Education from The Public Garden

In November 2020, New Jersey voters passed Public Question No. 1, which legalized the possession and personal use of marijuana for adults 21 and older. The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) oversees the licensing and regulation of adult-use cannabis businesses.

Cannabis sales in New Jersey are subject to state sales tax, and municipalities may impose up to a 2% local excise tax.

For additional information, visit the CRC’s website: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/

Consumers may possess up to 1 ounce of marijuana or 5 grams of marijuana concentrate. Marijuana over 1 ounce at home must be secured by a lock. Public consumption and open containers in vehicles are prohibited. The Public Garden advises storing marijuana securely and away from children and pets.

Home cultivation is illegal in NJ for recreational use, and traveling across state lines with marijuana is also prohibited.

For more information, visit the CRC’s website: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/

New Jersey does allow cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, in cannabis products sold at licensed dispensaries. However, there are specific regulations regarding the amount of THC allowed in adult-use products. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission oversees the legal sale of these products. It’s important to note that any products must be purchased from licensed dispensaries, and the possession or use of cannabis-derived products outside of the state’s guidelines can be illegal.

Marijuana comes in various forms, such as dried flower, oils, tinctures, topicals, and edibles. Each strain—whether indica, sativa, or hybrid—contains different combinations of cannabinoids, like THC and CBD, which produce distinct effects. The Public Garden offers a wide selection of strains and products to meet individual needs, allowing consumers to choose based on desired effects, such as relaxation, energy, or pain relief.

The Public Garden offers a broad range of products, regularly updating its selection. Below are descriptions of some marijuana products available at The Public Garden locations:

Marijuana Flower: A variety of strains for smoking or vaporizing, reviewed regularly based on demand.

Marijuana-Infused Products (MIPs): Edibles like chocolates and lozenges, as well as pills, providing an alternative to smoking.

Concentrates: Hash, oils, and waxes for a potent, fast-onset experience.

Paraphernalia & Related Supplies: Vaporizers, pipes, rolling papers, storage jars, and other accessories to help with consumption, storage, and safe use.

There are many different ways to administer marijuana to achieve a desired effect, and there are a number of factors that impact the effects felt by each consumer. Marijuana is generally inhaled by smoking or vaping, or ingested orally in the form of tinctures, oils, edibles, or can be applied topically.

• Smoking marijuana is the most popular consumption method and has the quickest effect. As the user inhales, the cannabinoids are introduced into the bloodstream, having an almost instant effect. The effects can last anywhere from ninety (90) minutes to several hours, and peak effects are usually felt after thirty (30) minutes. Vaporizing is an alternative way to inhaling marijuana. Rather than smoking, vaporizing or “vaping” involves heating the marijuana flower or concentrates to a temperature that produces vapor without combustion. Vaping eliminates many of the harmful carcinogens and tars that are often present in smoke. After smoking or vaping marijuana, consumers should wait at least thirty (30) minutes before increasing their dose.
  
  
• Ingesting marijuana is a popular administration method for consumers who prefer not to smoke or vape and are looking for longer lasting effects. Usually, food products such as chocolates, lozenges, or capsules are infused with marijuana extracts that can be swallowed. These products are referred to as Marijuana Infused Products or “MIPs.” New users should start with a small dose and wait two (2) hours before increasing the dosage. Consumers should consult with their physicians regarding a proper marijuana dose for MIPs consumption.
  
  
• Some consumers can achieve the desired effect of marijuana by topically applying infused products to their skin. With topicals, the marijuana is absorbed through the consumer’s skin in order to achieve the desire effect. Often, topicals do not produce psychoactive effects or a “high” for consumers.

• Different products will vary in potency, cannabinoid profile, and effects. Consumers should experiment to find the ideal dose for their desired effects and are encouraged to keep a log of consumption, methods, and effects. A consumer’s tolerance will vary based on a variety of factors that including weight, body chemistry, and metabolism. All marijuana products will be lab tested and clearly labeled to ensure consistent dosing and packaging.
• When consuming MIPs, it is important for consumers to wait the appropriate amount of time before consuming more to reach a desired effect. Consumers should start with a low dose and should not increase it until they know the impact and the timing it takes to reach such impact. A common mistake with MIPs consumption is taking too high of an initial dose. Such mistakes can be avoided if consumers “start low and go slow” and carefully monitor the effects.
• When consuming MIPs, it is recommended that consumers do so on a full stomach in order to decrease the intensity of the effects. It is also recommended that marijuana should not be used in conjunction with alcohol or other drugs, and consumers should not operate a vehicle or machinery while using marijuana. For women who are pregnant, there may be additional health risks associated with consumption of marijuana. All consumers should consult with their physicians about health and safety risks associated with using marijuana.
• The labels on marijuana products will outline the product’s cannabinoid profile and dosage information. Consumers should read the labels before purchasing and using marijuana to ensure they have the correct and desired products and doses. Consumers should consult an The Public Garden agent if they have additional questions.

• Marijuana products should be kept in their original childproof/tamperproof packaging and stored separately from other food.
• Consumers should speak with a healthcare provider before using marijuana, especially if they are using medications.
• Consumers have reported a variety of side effects associated with the use of marijuana including dry mouth, dizziness, paranoia, anxiety, slowed reactions times, and impaired motor skills. Side effects can vary for different consumers.
• It is illegal to drive under the influence of marijuana (M.G.L. c.90, s.24).
• The use of marijuana and marijuana products is strictly prohibited on the premises of The Boston Garden.
• Marijuana should also be kept away from children and stored under lock and key to avoid accidental ingestion. Consumers need to always be responsible about safe storage of marijuana and marijuana products.

Although different drugs have different physical effects, the symptoms of addiction are similar. If you recognize the signs and symptoms of substance abuse, consider talking to someone about your drug use. Some examples of signs and symptoms of substance abuse are:

• Neglecting responsibilities at school, work, or home because of drug use;
• Using drugs under dangerous conditions or taking risks while high;
• An increase in drug tolerance;
• Taking drugs to avoid or relieve withdrawal symptoms, which may include nausea, sweating, shakiness, and extreme anxiety;
• Causing problems in relationships;
• Abandoning enjoyed activities;
• Continue using drugs, despite knowledge of potential and actual harms; or
• Losing control over drug use.
  
  

Physical dependence to marijuana has not been substantiated by extensive research, but frequent or heavy use of marijuana can lead to increased tolerance resulting in the need for higher doses and different strains. For additional information on tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal, visit https://drugabuse.com/marijuana-abuse/.

HelpGuide.org is a non-profit dedicated to improving mental and emotional health and provides resources to recognize abuse and addiction. HelpGuide provides a guide to common signs and symptoms of drug abuse and addiction.

Addictions signs include increased tolerance, using drugs to avoid withdrawal, life revolves around drug use, abandonment of activities previously found to be enjoyable, extended use, and loss of control. For more information about substance abuse and addiction, visit https://www.helpguide.org/home-pages/addictions.htm

The Massachusetts Substance Use Helpline can be reached at 800-327-5050. Resources are also available on the Massachusetts Use Helpline website – https://helplinema.org/

• Staff and Resources. The Public Garden’s agents are trained, highly knowledgeable and available to answer questions and provide additional resources about the use of marijuana. We encourage consumers to ask questions when they visit the dispensary, via telephone, and through our website.
• Consultations. While most consumers will interact with The Public Garden’s staff while purchasing their marijuana and marijuana products, The Boston Garden also offers individual appointments for in-depth, one-on-one discussions about different products, uses, and their application. The Public Garden agents are also available to explain to a consumer how to use the products. Please note, however, that on-site consumption, even for demonstration purposes, is strictly prohibited on The Public Garden’s premises.
• Accommodation Services. The Public Garden is committed to serving consumers with special needs. The Public Garden offers interpreter services in several different languages, including for the visually- and hearing-impaired.

Overview
The Public Garden is committed to providing the highest quality marijuana to its consumers. In furtherance of that commitment and in compliance with state law, The Public Garden utilizes an independent testing laboratory to test samples from all of the marijuana that The Public Garden produces. Such testing ensures that all marijuana and marijuana products are free from contaminants, such as mold, mildew, heavy metals, plant-growth regulators, and pesticides. The Public Garden has a Quality Control Procedure in place to address test results showing contamination, which is described below.

Contamination Investigation Procedure
The Public Garden will ensure that all marijuana and marijuana products for retail sale have been tested for the presence of contaminants, including but not limited to mold, mildew, heavy metals, plant-growth regulators, and pesticides. All such testing will be done by an independent laboratory with which The Public Garden maintains a contractual relationship.

In the event that sampling test results indicate contamination, The Public Garden will initiate its Contamination Investigation Procedure:

1. The Public Garden will internally document the initial contamination information, including:
   1. The batch number from which the tested sample was taken;
   2. The contaminant detected; and
   3. Date of sample test.
2. If the contaminant is a material introduced by during cultivation or processing, The Public Garden will review protocols and procedures for the application of such chemical to determine the cause of the presence of excessive testing levels. The results of such investigation will be recorded with the internal contamination documentation, and any necessary alterations to The Public Garden procedure or infrastructure will be made to applicable The Public Garden operational manuals or physically implemented, as necessary. Furthermore, The Public Garden will implement any training or retraining on protocols related to the contamination, as applicable.
3. If the contaminant is a foreign substance not intentionally introduced by The Public Garden, The Public Garden will undertake an investigation to determine the following:
   1. Where the contamination occurred;
   2. When the contamination occurred;
   3. The root cause of the introduction of the contaminant; and
   4. Remedial steps to prevent future contamination.

The results of such investigation will be recorded with the internal contamination documentation, and any necessary alterations to The Public Garden procedure or infrastructure will be made to applicable The Public Garden operational manuals or physically implemented, as necessary. Furthermore, The Public Garden will implement any training or retraining on protocols related to the contamination, as applicable.

Based on The Public Garden’s investigations of any contamination, The Public Garden will determine all affected marijuana and immediately segregate and destroy all contaminated marijuana in accordance with The Public Garden’s marijuana waste disposal procedures.

• Marijuana has not been analyzed or approved by the FDA. There is limited information on the side effects of marijuana, and there may be health risks associated with using marijuana. Marijuana and marijuana products should be kept away from children and stored in such a way as to prevent access by anyone under the age of 21.
• When under the influence of marijuana, driving is prohibited by M.G.L. c. 90, § 24, and machinery should not be operated.
• Consumers may not sell marijuana to any other individual; only Marijuana Retailer Establishments licensed by the Commission may sell marijuana and marijuana products directly to consumers.
• Selling marijuana to others is illegal and a first-time offense (under 50 pounds) may be punishable by up to 2 years imprisonment / $5,000 fine. Subsequent offenses may be punishable by up to 2.5 years imprisonment / $10,000 fine.
• Possessing more than the legal limit (1 oz.) outside your home may be penalized by up to 6 months imprisonment / $500 fine.
• Failure to keep marijuana and marijuana products in excess of one ounce locked up within the home may be punished by a civil penalty of up to $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana.
• The civil penalty for consuming marijuana in public or smoking marijuana where smoking tobacco is prohibited is up to $100.
• An individual may receive a civil penalty of up to $500 for having an open container of marijuana in the passenger area of a vehicle while on the road or at a place where the public has access.
• An adult may not grow marijuana plants where the plants “are visible from a public place.” A violation of this section is punishable as a civil offense with a penalty not to exceed $300 and forfeiture of the marijuana.
• A person who is at least 21 years of age and who cultivates more than 6 but not more than 12 marijuana plants or who possesses an amount of marijuana outside of his or her place of residence having a weight of more than 1 ounce but not more than 2 ounces shall be subject only to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and forfeiture of the marijuana not allowed.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally supply, give, or provide marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories to a person, under 21 years of age, either for the person’s own use or for the use of the person’s parent or another person shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally allow a person under 21 years of age (except for the children and grandchildren of the person charged) to possess marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.
• An individual under 18-20 years of age (unless a patient with a registration card for medical use of marijuana) that purchases or tries to purchase marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and completion of a drug awareness program.
• An individual under 18 years old that purchases or tries to purchase marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100, completion of a drug awareness program, and notification of parent or legal guardian. Failure to complete drug awareness program within one year of offense may be basis for delinquency proceedings.
• An individual 18-20 years of age that alters, defaces, or otherwise falsifies identification (ID) offered as proof of age with the intent of purchasing marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100 and completion of a drug awareness program.
• An individual under 18 years old that alters, defaces, or otherwise falsifies ID offered as proof of age with the intent of purchasing marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $100, completion of a drug awareness program, and notification of parent or legal guardian. Failure to complete drug awareness program within one year of offense may be basis for delinquency proceedings.
• Individuals who knowingly and intentionally allow a person under 21 years of age (except for the children and grandchildren of the person charged) to possess marijuana, marijuana products, or marijuana accessories on premises or property owned or controlled by the person charged shall be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $2,000 or imprisonment for not more than one year or both the fine and imprisonment.