A Brief Overview
Planning a trip to the New Jersey shore this summer? Then here is something important to note about the legalization and use of cannabis in the coastal areas. New Jersey legalized cannabis to end years of nuisance and confusion surrounding the use of cannabis. While this legislation has been historic, the seaside communities have started feeling the impact of these new policies. This has happened because the New Jersey shore experiences an influx of visitors every year. So, it is important to understand how statewide legislation and local municipalities have allowed and limited the public usage of cannabis in their jurisdictions.
The Shift In Coastal Communities
New Jersey coastal areas are subject to different legislation than the rest of the state when it comes to cannabis. The Jersey shore is not just a tourist destination; rather, it is a mix of small, tightly-knit communities with large shifts in population between summer visitors and permanent residents. The coastal communities have implemented the cannabis laws to varying degrees, balancing the competing interests of local residents and seasonal visitors. Therefore, state legislation interacts with local municipal authorities and forms the policies and framework surrounding cannabis accessibility on the shore.
The Coastal Control and Framework
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) oversees adult-use as well as medical cannabis programs and sets the rules for cannabis control and framework, which includes the possession, usage, and licensing on a statewide basis. However, the state law also allows municipalities to decide whether to allow or prohibit any type of cannabis business operating within their boundaries. This local distribution of control creates a confusing maze of rules, so visitors and residents must understand them to avoid any legal trouble.
Limitations Around Possession and Local Bans
Under the state rules, adults aged 21 years or older can possess limited amounts of marijuana and purchase marijuana from licensed stores, and towns can opt out of being able to sell it by banning dispensaries, delivery points, and lounges in popular beach areas. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission has created a free, searchable online map that shows the locations of all towns and dispensaries, and their decisions on the availability of cannabis, making it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to purchase cannabis legally through a retailer in coastal areas.
Guidelines for Consumption: Beaches, Boardwalks, and Parks
Even if a town allows the sale of marijuana, public consumption is strictly regulated through both state smoke-free rules and CRC, according to which many beaches, boardwalks, and public parks located in areas/towns have prohibited tobacco smoking and vaping of any kind. To enforce this ban, towns frequently adopt strict rules and regulations to keep family-friendly places "smoke-free."
Ocean City is an example of a family-oriented coastal city that has responded to the legalization of recreational marijuana for the well-being of its residents. The City has passed ordinances prohibiting recreational marijuana sales, smoking, and vaping in public areas. This means any resident or visitor is prohibited from using marijuana in public, and the consumption is limited to private property with the owner's consent.
The Patient Viewpoint: Medical Marijuana Program
The New Jersey Medical Cannabis Program operates under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Act. Those seeking to access medical cannabis must register with the Program and receive written approval for a medical marijuana card in New Jersey from a registered marijuana healthcare practitioner. Upon registering with the state Medical Cannabis Program, a patient can request either a physical or digital identification card. This card allows patients to purchase medical cannabis from any licensed dispensary.
Broader Community Impact Of Cannabis
Cannabis legislation effects on coastal communities go far beyond just patient access. It also includes a unique combination of seasonal population surges driven by tourism. Many towns rely heavily on family-oriented summer tourism. Therefore, it is necessary to strike a balance between potential revenue from the tourists using adult-use products and the need to preserve the towns' essence. After all, many towns that have chosen not to permit adult-use businesses often cite concerns about public consumption, increased enforcement requirements, and fear of reputational damage during busy seasons.
In contrast, municipalities that do permit cannabis businesses have established hospitality or nightlife infrastructure to handle and regulate the increased activity associated with cannabis usage. This has resulted in a diverse group of coastal towns with varying policies regarding the use and sale of cannabis products that shape the daily life for local residents, registered patients, and millions of people who visit the Jersey shore every year.
The Pathway for Moving Forward
The evolving cannabis legislation shows how statewide changes can yield vast differences and, at times, contradictory outcomes when the local priorities are considered. For many coastal towns that have traditionally focused on being family-friendly destinations, these changing laws have required them to either impose strict bans or restrict access to public places where cannabis products may be consumed. However, some states explore the potential financial opportunities by regulating marijuana businesses within their borders.
Thus, for all visitors and residents of the Jersey Shore, it is important to understand the specific regulations in the community. As the state's overall cannabis regulatory framework develops, it is likely that coastal towns will apply strict measures and continue to achieve a balance between access and responsibility for cannabis consumption while also preserving the character of communities due to the rapidly changing cannabis policies.
