Official Site of The State of New Jersey
The holidays are a time for food, fun, laughter, and connecting with the people who make life sweeter. And as more adults in New Jersey choose to enjoy, or gift legal cannabis during the season, the NJ-CRC has launched its second safe-use campaign, S.M.A.R.T., to help keep celebrations (relatively) stress-free.
S.M.A.R.T. is an easy way to remember the basics of responsible cannabis use, especially when travel is constant, roads are chaotic, homes are busy, and curious little ones are wandering.
S is for Safe
Cannabis is legal in New Jersey for adults 21 and over, but safe use still comes down to personal choices.
If you plan to enjoy cannabis this holiday season, be safe and:
Licensed dispensaries sell regulated products that are tested, properly labeled, packaged in child-resistant resealable containers, and safer than anything sold by unlicensed sellers. Remember that where you shop matters, and that safe use always starts with you.
M is for Mindful
More gatherings mean more travel. More travel means more opportunities to make the right choice. If you use cannabis – in any form, don’t drive. It’s that simple.
Being mindful means planning.
Getting around safely protects you, your passengers, and everyone else sharing the road. Be mindful – don't drive high!
A is for Aware
Pregnancy changes everything, including what’s safe to use. Holiday gatherings bring a mix of foods, drinks, and conversations. People who are pregnant or may become pregnant should avoid cannabis infused food and beverages. Pregnant people should also stay away from those who may expose them to secondhand smoke – yes, even weed smoke.
It’s not about judgment. It’s about awareness. Being aware means knowing when cannabis is not recommended and choosing to protect the health of both parent and baby.
R is for Responsible
Children are always active, and holiday parties make them even more energetic.
Whether you’re hosting or visiting:
A responsible parent, or host, keeps cannabis secured before the guests arrive. Good food, good vibes, and safe choices set the tone for a joyful gathering.
T is for Thoughtful
Teens already juggle enough: school, sports, goals, identity, friendships, mastering the latest TikTok dance, all of it.
Thoughtful teens understand they deserve a clear mind and a strong start as they work toward their dreams. Using cannabis before 21 can affect memory, motivation, and focus. Cannabis can wait.
S.M.A.R.T. Celebrations Start with All of Us
Whether you’re a host, a guest, a first-time weed shopper, someone who already knows their way around a dispensary, or can roll up with one hand, being S.M.A.R.T. helps everyone to relax and enjoy the season.
Be Safe. Be Mindful. Be Aware. Be Responsible. Be Thoughtful. Be S.M.A.R.T. this holiday season.
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The information presented in this blog post is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare provider if you have any questions about a medical condition or incorporating cannabis into your treatment. Do not ignore professional medical advice or delay seeking it due to anything you may have read on this website.
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How Terpenes Affect Your Cannabis Experience
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Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, including cannabis. They give plants their characteristic scents, help protect them from mold, fungus and other pathogens, and play a crucial role in modulating cannabis' psychoactive effects. For example, two strains with identical THC percentages can feel completely different, one may leave you sedated and the other may leave you energized. More than a hundred terpenes exist in cannabis, each with its unique aroma and potential therapeutic benefits. Terpenes are essential for shaping the plant’s impact on the human body and mind.
2025 in Review -- a year of continued growth & equity at NJ-CRC
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In 2025, the Commission continued expanding access to regulated cannabis for patients and consumers across the state, with more than 396 licensed businesses operating in 211 municipalities. New Jersey’s cannabis market continued to mature, generating nearly $860 million in sales during the first three quarters of the year. During the same period, approximately $49.5 million in tax revenue and just over $8 million in SEEF funds were collected. Equity remained central to the Commission’s work in 2025. From licensing and education to data transparency and community engagement, the NJ-CRC took deliberate steps to ensure that the benefits of legalization continue to reach diverse entrepreneurs and communities most impacted by cannabis prohibition, while holding licensees accountable to the standards set forth under the CREAMM Act.
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