New Jersey Cannabis Laws & Packaging Regulations in 2025: A Complete Guide

As of April 2025, New Jersey has established a robust legal framework for both recreational and medical cannabis. With expanded licensing, enforcement priorities, and evolving packaging regulations, it's critical for businesses and consumers alike to understand the rules.

This article outlines everything you need to know, including legal limits, operational compliance, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission's (CRC) detailed packaging and labeling guidelines.

Recreational Cannabis in New Jersey

Recreational cannabis has been legal in New Jersey since the passage of the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act in 2021.

Legal Use and Possession:

Adults aged 21 and over may legally possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis.
Use is restricted to private residences; public consumption is prohibited.
Driving under the influence remains strictly illegal.

Retail Sales and Licensing:

Licensed dispensaries are authorized to sell cannabis and cannabis products to adults 21+.
Municipalities can opt in or out of allowing cannabis businesses.
Retail sales are taxed: 6.625% state sales tax, plus optional 2% local tax and a variable social equity excise fee.

For legal references:

📄 New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJCRC)
📄 NJ Administrative Code: Title 17, Chapter 30

Medical Cannabis in New Jersey

Medical cannabis has been legal in New Jersey since 2010 and continues under the Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act.

Key Details:

Patients must be certified by a registered physician and obtain a medical cannabis card.
Patients may purchase up to 3 ounces every 30 days (with some exceptions).
Medical cannabis is taxed at a reduced rate, which was eliminated entirely as of July 2022.

More info: Medical Cannabis Patient Guide – NJCRC

Recent Developments (2024–2025)

1. Dispensary Approvals Streamlined
New legislation introduced in February 2025 proposes allowing medical dispensaries to add recreational sales without requiring new municipal approvals. This could significantly speed up expansion.
Source: New Jersey Monitor – 2025 Bill Overview

2. Home Grow Remains Illegal
Despite public support, home cultivation is still prohibited in New Jersey. Bills like A3867 and S1985 continue to push for legalization of up to 6 personal-use plants per adult.

3. Cannabis Consumption Lounges
Starting January 2, 2025, the CRC began accepting applications for on-site consumption areas. Initial phases prioritize social equity applicants.
More info: NJCRC Newsroom – Consumption Area Updates

4. Market Growth
Combined medical and adult-use cannabis sales in New Jersey surpassed $1 billion in 2024, with projections of continued double-digit growth in 2025.

As of April 2025, New Jersey has established comprehensive regulations governing the packaging and labeling of cannabis products to ensure consumer safety, prevent appeal to minors, and provide clear product information. These regulations are detailed in the New Jersey Administrative Code Title 17, Chapter 30, Subchapter 16, and the Cannabis Regulatory Commission's Packaging and Labeling Guide. New Jersey League of Municipalities

Packaging Requirements

Child-Resistant and Tamper-Evident: All cannabis items must be enclosed in child-resistant and tamper-evident packaging, designed to be significantly difficult for children under five years of age to open. New Jersey Official Website
Opaque and Light-Resistant: Packaging must be fully enclosed, opaque, of a single color, and light-resistant to maintain product integrity and prevent degradation. New Jersey Official Website
Resealable for Multi-Use Products: For products containing multiple servings, packaging must be resealable in a child-resistant manner to ensure continued safety after initial opening.
Prohibited Imagery and Text: Packaging must not include any statement, illustration, or image that could mislead consumers or appeal to individuals under 21 years of age. This includes the use of cartoons, toys, or any other designs commonly marketed to children. New Jersey Official Website

Labeling Requirements

Required Information: Labels must include the following details:
- Producer Information: Name, address, license number, and telephone number of the cannabis cultivator and manufacturer.Legal Information Institute
- Product Details: Net weight, quantity, production or harvest date, expiration date, and a sequential serial number or batch number.Legal Information Institute
- Ingredient List: All active and inactive ingredients, including potential allergens.Lex
- Usage Instructions: Serving size, total number of servings, and any necessary storage instructions, such as refrigeration requirements. New Jersey Official Website
Universal Symbol: Each package must display the standardized New Jersey State THC warning symbol, designed to inform consumers that the product contains THC and is not safe for children. New Jersey Official Website
Warning Statements: Labels must contain specific warnings, including:
- "This product contains cannabis and THC."
- "Keep out of reach of children."vLex
- "For use only by adults 21 years of age or older."
- "The intoxicating effects of this product may be delayed by two or more hours."New Jersey Official Website
- "This is a high potency product and may increase your risk for psychosis." New Jersey Official Website
Laboratory Testing Information: A summary of laboratory testing results, including potency of all major cannabinoids detected, must be included to provide transparency regarding product contents. New Jersey Official Website

Prohibited Practices

False or Misleading Information: Labels must not contain any false, deceptive, or misleading statements, or promote overconsumption. New Jersey Official Website
Attractive to Minors: Packaging and labeling must avoid features that could make the product attractive to individuals under 21 years of age, such as the use of cartoons, toys, or other child-friendly imagery. New Jersey Official Website

Recent Developments

In February 2025, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission approved new cannabis testing guidelines, requiring product labels to include content of additional cannabinoids such as THCA, CBDA, CBG, CBGA, and CBN, alongside THC and CBD. MJBizDaily

Compliance with New Jersey's cannabis packaging and labeling regulations is essential for licensees to ensure product safety, maintain transparency, and prevent appeal to underage individuals. Staying informed about current and forthcoming regulations will help businesses navigate the evolving cannabis market effectively.

Editor's Note: Status as of 4/10/25