Compliance with Somerset County Medical Marijuana Laws

New Jersey’s stance on marijuana has dramatically changed over the last several years. Indeed, this follows the nation’s growing tolerance and acceptance of marijuana. According to a research report published by the Pew Research Center, 61 percent of Americans agree that marijuana should be legalized.

The current administration in New Jersey seems to agree, as there have been talks and a bill presented in New Jersey’s Senate that would allow for recreational use of marijuana. However, as it stands in 2018, using marijuana is only permitted for medical purposes in Somerset County, so it is important to understand and comply with the medical marijuana laws in Somerset County. To ensure that you are in compliance with Somerset County medical marijuana laws, reach out to a seasoned criminal lawyer.

Currently, possessing or selling marijuana is a criminal offense in Somerset County, with various penalties depending on the amount a person either has or sells. However, under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, N.J.S.A. 24:6I-1 et seq, qualified patients are entitled to possess up to two ounces of medical marijuana. There are numerous restrictions and procedural requirements a person must go through in order to obtain and possess medical marijuana, though.

For an individual be ensured that they are in compliance with Somerset County medical marijuana laws, a person must be qualified to receive medical marijuana in the first place. Under New Jersey’s Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, a person must have a debilitating condition to warrant their use of the drug for medicinal purposes. Eligible conditions include but are not limited to:

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Seizure disorders such as epilepsy
• Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
• Glaucoma
• Multiple sclerosis
• Terminal cancer
• Muscular dystrophy
• Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn’s disease

However, it is not enough to simply have a qualifying condition. In order to receive a medical marijuana card and comply with Somerset County medical marijuana laws, a person must get approval from a doctor with whom they have a longstanding doctor-patient relationship.

Once someone is approved for medical marijuana, they must purchase marijuana from an approved Alternative Treatment Center. In fact, they must select an Alternative Treatment Center at the time they register. However, they may change their Alternative Treatment Center in the event they move, or if another closer Alternative Treatment Center opens.

Once a person obtains a medical marijuana identification card, they still must comply with state regulations—being authorized to have and smoke medical marijuana is not a free pass for people to smoke wherever they want. The New Jersey Department of Health has provided the following guidelines for medical marijuana patients:

• Always carry proper identification
• Always carry a valid medical marijuana program card
• Keep medical marijuana in its original labeled container
• Keep medical marijuana in the home
• Avoid transporting medical marijuana, unless necessary
• Do not grow or cultivate marijuana
• Do not share or re-distribute medical marijuana
• Do not smoke medical marijuana on a school bus, on public transportation, in a private vehicle while in motion, on school grounds, at a correctional facility, or at any public park, beach, recreation center, or another place where smoking is prohibited.

In order to comply with Somerset County medical marijuana laws, it is critical to apply for and be approved for a medical marijuana identification card. First, a licensed physician must complete and submit an Attending Physician Statement to the Medical Marijuana Program. As mentioned previously, applicants must obtain and maintain a relationship with their doctor prior to this step.

In addition, applicants must submit an extensive list of documents and other information to the Medical Marijuana Program, including a reference number, email address, passport-style photo, government identification, and proof of New Jersey residency. Finally, they must pay a registration fee of $200.

If you have questions or concerns about how to be in compliance with Somerset County medical marijuana laws, contact a medical marijuana lawyer today. Medical marijuana regulations and laws in New Jersey can be incredibly complex, and it is important to strictly follow these regulations to ensure you or a loved one is not charged with a criminal offense.