New Jersey legal term
Marijuana in New Jersey Criminal Law
Current through 2026 New Jersey legislative session
In New Jersey criminal law, “Marijuana” is a term defined by statute rather than by its everyday meaning. Its statutory definition — quoted verbatim below — controls how the term is applied throughout the New Jersey criminal code.
What does “Marijuana” mean in New Jersey criminal law?
"Marijuana" means all parts of the plant Cannabis sativa L., whether growing or not; the seeds thereof, and every compound, manufacture, salt, derivative, mixture, or preparation of the plant or its seeds, except those containing resin extracted from the plant. (N.J.S.A. 2C:35-2)
Statutes defining or using this term
Charges using this term
- Possession, use or being under the influence, or failure to make lawful disposition
- Distribution on or within 1,000 feet of school property
- Maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance production facility
- Manufacturing, distributing or dispensing
- Use or possession with intent to use
- Violations of N.J.S.2C:35-5, certain locations; degree of crime; terms defined
Related terms in the same statutes
This reference is informational and is not legal advice.