Can you smoke weed in public? What you need to know in New Jersey

As summer rolls in, more people are out and about, and you might notice the distinct smell of pot wafting through the air. Cannabis, whether you call it weed, pot, dope, grass, herb, or reefer, goes by many names. But before you light up, there are a few things you should know.

Recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey. But what does that really mean? Can you smoke weed in public?

According to NJ’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act, the sale and use of weed and other cannabis products is legal for adults over 21.

However, the law doesn’t give users free range to light up anywhere.

Can you smoke weed in public in New Jersey?

New Jersey’s laws on marijuana say it’s illegal to use weed in public places where smoking is prohibited by the New Jersey Smokefree Air Act (NJ SFAA).

So, restaurants, schools, gyms and libraries are clearly pot-free spots. But where else should you not be smelling someone else’s recreational marijuana?

• Parks and recreational areas such as Liberty State Park, Six Flags Great Adventure, or any public playgrounds.
• Beaches and boardwalks like the Atlantic City Boardwalk, Point Pleasant Beach, or any other beach or boardwalk.
• Schools and educational facilities including Rutgers University, Princeton University, and local public and private schools.
• Public transit stations such as NJ Transit train stations, bus stops, or the Newark Liberty International Airport.
• Office buildings, such as those in downtown Newark or corporate offices in Jersey City.
• Restaurants and bars including The Chart House in Weehawken and The Ashford in Jersey City.
• Event venues like MetLife Stadium, Prudential Center, and any concert or sports venues.
• Public housing facilities managed by entities like the New Jersey Housing and Mortgage Finance Agency.
• Daycare centers such as The Learning Experience or KinderCare locations.
• Shopping malls like the Mall at Short Hills and the Cherry Hill Mall.

And, no, you can’t smoke in your car or while walking in your neighborhood, either.

Bottom line, pot is only legal on private property where the owner allows it — and is allowed to allow it.

Maria Francis is a Pennsylvania-based journalist reporting on trending issues across the Mid-Atlantic region.