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grinders and other drug paraphernalia

What Are the Drug Paraphernalia Laws in New Jersey?

Laws regulating the manufacturing, distribution, and use of drugs are crucial in preventing and fighting substance abuse and other associated criminal activities. Drug paraphernalia laws contribute heavily to this fight. New Jersey state law prohibits the possession of drug paraphernalia with the intent to use it for illegal purposes. It is important to understand the state’s code and obtain representation when fighting drug-related criminal charges. Contact a Bergen County drug possession defense attorney for more information and to obtain legal counsel during your case.

What is Drug Paraphernalia?

Drug paraphernalia is any type of equipment, product, or accessory that is used in the production, consumption, or concealment of illegal drugs. Anything used to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce illicit drugs into the human body is considered drug paraphernalia and is included in certain New Jersey drug laws.

Examples of drug paraphernalia can include the following.

  • Pipes
  • Bongs
  • Rolling papers
  • Plastic baggies
  • Miniature spoons
  • Syringes
  • Scales
  • Hypodermic needles

Several NJ state laws focus on drug paraphernalia.

What Are the Laws Surrounding Drug Paraphernalia in NJ?

One of the most important things to establish when discussing drug paraphernalia laws in New Jersey is the relatively recent change in drug use and possession laws. As of 2021, recreational use and possession of marijuana is legal in New Jersey. Because of this change, it is important to keep in mind that the following drug paraphernalia laws do not apply to marijuana, given that the individual abides by possession laws. In New Jersey, individuals are permitted to have up to 6 ounces of cannabis on their person, though they still cannot manufacture the drug on their own.

The drug paraphernalia laws that pertain to illicit drugs are as follows.

“It shall be unlawful for any person to use, or to possess with intent to use, drug paraphernalia to plant, propagate, cultivate, grow, harvest, manufacture, compound, convert, produce, process, prepare, test, analyze, pack, repack, store, contain, conceal, ingest, inhale, or otherwise introduce into the human body a controlled dangerous substance, controlled substance analog or toxic chemical in violation of the provisions of chapter 35 of this title, other than when used, or possessed with intent to use, for ingesting, inhaling, or otherwise introducing marijuana or hashish into the human body. Any person who violates this section is guilty of a disorderly persons offense.”

By violating the above law you are making yourself vulnerable to a disorderly person offense (comparable to a misdemeanor in other states). Work with an experienced attorney during your case.

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