NJ Cannabis Home Grow 2025: When Will It Be Legal?
New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in 2021, but home growing remains illegal. Here's everything you need to know about Bill S1985 and the fight for home cultivation rights.
Quick Answer
Home growing cannabis is currently ILLEGAL in New Jersey as of October 2025. Bill S1985, introduced in January 2024, would legalize home cultivation (6 plants recreational, 10 plants medical), but it's still pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee with no confirmed vote date.
Current Legal Status in New Jersey
Home Growing is ILLEGAL
Despite legalizing recreational cannabis in 2021, New Jersey is one of the few legal states that still prohibits home cultivation. Growing any amount of marijuana plants at home can result in criminal charges.
When New Jersey legalized adult-use cannabis through P.L.2021, c.16, the law allowed adults 21+ to:
- Possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis
- Purchase from licensed dispensaries
- Consume cannabis privately
However, the law explicitly did NOT legalize home cultivation. This makes New Jersey an outlier among cannabis-legal states, where most allow some form of home growing.
What is Bill S1985?
Proposed Plant Limits
Adults 21+ could grow up to 6 marijuana plants for personal recreational use (max 12 per household)
Registered medical marijuana patients 21+ could grow up to 10 plants for personal medical use (max 12 per household)
Bill Details
- Bill Number: S1985 (Senate Bill 1985)
- Introduced: January 9, 2024
- Status: Pending in Senate Judiciary Committee
- Primary Sponsors: Senator Vin Gopal (District 11), Senator Troy Singleton (District 7)
- Co-Sponsors: Senators Diegnan, Turner, and Zwicker
- Party Breakdown: Partisan bill (Democrat 5-0)
If passed, the Cannabis Regulatory Commission would have 90 days to implement rules and regulations for home cultivation.
When Will NJ Allow Home Growing?
No Confirmed Timeline
Bill S1985 has been stalled in committee since January 2024. There is no scheduled vote or confirmed timeline for when it might pass.
Factors That Could Accelerate Progress
- 2025 Gubernatorial Election: Multiple gubernatorial candidates (4 Democrats, 1 Republican) have publicly stated support for home cultivation, signaling potential policy shifts in 2026.
- Market Pressure: New Jersey's cannabis market hit $1 billion in sales, but high prices ($30.37/gram average) are driving consumers to neighboring states or the illicit market.
- Public Support: Growing grassroots movements and petitions are putting pressure on lawmakers to allow home cultivation.
- Medical Access: A companion bill (S1393) specifically addresses medical patient home cultivation, which may gain traction separately.
Realistic Timeline: If the political winds shift after the 2025 gubernatorial election, home cultivation could become legal in late 2026 or 2027. However, without legislative action, it could remain illegal indefinitely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I grow cannabis at home in New Jersey right now?
No. Home cultivation is currently illegal in New Jersey for both recreational and medical users. Growing any amount of marijuana plants can result in criminal charges.
What happens if I get caught growing cannabis at home in NJ?
Under current law, manufacturing/growing marijuana is a crime. Penalties depend on plant count and can include fines up to $750,000 and imprisonment. Even small-scale home growing is prosecutable.
Which states allow home growing?
Most cannabis-legal states allow home cultivation, typically 6-12 plants. New Jersey is an outlier. Neighboring states like Maine, Vermont, and Massachusetts all permit home growing for adults 21+.
How can I support NJ home grow legislation?
Contact your state senators and assembly members, sign petitions supporting Bill S1985, and follow advocacy groups like NORML New Jersey and the Marijuana Policy Project for action alerts.
What You'll Need When Home Growing Becomes Legal
While you can't grow at home yet, you can prepare by learning about cultivation and gathering supplies. When the law changes, you'll need:
The Library will offer educational resources and cultivation supplies when home growing becomes legal in New Jersey.
Legal Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Home cultivation of cannabis is currently illegal in New Jersey. Do not grow marijuana plants at home unless and until New Jersey law explicitly permits it.
The Library does not encourage or condone any illegal activity. This content is intended to educate readers about pending legislation and potential future changes to New Jersey cannabis laws.
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