Traveling with Cannabis in New Jersey: What’s Legal and What Can Get You Arrested?

Written By Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

With summer in full swing, many New Jersey residents and visitors are hitting the road — to the shore, parks, or across state lines. And with cannabis now legal for adult use in New Jersey, questions around how you can lawfully travel with marijuana are more important than ever.

Here’s what you need to know before packing your weekend bag.

What the Law Allows in NJ

Under New Jersey law, adults 21 and over can legally:

  • Purchase up to one ounce of cannabis from licensed dispensaries

  • Possess cannabis in public or in private spaces

  • Transport cannabis in a sealed container within a motor vehicle

However, legalization does not mean you can carry it however or wherever you like.

What Will Get You in Trouble

Even with legal cannabis, criminal charges can arise if:

  • The cannabis is not in a sealed container while in a vehicle

  • You consume it while driving, or allow passengers to do so (this is treated similarly to open container alcohol violations)

  • Minors are present and authorities deem the situation to risk their welfare

  • You cross state lines with cannabis, even into other legal states — this violates federal law

These offenses can range from traffic citations to criminal charges such as:

  • Possession in a school zone

  • Distribution, if amounts exceed personal use limits

  • Endangering the welfare of a child (N.J.S.A. 2C:24-4)

What About Medical Marijuana?

Even patients registered with the NJ Medicinal Cannabis Program must adhere to transport rules:

  • Cannabis must remain sealed and secured

  • You cannot use it in a vehicle or drive under its influence

  • Carry your registry ID when traveling with medical products

Facing Charges? Here’s What to Do

Cannabis-related arrests still happen in New Jersey — especially when travel, minors, or unsealed containers are involved. If you’re stopped, avoid making statements or consenting to a vehicle search without a warrant. Always request to speak with an attorney before answering any questions.

Charged with unlawful cannabis possession or transport in New Jersey? Contact me for experienced, confidential legal representation. Protect your rights before your record is at risk.

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq

Arthur G. Margeotes, Esq. is a criminal defense attorney in New Jersey. 

Experienced in the criminal defense of both adults and juveniles, Art also handles DUI (Driving Under the Influence) and motor vehicle violations in municipal courts. 

Art represents parties in domestic violence cases from the initial phase through settlement or litigated hearings, often in conjunction with related criminal charges.

An approved attorney for the New Jersey State P.B.A., Art represents law enforcement officers in criminal, administrative, and employment cases. 

Art’s 28 years as a criminal prosecutor in the Essex and Passaic County Prosecutor’s Offices has given him the rare ability to develop an in-depth knowledge of the intricacies of criminal law.  His extensive trial experience has honed his skills. He has directed numerous investigative units and has prosecuted complex criminal cases involving governmental corruption, white-collar and financial crimes, organized crime, homicide, narcotics, insurance fraud, adult sex crimes, and child abuse.

Throughout his career, Art has worked jointly on investigations with numerous law enforcement agencies, including The Federal Bureau of Investigation (F.B.I.), The United State’s Attorney’s Office, Immigration and Custom’s Enforcement (I.C.E.),  Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco & Firearms (ATF), The Office of the N.J. Attorney General, N.J. Office of Attorney Ethics, N.J. State Police, County Prosecutor’s Offices, and Local Police Departments.  As a result of his vast and varied experience, he has developed relationships with prosecutors and law enforcement and has earned an impeccable reputation before judges.

*The Supreme Court of New Jersey has approved no aspect of this advertisement. See Award Methodology

https://crimelawyernj.com/
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