Recreational marijuana was legalized in New Jersey in 2021.
Question 1 added an amendment to New Jersey’s constitution that legalizes recreational cannabis, for people 21 and older and legalizes the cultivation, processing, and sale of retail marijuana. The constitutional amendment will take effect on January 1, 2021.[1]
The five-member Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), which was first established to oversee the state’s medical-marijuana program, is responsible for regulating the cultivation, processing, and sale of recreational marijuana.[1]
Question 1 applied the state sales tax (6.625 percent) to recreational marijuana but prohibit additional state sales taxes. The state Legislature was authorized to allow local governments to enact an additional 2 percent sales tax on recreational marijuana.[1]
The ballot measure did not provide additional specifics, such as possession limits, home-grow rules, and retail regulations; rather, the legislature and CRC needed to enact additional laws and regulations.