Compliance with Medical Marijuana Laws In Middlesex County

Some states, such as New Jersey, have relaxed marijuana legislation to allow for medical marijuana use. However, marijuana possession and use for recreational purposes are still prohibited by federal law. Legislation surrounding legal marijuana possession and use across the country frequently changes and this inconsistency in national marijuana legislation may be confusing for a person trying to be in compliance with medical marijuana laws in Middlesex County.

To avoid potential legal issues, a person who qualifies for medical marijuana may want to consider consulting a qualified attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer who is well-versed in New Jersey marijuana regulations could help clarify any important questions surrounding medical marijuana usage. Schedule an appointment to discuss the legislation today.

To be eligible to possess and use medical marijuana in New Jersey must typically meet the following requirements:

• Be an official resident of the State of New Jersey
• Have a debilitating medical condition
• Have had a patient-doctor relationship for at least one year

The person’s physician must generally be registered with the state’s Medical Marijuana Program to meet the requirement. Additionally, the individual seeking to qualify for medical marijuana may need to be seen and assessed by that physician for the debilitating medical condition at least four times.

For someone to purchase medical marijuana from one of New Jersey’s approved dispensaries, they must first obtain a Medical Marijuana Card. The process for qualifying generally includes multiple steps.

A registered physician could submit an attending physician statement on behalf of the person to the medical marijuana program. If approved, the program may return a patient reference number and a patient registry ID to the physician – which may allow the doctor to register an individual in the New Jersey medical marijuana program.

After this step, a person may need to complete the registration process by designating the dispensary where they want to buy their supply of medical marijuana. This may include providing personal identification information and documentation required by the program.

In Middlesex County, the registration fee for a medical marijuana card is typically $200. A person who would like to maintain their eligibility may be required to renew their card every two years. For more information about compliance with medical marijuana laws in Middlesex County, get in touch with a dedicated attorney.

Despite relaxing marijuana legislation to include the legality of medical marijuana use, New Jersey adheres to strict regulation and non-compliance could significantly put a person at risk for incurring legal issues.

In most cases, possessing 50 grams of marijuana or less may incur a misdemeanor charge. Such an offense could be punishable by a sentence of up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000. An additional fine and 100 hours of community service may also be imposed if the offense occurred within 1,000 feet of a school.

For more than 50 grams of marijuana, a person could face felony charges. An offense of this nature may be punishable by a sentence of up to 18-months in jail and a fine of up to $25,000.

Adding to the confusion and uncertainty in New Jersey is the fact that several municipalities have already enacted local ordinances that have banned all medical marijuana sales within their borders. Others have enacted ordinances that ban such sales within specified distances of certain institutions such as churches and schools. Contact a skilled Middlesex County medical marijuana attorney for more information on how to avoid non-compliance issues.

The rules and regulations concerning medical marijuana in New Jersey are complex and still evolving. Understanding new legislation and how it may influence the legality of medical marijuana could be strongly beneficial. Call a lawyer to address concerns about compliance with medical marijuana laws in Middlesex County.