In 2010, then New Jersey governor Jon Corzine had signed into law the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. The law allows medical marijuana to be dispensed through legal means to patients or caregivers. In order to receive medical marijuana, you must have a prescription from your doctor and have a valid ID card from the Medicinal Marijuana Program. The only method to receive the drug is through Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) and only yourself or your caregiver can get it. It is considered illegal to grow your own, even if you intend to use it for medical reasons.
Recently, Gov. Christie had made changes to the law, easing restrictions for critically ill children. Like adults who participate in the program, children must have a recommendation from a doctor. In addition, marijuana growers can now produce more than three strains and ATCs are allowed to offer edible products for children only.
Just because New Jersey is one of the 20 states that offer medical marijuana does not mean the drug is entirely legal. You will still be arrested if you have the drug in your possession. You can face fines and even prison time.
For a complete understanding of the Medicinal Marijuana Program, click here. If you have been arrested for possessing or growing marijuana, please contact us and we’ll help you through your time of need.