Wednesday marked the first day of summer — the second since the New Jersey recreational weed market opened up last year. There are now 33 adult-use retailers throughout the state.
There is a retail store in 16 counties, so weed will be an option for entertaining adults 21 and over. However, there are no recreational dispensaries right on the beach. Don’t be fooled by shops that say they’re sell THC products — it’s more than likely a Delta-8 product, which the state is considering to ban from stores.
If you’re heading down the Jersey Shore this summer to relax or party, adding ganja to your plans in the sand may be trickier than you think.
Mind where you smoke
Sorry to break it to you, but all smoking is prohibited on beaches — even for medical cannabis patients. Also, you can’t just smoke anywhere in public. Keep in mind many of the same rules that apply to tobacco smoke apply to cannabis smoke.
According guidelines laid out by the state Cannabis Regulatory Commission, patients may consume their products in public, but only within the confines of the Smoke-Free Air Act.
A CRC spokeswoman told me that while medical cannabis patients are allowed to smoke in any public space where smoking is already allowed, that’s not true for taking it to the sand.
Smoking recreational cannabis in any public place is not permitted unless expressly authorized by the municipality you are in. The fines and penalties for smoking are determined by each local authority.
The state attorney general and the governor’s office made efforts in early 2021 to put an end to arrests and prosecutions for cannabis possession. Law enforcement is no longer allowed to stop and search persons and their vehicles because of a marijuana smell — but that doesn’t mean it’s legal to drive under the influence.
If you plan on consuming weed at home or at another private residence, you will have the added convenience of not needing to worry about breaking the law. However, ask your landlord before sparking up, as they may prohibit cannabis use on their property.
If you are headed to the Shore or another public place where smoking weed is prohibited, consider using edibles as your consumption method. Soft lozenges or cannabis drinks can be bought at legal weed stores throughout the state. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com)Joel Bissell | MLive.com
Switch consumption methods
There are many ways to consume cannabis without smoking it. Consider eating or drinking your bud to avoid any sticky legal situations in public. Vaporizers also can be much more discreet, producing less smoke and smell.
For a complete list of consumption ideas, see this article.
If you are going to skip the smoke and have an edible, please remember to go slow and start with a low dosage. Safety is key to having a pleasant experience with weed.
Consume safely
Inexperienced cannabis consumers may not be familiar with common side effects or the importance of hydration, or know how to consume safely in the excessive heat of the summer.
The dry mouth sensation — commonly called cottonmouth — typical of cannabis use can be a reminder to replace fluids.
Xerostomia is a side effect of weed consumption that makes it harder to talk and swallow because saliva production is inhibited. While gum-chewing and candy-sucking can help temporarily cure the sensation, many smokers still feel thirsty.
Dehydration is a concern, especially when swimming, exercising or playing sports in excessive heat. It needs to be managed properly by either increased fluid and electrolyte intake or avoidance of prolonged heat exposure.
Whether you plan on consuming pot in extreme heat or not, the same rules apply for your own safety.
Eating bananas or using sports drinks to hydrate and replace electrolytes, such as potassium, or having plenty of water available for drinking and cooling off is a good practice when you’re exposed to heat for long periods.
Visit a licensed dispensary
The rules around smoking on the beach may seem confusing considering how many places along New Jersey’s boardwalks have signs saying that they sell cannabis products.
It is important to note that only the products sold at licensed dispensaries are considered to be legal weed. The items being advertised at those boardwalk shops are untested, and are usually hemp-derived, lab-created THC alternatives like Delta-8 or Delta-7 — not real marijuana.
If you want to be sure that you know what you are consuming and who made it, visit one of the shops that have spent a great deal of time, money and effort to bring quality cannabis products to New Jersey for your legal enjoyment.
These businesses have endured stringent application processes and real estate bidding wars to participate in the market, and help drive tourism throughout our lovely Garden State.
H/T: www.nj.com
