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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Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can happen after someone has lived through distressing or life-threatening events. People with PTSD may have disturbing flashbacks, nightmares, or be overly guarded. It can cause trouble sleeping, mood swings, or disruptions to daily life. This mental health condition is the third most common condition participants in New Jersey’s Medicinal Cannabis Program are treating with cannabis Many patients, including veterans, turn to cannabis when other treatments are not enough or don't work.
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In this episode of High Points, Danielle Bartsche, MPH, BS, CHES, who focuses on epidemiology and community outreach for the New Jersey Poison Control Center, discusses how cannabis poisoning can affect adults, children, and pets, what symptoms to look out for, and what steps to take if an overdose is suspected. Danielle also highlights how New Jersey’s packaging requirements, consumer education, and the availability of Poison Control support are helping to reduce risks and promote responsible cannabis use.
New Jersey now has cannabis lounges
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New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act makes it clear where you shouldn’t light up and risk being a nuisance or health hazard for others. No smoking in indoor public spaces like restaurants, bars, or offices. No smoking in public parks, or on beaches. With all the spaces where you cannot smoke, cannabis users now have legal spaces to smoke cannabis socially outside their homes—cannabis consumption areas. Imagine meeting friends for happy hour, but at a dispensary’s cannabis lounge instead of your local bar, and without alcohol.
