Marijuana And Drugs
N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a — an ounce of cannabis from a licensed retailer at 21, and odor alone is not a reason to search
Legal at 21, from a licensed retailer. In New Jersey, a person 21 years of age or older may possess, display, buy or transport one ounce (28.35 grams) or less of usable cannabis, its equivalent in products, or 5 grams (0.176 ounce) or less of resin, and paraphernalia, where the cannabis came from a licensed retailer or delivery service, shown by its original packaging or a receipt.
Odor is not a reason to search. The odor of marijuana or hashish, or burnt marijuana or hashish, does not constitute reasonable articulable suspicion to search a person for possessing too much. Possessing more than six ounces of marijuana, or more than 17 grams of hashish, is a crime of the fourth degree.
| Possessing | Grade |
|---|---|
| PossessingA Schedule I, II, III or IV substance | GradeCrime of the third degree, with a fine of up to $35,000 |
| PossessingA Schedule V substance | GradeCrime of the fourth degree, with a fine of up to $15,000 |
| PossessingMore than six ounces of marijuana, or more than 17 grams of hashish | GradeCrime of the fourth degree, with a fine of up to $25,000 |
Sources for this section (2)
- N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10a — Personal use of cannabis items
- N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10 — Possession of controlled dangerous substances
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of September 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed New Jersey attorney.