am I able to get a discount on cannabis?
Where do they get their cannabis from?
Are they licensed cultivators?

It’s not always possible for a dispensary to check off every single box you may have, but understanding your needs and desires before you start shopping can help you avoid patronizing a dispensary that won’t meet your needs. Zen Leaf dispensaries offer premium medical and adult-use products along with a Rewards program program and an expert staff of Cannabis Advisors.

Suggested Reading: Highlights From NJ’s First Week of Adult Use

Purchasing Cannabis at a New Jersey Dispensary

Cannabis Products at New Jersey Dispensary

Visiting one of the New Jersey dispensaries is your first step to enjoying legal cannabis or finding a medical cannabis product to address your condition. Here’s what to know before you go:

NJ Cannabis Consumption Questions

Once you have your cannabis, it’s important to use it responsibly. It may be legalized, but that doesn’t mean you can use it however or wherever you want.

Where Is the Best Place to Purchase Cannabis in New Jersey?

Zen Leaf Cannabis Dispensary in New Jersey

Of course, medical cannabis patients can visit a regular dispensary for help. Some of the best dispensaries in NJ offer products for medical patients as well as an efficient recreational shopping experience. Whether you are a legal New Jersey resident or a visitor from another state and would like to buy your own cannabis, Zen Leaf Dispensaries are your source for premium medical and adult-use cannabis. We have a wide variety of products, an expert staff, and multiple dispensaries in New Jersey.

References:

The State of New Jersey. (2022). Recreational Use. The Official Site of The State of New Jersey. https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/adult-personal/
New Jersey Senate. (2022). New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act. The Official Site of The State of New Jersey. https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/documents/CREAMM%20Act.PDF
New Jersey Legislature. (2022). Bill A1897/4269. The Official Site of the New Jersey Legislature. https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/bill-search/2020/A1897

Danyal Swan

Author

Digital Content Manager for MÜV Florida and Zen Leaf Dispensaries. A cannabis connoisseur with a passion for explaining the miraculous possibility of the plant, Swan began her journey with cannabis as a recreational user and quickly realized its positive impact on her depression and severe anxiety. She joined the cannabis industry as Receptionist and MedTender and witnessed first-hand the immense potential of the plant for a wide variety of ailments, deepening her passion for alternative medicine. Swan is dedicated to self-education on the plant and sharing its potential with all. She holds a Journalism degree from the University of Iowa.