New Jersey is not one of the states that have legalized marijuana, yet. There is discussion to put weed on the ballot for 2020 though some lawmakers are eager to rewrite legislation before the year is out. Until then, the current fines and jail time are still in effect.
The NORML organization that works to reform marijuana laws details the penalties and laws for the state. Possession does not become a crime until the defendant has more than 50g or is within 1000 feet of a school. However, even as a disorderly person, there are still penalties up to $1000 fine and potentially six months in jail.
Any distribution or cultivation of marijuana is a crime resulting in years in jail and up to a $300,000 fine depending on the crime and amount of marijuana. Hash follows similar fines and penalties. Keep in mind that being under the influence or failing to give police the drug is a misdemeanor.
According to NJ.com, Senate President Stephen Sweeney wants to put marijuana legalization on the next ballot instead of continuing to hunt down legislative votes. However, not everyone agrees with this tactic feeling there is still hope for legalizing the drug now. In 2017, there were about 34,500 people arrested on marijuana offenses putting the state at the top of the list for arrests.
While the discussion for decriminalizing and legalizing marijuana continues, patients using medical marijuana have received a break with a new bill passed in July. Keep in mind the availability even for patients may not match up with demand until legalization passes in the state.
