A Comprehensive Look at Cannabis in New Jersey

  • Medical cannabis has been legal since January 2010, under the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA). In July 2019, Jake’s Law expanded the program—doubling qualifying conditions, raising purchase limits, reducing doctor visits to once per year, and eliminating medical sales tax as of July 2022.
  • Recreational cannabis became legal via Public Question 1, approved by 67% of voters in November 2020, amending the state constitution. Enabling legislation passed in February 2021, and adult-use sales began on April 21, 2022.
  • Possession limits: Adults 21+ can have up to 1 oz of flower, 5 g of concentrate, or 1 g of edibles. Home cultivation remains prohibited.
  • The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), established in April 2021, oversees licensing, regulations, social equity programs, and penalties.

Market Growth & Sales

  • New Jersey’s total combined medical and recreational cannabis sales surpassed $1 billion in 2024, up ~25% from $800 M in 2023. Read More: nj.gov
  • Since adult-use sales launched in April 2022, total revenue has exceeded $2 billion.
  • Recreational sales alone reached $789.8 million in 2024, with a 17% year-over-year increase as of early 2025. Read More: mjbizdaily.com
  • With over 200 licensed dispensaries—mostly independent operators—the Garden State boasts an average daily revenue of around $17,000 per store.
  • Municipality opt-in/opt-out: About 71% of towns have banned cannabis businesses, but dispensaries in opt-in towns proceed under CRC regulations.
  • Legislative actions: In May 2025, NJ lawmakers considered bills criminalizing purchases from unlicensed sellers—underscoring concerns about the illicit market undercutting legal. Enforcement failures are a key issue. Read More: newjerseymonitor.com
  • Licensing reforms: Proposals are under review to allow licensed medical operators to convert to recreational sales without municipal rezoning—a change strongly supported by CRC and Senate leadership. Read More: njbiz.com

Top 3 Cannabis Companies in New Jersey

1. Curaleaf

A national multi-state operator (MSO) with a strong presence in New Jersey. Founded in 2010, Curaleaf now operates numerous dispensaries across 19 states and is recognized as the world’s largest cannabis company by revenue. In NJ, Curaleaf’s vertical integration—from cultivation to retail—anchors them firmly in the Garden State’s top tier.

2. Garden Greens

A local powerhouse with deep roots—dating back to 1917 in agriculture—Garden Greens operates New Jersey’s largest independent indoor-grow facility. Their in-state-grown strains like “Peanut Butter Trix” and “Rainbow Mochi” are staples of the adult-use market. Learn More: njhighstreet.com As a vertically licensed cultivator and supplier to independent dispensaries, they’re a driving force in NJ-grown cannabis excellence.

3. Hillview Farms

Created by the Dutch-VandeVrede family, Hillview Farms was the first family-owned cannabis cultivator to receive a cultivation license. With over 75 years in farming, this operation uses its ancestral land to produce award-winning flower like “Wedding Pie” and “Strawberry Mango Haze.” They’re a local success story blending tradition with modern cultivation.

Why NJ Sets a Standard

  1. Rapid legalization & implementation: NJ went from medical to full adult-use in just a couple years, creating one of the fastest rollouts in the U.S. .
  2. Strong social equity measures: The CRC prioritizes social equity, diversely owned, and impact zone businesses, with micro-business licenses supporting community inclusion.
  3. Robust market growth: Hitting $1B+ in annual sales reflects both consumer loyalty and operational maturity. Read More: headset.io
  4. Balanced regulatory control: CRC supervises oversight, licensing, and education, while municipalities have zoning input—forming a clear, layered governance model.
  5. Industry expansion: Leading local companies—Curaleaf, Garden Greens, Hillview Farms—combine national best practices with NJ’s local flavor and community orientation.

In Summary

New Jersey has established itself as a national leader in cannabis legalization, with strong laws, rapid market growth, and industry innovation. A $2B+ market, inclusive governance, and a mix of major operators and family-owned farms create a rich ecosystem—making NJ a trendsetter for states still developing their cannabis frameworks: Read The Latest Here, Why Are NJ’s Prices So High?