The laws that concern marijuana possession are changing around the country. While many states such as Colorado and California have recently legalized the drug and others such as Massachusetts and New York have decriminalized personal use, recreational marijuana use is still illegal in New Jersey.
However, there is one way that people can legally obtain and use marijuana in the Garden State. Monmouth County residents with specific medical conditions can request that their doctor issue a prescription for medical marijuana. Even with this prescription, though, approved patients can only buy their marijuana from licensed dispensaries.
For most people, the answer to the question of, “How much marijuana can I possess in Monmouth County?” is zero, but certain people can possess up to two ounces of marijuana with a state-issued ID card and a doctor’s approval. This guide is intended to provide information about New Jersey’s drug laws and to help you determine if medical marijuana may be an option for you. For more information, reach out to a seasoned medical marijuana attorney today.
State and Federal Laws Governing Marijuana Possession
Both the federal government and New Jersey classify marijuana as a controlled substance. As such, it is illegal for most Monmouth County residents to have this substance in their possession, lest they are charged with a disorderly persons offense punishable by community service and a fine.
Federal law also makes the possession of marijuana illegal, but the potential penalties here are much more serious. According to 21 U.S.C. §844, having even a small amount of marijuana is a misdemeanor-level offense for which a person could be sentenced to up to one year in jail as well as harsh civil fines. These laws apply to all people around the country. For more information about how much marijuana one can possess in Monmouth County, call a lawyer.
Basics of New Jersey’s Medical Marijuana Law
The only exception to New Jersey’s outright ban on marijuana is the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA). This law recognizes that marijuana can have a beneficial medical effect on many peoples’ chronic conditions. These conditions include but are not limited to:
- Anxiety
- Migraines
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Some forms of cancer
Any person who believes that medical marijuana may provide a medical benefit to them should talk with their doctor. However, while doctors can prescribe marijuana, each patient must get their prescription filled at a state-approved dispensary. Even with this prescription, people are currently allowed only two ounces per month and can only consume the drug in their homes.
In addition, the state issues all approved patients with an ID card that proves to law enforcement that they are allowed to consume the drug. Medical marijuana users should keep this card on them at all times in case police decide to investigate their marijuana use.
Despite New Jersey’s medical marijuana laws, the federal government maintains a full ban on the drug. It is worth noting that although the federal government has not enforced this ban on states where marijuana has some degree of legality, they may choose to do so at any time. It is important to know this regarding how much marijuana one can possess in Monmouth County.
New Jersey’s Laws Strictly Limit Who Can Possess Marijuana
Recreational use of marijuana is still illegal in New Jersey. However, it is now treated much like many prescription medications rather than other illegal drugs. Certain people can have up to two ounces in their possession if they have a valid doctor’s prescription and a state-issued ID card. For everyone else, though, marijuana is still illegal under both New Jersey and federal laws. If you have ever pondered, “How much marijuana can I possess in Monmouth County?” then reach out to an experienced marijuana lawyer today.