A Comprehensive Guide to Buying Cannabis from Recreational Dispensaries in New Jersey

In November 2020, New Jersey voters approved a measure to legalize recreational cannabis in the Garden State for individuals ages 21 and older.

It took close to 18 months for the state to establish a regulated market for the cultivation, distribution, and sale of cannabis, but finally, in April 2022, the doors to the recreational cannabis market officially opened up.

Since then, cannabis has been a hot topic all over the state. From Vineland and Bloomfield all the way to our hometown of Rahway here at Plantabis, adult-use dispensaries in New Jersey are rising in popularity.

While the legal market has been up and running for some time now, it’s important to educate yourself before diving into the world of cannabis. Our team’s highest priority is helping you reach for the highest quality products in the state.

We gathered everything you need to know about visiting a cannabis dispensary in New Jersey.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Cannabis in NJ

With the recent legalization of the recreational market, you can find both medical and adult-use dispensaries in New Jersey. Some locations may be only one or the other, while some may serve both medicinal and recreational customers.

This is an important distinction because medical dispensaries are only legally able to sell to registered medical cannabis cardholders. In order to quality for this type of documentation, you must:

• Maintain an ongoing doctor-patient relationship with a healthcare provider who is registered with the program
• Be a New Jersey resident and;
• Be diagnosed with a qualifying medical condition by a New Jersey health care practitioner registered with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program

To learn more about the state’s medical program, visit the Official Medicinal Cannabis Program page.

When it comes to adult-use cannabis dispensaries (like us here at Plantabis!), any other adult over the age of 21 may legally purchase a regulated amount of products, including flower, pre-rolls, edibles, and more.

Here are some general laws to keep in mind before making any purchase:

• You may only purchase up to the equivalent of 28.35 grams or 1 ounce of usable cannabis per transaction.
• All transactions are subject to New Jersey sales tax of 6.625% plus a social equity excise fee of 1/3 of 1%.
• You will be required to show a government-issued identification card to prove that you are 21 years or older.
• You can only legally smoke in private spaces, given that the landowner has not explicitly prohibited cannabis use on their property.
• Laws regarding driving while impaired apply to being under the influence of cannabis.

Visit the state’s website for more information on New Jersey recreational cannabis laws.

With this in mind, be sure to check whether your dispensary of choice is medical, recreational, or both before visiting to make a purchase.

Benefits of Buying from Legal and Licensed Dispensaries

Now that cannabis is legal in New Jersey, it’s extremely important to purchase your products from a reputable facility. This means you should only buy cannabis from a legally licensed recreational dispensary.

First and foremost, these dispensaries prioritize quality assurance and product safety, adhering to stringent regulations that guarantee the integrity of the products you purchase. This assurance extends to accurate labeling and precise dosage information, allowing you to make informed choices that suit your preferences and needs.

Moreover, by supporting the legal New Jersey cannabis market and licensed dispensaries within our state, you actively contribute to the growth of the local economy and community development.

While this may sound intimidating, finding these reputable dispensaries has never been easier. By utilizing online resources – like this official list compiled by the state – you can browse through a wide array of options, comparing products, prices, and customer feedback at your convenience.

Ultimately, choosing legal and licensed dispensaries elevates your cannabis experience, ensuring both your safety and satisfaction.

5 Steps to Purchasing Cannabis Online from a New Jersey Dispensary

1. Confirm Eligibility

If you are shopping at a recreational dispensary, be sure to bring a valid, government-issued ID so that our staff can ensure that you are 21 years of age or older. Confirming this is for the safety and security of the community as well our dispensary.

2. Learn Cannabis Basics

We recommend that you do a quick Google search about cannabis basics or check our educational blogs to learn a little bit about the products you’ll be looking at. Particularly if you’re an online shopper, it can be helpful to know what certain terms and product types are before browsing a dispensary’s menu.

For instance, THC and CBD are two different compounds in the cannabis plant, one with that psychoactive, “high” effect and the other with a more soothing, calming effect. Sativa and indica are two different species of cannabis you’ll encounter, each with different effects.

Knowing the basics can help you browse online since you won’t have a budtender to guide you. This is why if you’re a true beginner, we strongly urge you to visit us in-person at our Rahway dispensary location so you can ask every question that comes to mind and find the right products to try as a beginner.

3. Browsing Product Selection

When buying cannabis in New Jersey online, you’ll discover a wide range of products: dried flower, concentrated oils, resin, vape formulas, tinctures, topicals, syringes, lozenges, and soft chews.

These offerings encompass various strains and forms, each with their unique effects, benefits, onset times, and more. Be sure to read the detailed product descriptions provided on the online menu to get valuable insights into composition, potency, and usage.

You can also factor in customer reviews to gain firsthand perspectives that may help you make informed decisions. However, remember that the effect of any given product will vary from person to person – so take reviews with a grain of salt.

4. Place an Order

Checking out online is a seamless process. Recreational dispensaries in New Jersey offer online orders for in-store pickup. After adding your selected cannabis products to the virtual cart, you can provide your user and payment information which will be confirmed when you arrive for pickup.

Our intuitive online menu interface ensures that your choices are accurately recorded and prepared for a secure and efficient transaction, enhancing your overall buying experience.

5. Checkout and Payment

Lastly, there’s the matter of payment. Due to the federal regulations on cannabis, many banks and credit card companies are reluctant to be associated with the industry. This means that you will not be able to use a credit card at checkout when shopping at a dispensary.

When buying cannabis online, you can provide a debit card or pay in cash when you arrive for pickup.

Visiting the Dispensary In-Person

While shopping online can be great if you’re introverted, know exactly what product you want, or just want to browse on your own, buying cannabis in-person at an adult-use dispensary is a whole different experience.

At Plantabis, we pride ourselves on creating a shopping experience unlike any other. From a fun, inspiring in-store environment to quality, original products, we aim to stand out from the cookie-cutter model of most dispensaries on the market.

Similar to a high-end designer store, you’ll be able to speak one-on-one with a budtender to share your preferences, ask questions, and get customized product recommendations based on your needs.

Our staff is highly trained in our inventory, meaning you’ll be able to get access to the best quality products in the state while still learning valuable information about how cannabis may fit into your unique lifestyle.

We also offer something very few dispensaries across the country provide: drive-thru cannabis. Given our convenient location right on the highway in Rahway, we wanted to create a quick, efficient shopping experience for our customers.

You can visit us in Rahway for in-store or drive-thru shopping Mondays through Saturdays from 9AM to 10PM and Sundays from 11AM to 7PM. You’ll still need to bring your ID and cash (or debit), so be sure to come prepared!

Shop at Plantabis for all your cannabis needs.

As more and more cannabis dispensaries pop up around New Jersey, it’s important to shop from one that feels comfortable to you, no matter what level of experience you have with cannabis.

As a woman minority-owned business, we value creating a sophisticated and welcoming space for all who are curious about integrating cannabis into their lifestyle. To explore our current list of offerings, head to our online menu for online ordering, drive-thru pick-up, and more.