Is THC Legal in New Jersey?
- New Jersey Cannabis
- New Jersey Hemp
- New Jersey THC
New Jersey Delta THC Overview >
What Is THC?
THC refers to a family of isomers present in cannabis plants. Therefore, it is present in both hemp and marijuana plants, although in varying amounts. THC levels in hemp plants are normally quite low (less than 0.3%) but are significantly higher (up to 30% or more) in marijuana plants.
The most widely known member of the THC family is Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, abbreviated as Delta-9-THC. It binds to CB1 receptors in the brain, causing euphoria, a changed sense of time and space, as well as changes in mood and appetite. Delta-8-THC and Delta-10-THC are isomers of Delta-9-THC present in considerably lower amounts in marijuana and hemp, and they also exhibit psychoactive characteristics but at a lower potency than Delta-9-THC.
Is THC Legal in New Jersey?
Yes. THC is legal in New Jersey. The state does not ban hemp-derived cannabinoids as long as they contain no more than 0.3% THC, as outlined under the 2018 Farm Bill. Hence, you can find hemp-derived Delta-8-THC, Delta-9-THC, and Delta-10-THC products at local stores in the state. Since cannabis is also legal for recreational and medical use in the state, you can also purchase Delta 9 THC derived from marijuana if you qualify. Hemp-derived THC products are loosely regulated, while marijuana-derived THC products are strictly regulated.
New Jersey residents can purchase THC products in the form of tinctures, capsules, oils, flowers, gummies, edibles, and concentrates. Note that there is a limit on the quantities of marijuana-derived THC products that may be purchased by qualified persons, but there are no such restrictions on hemp-derived THC products yet.
How Much THC is in Weed?
The THC potency of cannabis plants varies greatly depending on the strain and plant. Hemp products are required by law to have less than 0.3% THC per the 2018 Farm Bill, but marijuana plants can contain moderate to high amounts of THC.
Marijuana THC potency has risen dramatically since the 1960s as growing and breeding techniques have advanced. According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the average THC content in marijuana collected in 2020 was roughly 16%, with some strains having as high as 34%. Common and popular cannabis flowers and strains at dispensaries may have variable degrees of THC content. THC levels in the strain "Girl Scout Cookies" often vary from 18-28%, whereas "Blue Dream" can range from 17-24%.
The THCA levels stated on marijuana labels relate to the precursor chemical to THC, which must be heated (or decarboxylated) to become the active form of THC. THCA is not intoxicating and does not provide the same effects as THC. Marijuana flowers may contain about 1-2% THC but more than 20% THCA.
THC molecules discovered in marijuana include Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, which is the most abundant. Delta-8-tetrahydrocannabinol, cannabinol (CBN), and tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) are other THC compounds found in the marijuana plant. Specifically, THC compounds are listed below in the order of the abundance in marijuana:
Delta-9 THC
Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV)
Tetrahydrocannabiorcol (THCC)
Tetrahydrocannabiphorol (THCP)
Delta-7 Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-8 Tetrahydrocannabinol
Delta-10 Tetrahydrocannabinol
THC level in marijuana varies owing to genetic variables, growth practices, and environmental conditions. For example, plants cultivated in optimal conditions with sufficient lighting and nutrients are likely to have more THC content than plants cultivated in subpar conditions. Furthermore, several strains have been carefully bred for high THC content, resulting in plants with much more significant THC amounts.
New Jersey THC Laws 2022
The following are THC laws in the State of New Jersey:
The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA): New Jersey's CUMMA, signed into law in 2010, makes cannabis use legal for medical marijuana purposes. This law makes THC products derived from marijuana legal for patients registered in the New Jersey medical marijuana patient registry. CUMMA permits registered patients to possess up to 3 ounces of marijuana-derived THC per month. However, terminally ill patients and patients in hospice care are not assigned monthly limits. In 2013, S 2842 was signed by Governor Christie, making edible forms of marijuana-derived THC legal for patients under 18
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act (CREAMMA): Signed into law by Governor Phil Murphy in 2021, the CREAMMA legalized the use of marijuana-derived THC products for New Jersey adults aged 21 or older. Such persons are allowed to possess up to 1 ounce of dried THC flower, 4 grams of solid or liquid THC concentrates, 4 grams of THC oils, or 1,000 milligrams of THC gummies. Note that cannabis use is only legal indoors, out of public view, and may not be shipped across state lines. Also, legally permitted product categories include dried flowers, resin, concentrated oils, tinctures, topicals, vape formulas, lozenges, and soft chews. Edibles like cookies and brownies are not permitted
The New Jersey Hemp Farming Act: Delta-8-THC, Delta-10-THC, and other hemp-derived cannabinoids containing no more than 0.3% THC were legalized in the state under the hemp farming act. The act aligns with the 2018 Farm Bill in the United States by defining a hemp product as a finished product with Delta-9-THC concentrations of not more than 0.3% derived from or made by processing hemp plants or hemp plant parts. Also, you can ship hemp-derived THC products complying with the state definition across state borders in or out of New Jersey
What is the Legal Limit for THC While Driving in New Jersey?
New Jersey has not stipulated a per se limit for THC metabolites in motorists. Instead of a legal limit, New Jersey law enforcement officers employ a mix of field tests and drug-use recognition evaluations to detect THC use. If a motorist is suspected of being impaired by THC, the individual may be requested to submit to a drug-detection blood or urine test.
Will THC Show Up on a Drug Test?
THC can show up on a drug test depending on certain conditions. These conditions include the amount of THC consumed, the frequency with which it is consumed, and the period since ingestion. THC is stored in the body's fat cells; therefore, it can be detected over long periods, especially in heavy users. As a result, if you have recently ingested THC, it is possible that it will show up on a drug test. However, if you have not consumed THC in a while, it is less likely to show up on a drug test.
How Long Does THC Stay in the Body?
THC is metabolized in the liver after ingestion, where it is broken down into multiple metabolites, including metabolite 11-hydroxy-THC. These metabolites are subsequently eliminated from the body via urine and feces. THC has been detected in the blood for up to 36 hours, urine for up to 30 days, saliva for up to 72 hours, and hair for up to 90 days.
What Is THC Oil?
THC oil, commonly known as cannabis oil, is a concentrated oil produced from the cannabis plant that contains high quantities of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), the psychoactive chemical that causes the "high" associated with marijuana. In contrast, CBD oil is a non-psychoactive chemical extracted from the hemp plant.
THC oil is commonly produced using solvent extraction, which includes soaking the cannabis plant in a solvent such as butane, ethanol, or carbon dioxide to extract the required components. Through winterization, the resultant oil is purified and concentrated.
THC oil can cause a euphoric and intoxicating impact when used due to its high THC concentration. THC oil may be sold in a number of forms, including vape cartridges, tinctures, and edibles. Since it allows for rapid absorption into circulation, vaping THC oil is one of the most popular and efficient methods of taking the substance. THC oil is potent and should be consumed in moderation. THC oil overuse can cause undesirable side effects such as paranoia, anxiety, and reduced cognitive function.
What Is THC Distillate?
THC distillate is a highly refined cannabis extract containing more than 90% THC. It is manufactured by a distillation process that isolates and refines certain cannabinoids and terpenes. As opposed to THC oil, THC distillate has undergone additional purification stages to eliminate contaminants and provide a more concentrated and powerful product.
CBD distillate, on the other hand, is a highly refined extract predominantly composed of CBD and other minor cannabinoids. It is made in the same way as THC distillate, except the starting material is usually high-CBD hemp rather than cannabis.
The primary distinction between THC and CBD distillate is the cannabinoid content. THC distillate has a high concentration of THC, a psychoactive chemical that can provide a euphoric "high" when taken. CBD distillate, on the other hand, is rich in CBD, which is non-psychoactive and does not induce a "high" when eaten.
THC distillate may be used in a variety of ways, including vaping, dabbing, or incorporating it into food and beverages. It has a powerful and fast-acting impact when used in vaporizers or dab rigs. It can also be taken orally, albeit this technique takes longer and may be less effective. THC distillate may bring the onset of adverse effects if taken too frequently or at high dosages.
Where to Buy THC in New Jersey?
New Jersey residents can purchase Delta-8-THC and Delta-9-THC products derived from hemp from local CBD stores, gas stations, hemp shops, and other convenience stores. Alternatively, you can purchase THC products from online vendors. Online vendors typically offer lower prices and a broader selection of products. THC products are available in varying forms, such as tinctures, edibles, oils, flowers, vapes, and concentrates. If you intend on buying marijuana-derived THC products, you must visit a licensed cannabis dispensary in the state, as such products are regulated and permitted to be sold only by licensed entities. Certain ingestible marijuana-derived THC products, such as brownies and cookies, are illegal and not sold at New Jersey-licensed dispensaries.
