In New Jersey, the Cannabis Regulatory Enforcement Assistance and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act has been instrumental in legalizing the sale and use of cannabis and cannabis products for those aged 21 and over. The adoption of NJ-CRC rules signifies the establishment of the recreational cannabis industry within the state. There is a notable legal distinction in New Jersey between “cannabis” and “marijuana,” based on the state’s constitution following the November 2020 election.
California was at the forefront when it came to cannabis legalization for medicinal purposes with the passage of the Compassionate Use Act in 1996. Presently, cannabis is legally available in California for both medicinal and recreational use. Oversight is rigorous to ensure business operations are safe and products are free from contamination and correctly labeled, as mandated by the Department of Cannabis Control.
Understanding the health impacts of cannabis use has been challenging due to its legal status. However, with more states, including New York, legalizing cannabis for adult and medicinal use, there is a gradual uptick in research. Despite these advances, cannabis research is hampered by its classification as a Schedule I controlled substance federally, indicating a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use, as outlined by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
Colorado, too, has specific guidelines regarding the purchase and possession of cannabis. In the state, adults over 21 can legally purchase and possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana at a time and can transfer up to 2 ounces to another adult without engaging in sales, especially pertinent to homegrown marijuana. These stipulations are set forth to regulate the sale and possession of cannabis as provided by the Colorado Cannabis laws.
The discord between state laws and federal statutes continues to be pronounced, with federal law placing marijuana in the same category as heroin under the Controlled Substances Act. Nevertheless, recent appropriations acts have barred the Department of Justice from taking action against states with medical marijuana laws. Despite this, the federal status of marijuana remains unchanged, creating a widening policy gap with states.
Moreover, President Biden has released a statement on marijuana reform, highlighting the evolving landscape of cannabis regulation at the federal level. Renewal of cannabis cultivation licenses is a critical component of adhering to state laws and regulations, as seen in the California cannabis industry’s procedures.
