Marijuana — also known as pot, weed, bud and Mary Jane — is a plant-based drug. Smoking marijuana can get a person high; the drug is also used medicinally. Marijuana drug laws around the country and in New Jersey have been changing to accommodate marijuana use.
In New Jersey, the majority of marijuana laws deal with:
- Possession
- Possession with intent to distribute
- Distribution
- Cultivation
- Failure to turn over marijuana to a nearby police officer
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Drug paraphernalia
These laws are applicable for:
- Marijuana
- Hashish, also known as hash
- Marijuana or hashish concentrates
The law can be confusing, however. For example, medical marijuana has been legal since 2010. While it is legal to possess 2 ounces of marijuana with a prescription from a doctor, possession of the same amount of non-medical marijuana is punishable by 18 months in jail and a $25,000 fine.
Driving under the influence of marijuana in NJ breaks DWI/DUI laws, just the same as alcohol laws, and comes with serious penalties.