Weed dispensaries in Newark, NJ

Visiting a Dispensary in Newark, NJ

Inspired by Newark’s bustling mix of arts, theater, museums, and parks (and it’s close proximity to New York City), cannabis seekers can easily find numerous recreational and medical marijuana dispensaries throughout the city. 

The Lowdown on Newark Cannabis Laws

Both recreational and medical marijuana are legal in Newark and across New Jersey, which has a long history of progressive cannabis legislation. New Jersey became the 14th state in the US to legalize medical marijuana in 2010 with the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA), and expanded access for patients under 18 with S 2842 in 2013, and better and more robust access for all with A 20 (also known as Jake’s Law) in 2019.

In 2020, the voters approved the Marijuana Legalization Amendment to legalize recreational cannabis use, and the law was fully enacted in 2021 with the signing of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act.

Recreational Cannabis Laws in Newark

Adults over the age of 18 may legally possess up to 6 ounces (170 grams) of cannabis or 17 grams of hash, and may set up a marketplace framework. 

Medical Cannabis Laws in Newark

Patients over the age of 18 may purchase medical marijuana from Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) with a physician’s recommendation. Qualifying conditions include:

• HIV/AIDS

• Cancer

• Glaucoma

• Migraines

• MS

• Opioid use disorder

• Anxiety

• Seizure disorder

• Terminal illness 

Patients with a medical card may possess up to 3 ounces (85 grams) of cannabis in a 30-day period. Those who are receiving hospice care or that are terminally ill don’t have a limit on how much they can use. 

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Newark

To get a medical marijuana card, patients register with the the state patient registry on the Medical Marijuana Program website and:

• Provide proof of approval from a licensed practioner

• Submit a recent photo

• Provide a government-issued ID

There’s a $100 registration fee for the card.

Where is it Legal to Consume Cannabis in Newark

It’s legal to use cannabis in Newark and in New Jersey in areas not designated as no-smoking locations, as well as private residences. It’s illegal to use marijuana in most areas of Newark that are public property, such as parks or near schools.

How to Buy Cannabis at a Newark Dispensary

It’s legal to buy cannabis from state-approved and monitored dispensaries, and there are a number across the city and closeby. Dispensaries are generally open from 9am-9pm, and many over delivery and curbside pickup services.

Cannabis Taxes in Newark

Newark imposed a 2% local sales tax on individual transactions of cannabis sales within the city paid to Newark dispensaries, which is on top of the 7% sales tax passed by the state. This additional raised money is aimed to provide support for high-impact zones in helping with grants, loans, and other financial support.