{"id":375005,"date":"2018-07-23T09:52:55","date_gmt":"2018-07-23T14:52:55","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-drug-possession-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-03-26T15:38:42","modified_gmt":"2025-03-26T20:38:42","slug":"new-jersey-drug-possession-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-drug-possession-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"New Jersey Drug Possession Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-8f761849 fl-sectionWithSidebar fl-container fl-flex fl-flex-wrap fl-gap30\">\n    \n    <div class=\"fl-page-articles fl-section-main fl-section-main-full-width\">\n        <h1 class=\"fl-no-margin-top\">New Jersey Drug Possession Laws<\/h1>\n<section class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline\">\n    <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-content\">\n                    By <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/melissa-mccall-j-d\/\">Melissa McCall, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by <a\n                href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw Staff<\/a>\n                | Last updated\n        <time>\n                            March 26, 2025\n                    <\/time>\n    <\/div>\n\n    \n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-legally-reviewed\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Legally Reviewed\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team.html\">FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/company-history\/editorial-policy.html\">our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n\n    <details class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle fl-gutenberg-byline-fast-checked\">\n        <summary>\n            <i class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-icon\" aria-hidden=\"true\"><\/i>\n            Fact-Checked\n        <\/summary>\n\n        <div class=\"fl-gutenberg-byline-toggle-content\">\n            <p><em>The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our <a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/company\/our-team\/contributing-authors.html\">contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/?fli=bylinelink\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n        <\/div>\n    <\/details>\n<\/section>\n<p>New Jersey law bans the knowing and purposeful possession of controlled substances and controlled substances analogs unless a licensed medical doctor prescribes the drugs. New Jersey classifies drugs under a schedule like the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/\" title=\"Drug Enforcement Administration&#039;s (DEA)\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Drug Enforcement Administration&#8217;s (DEA)<\/a> from a high potential to a low potential for abuse. Those convicted of this drug crime face penalties that include fines and a prison sentence or jail time.<\/p>\r\n<p>This article will discuss drug laws in New Jersey.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Drug Possession Basics<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/criminal\/criminal-charges\/drug-possession-overview.html\" title=\"Drug possession\">Drug possession<\/a> is a crime that happens when a person knowingly has illegal drugs or controlled substances. New Jersey&#8217;s laws cover different types of drugs, including the following:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Marijuana<\/li>\r\n<li>Heroin<\/li>\r\n<li>Cocaine<\/li>\r\n<li>Methamphetamines<\/li>\r\n<li>Fentanyl<\/li>\r\n<li>LSD<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p>New Jersey&#8217;s drug possession laws also ban the illegal possession of prescription drugs and drug paraphernalia.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>New Jersey Drug Schedules<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>Like many states, New Jersey follows the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dea.gov\/drug-information\/drug-scheduling\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">DEA drug schedule<\/a> to classify drugs. These classifications form the base of New Jersey\u2019s drug possession laws. The DEA classifies drugs into five Schedules, as follows:<\/p>\r\n<table border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Classification<\/th>\r\n<td><p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><td><p><b>Schedule I<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<td><p>Includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and no acceptable medical use. Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Marijuana<\/li>\r\n<li>LSD<\/li>\r\n<li>Hashish<\/li>\r\n<li>Heroin<\/li>\r\n<li>MDMA<\/li>\r\n<li>Psilocybin mushrooms<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Schedule II<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Includes drugs with a high potential for abuse and acceptable medical use (with some restrictions).&nbsp;Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Codeine<\/li>\r\n<li>Cocaine<\/li>\r\n<li>Fentanyl<\/li>\r\n<li>Oxycodone<\/li>\r\n<li>Methamphetamine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Schedule III<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Includes drugs with a potential for abuse and accepted medical use.&nbsp;Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Ketamine<\/li>\r\n<li>Tylenol with codeine<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Schedule IV<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Includes drugs with a low potential for abuse and an accepted medical use.&nbsp;Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Alprazolam<\/li>\r\n<li>Clonazepam<\/li>\r\n<li>Diazepam<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Schedule V<\/th>\r\n<td><p>Includes drugs with a low potential for abuse (as compared to the other Schedules) and an accepted medical use. Examples include:<\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Cough preparations with less than 200 milligrams of codeine<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<h2>&nbsp;<\/h2>\r\n<h2><b>New Jersey Drug Possession Laws<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<table border=\"1\">\r\n<tbody><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Statutes<\/th>\r\n<td><p>The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-criminal-justice\/nj-st-sect-2c-35-10.html\" title=\"The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C \u00a7 35-10\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2C \u00a7 35-10<\/a> (possession, in general); <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-2c-the-new-jersey-code-of-criminal-justice\/nj-st-sect-2c-36-2.html\" title=\"The New Jersey Code of Criminal Justice 2C \u00a7 36-2\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">2C \u00a7 36-2<\/a> (paraphernalia); Food and Drugs <a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/title-24-food-and-drugs\/nj-st-sect-24-6i-1.html\" title=\"Food and Drugs 24 \u00a7 6I-1\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">24 \u00a7 6I-1<\/a> (medical marijuana)<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Statutory definition of the offense<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\r\n<\/th>\r\n<td><p>It is unlawful for any person, knowingly or purposely, to obtain, or to possess, actually or constructively, a controlled dangerous substance or controlled substance analog, unless the substance was obtained directly, or pursuant to a valid prescription or order form from a practitioner, while acting in the course of his professional practice, or except as otherwise authorized.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Crime classifications and penalties<\/th>\r\n<td><p><b>Heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine (and all other illicit drugs except marijuana)<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Any Amount: Third-degree crime (three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Marijuana*<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li>Less than 50g (or less than 5g of hashish): Disorderly person offense (up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000)<\/li>\r\n<li>More than 50g (or more than 5g of hashish): Fourth-degree crime (up to 18 months in prison and a fine of up to $15,000)<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Drug paraphernalia<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Anything intended to &quot;introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance&quot; (pipes, hypodermic needles, etc.): Disorderly person offense (up to six months in jail and a fine of up to $1,000)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><b>Unauthorized prescription drugs<\/b><\/p>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><p>Any amount: Third-degree crime (Three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $35,000)<\/p>\r\n<\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<p><i>*New Jersey law allows for the <\/i><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/healthcare\/patient-rights\/medical-marijuana-laws-by-state.html\" title=\"Medical Marijuana Laws by State\"><i>medical use of cannabis<\/i><\/a><i>. Qualifying patients and\/or their caregivers may possess up to 2 oz. of marijuana per month.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><tr><th scope=\"row\" style=\"text-align: left;\">Drug court<\/th>\r\n<td><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.njcourts.gov\/attorneys\/directives\/01-20\" title=\"New Jersey Drug Courts\" target=\"_blank\" style=\"font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\" _rte_style=\"font-size: 0.8125rem; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255);\" _rte_ rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey Drug Courts<\/a> offer incentives for drug crime defendants with substance abuse problems to seek rehabilitation and submit to regular drug screening in exchange for reduced or deferred sentences.<\/p>\r\n<p>Please note that the drug court can impose a sentence of community service on anyone caught with these drugs within 1,000 feet of a school or on a school bus who does not receive a prison sentence.<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n<p><i><b>Disclaimer:<\/b> State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information, please conduct your legal research to verify the state laws you are researching.<\/i><\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Research the Law<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/state-codes.html\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">Official State Codes<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/codes.findlaw.com\/nj\/\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey Statutes and Constitutions<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<h2><b>Get Legal Help<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<p>If you or a loved one are facing drug possession charges, you should speak to an <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/new-jersey?fli=dcta\" title=\"experienced criminal defense attorney\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">experienced criminal defense attorney<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/drug-crime\/new-jersey?fli=dcta\" title=\"drug crimes lawyer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">drug crimes lawyer<\/a>. They are criminal law experts who can help you achieve the best possible outcome in fighting these criminal charges. If this is your first offense, they can advocate for a diversion program and advise you of possible expungement of your criminal record. Contact an experienced <a href=\"https:\/\/lawyers.findlaw.com\/criminal-law\/new-jersey?fli=dcta\" title=\"New Jersey criminal defense lawyer\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">New Jersey criminal defense lawyer<\/a> for an initial consultation.<\/p>\r\n<h2><b>Related Resources<\/b><\/h2>\r\n<ul>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-criminal-laws.html\" title=\"New Jersey Criminal Laws\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">New Jersey Criminal Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-criminal-statute-of-limitations-laws.html\" title=\"New Jersey Criminal Statutes of Limitations\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">New Jersey Criminal Statutes of Limitations<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-marijuana-laws.html\" title=\"New Jersey Marijuana Laws\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">New Jersey Marijuana Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-cocaine-laws.html\" title=\"New Jersey Cocaine Laws\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">New Jersey Cocaine Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/new-jersey-law\/new-jersey-heroin-laws.html\" title=\"New Jersey Heroin Laws\" style=\"background-color: rgb(255,255,255);\">New Jersey Heroin Laws<\/a><\/li>\r\n<\/ul>\r\n<div class=\"was-this-helpful\">\n    <div\n            class=\"was-this-helpful__question-container\"\n            aria-labelledby=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n            role=\"group\"\n    >\n        <span\n                id=\"was-this-helpful__question\"\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__question fl-text-lg-bold\"\n        >Was this helpful?<\/span>\n        <button\n                class=\"was-this-helpful__button fl-text-sm\"\n                aria-label=\"Yes\"\n                value=\"yes\"\n        >\n            <span 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<\/div>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>FindLaw discusses New Jersey&#8217;s drug possession laws, drug schedules and penalties for violations of these laws. 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