Medical marijuana is now tax-free for New Jersey patients

Purchases of marijuana through New Jersey's Medicinal Cannabis Program are now tax-free.

The Murphy administration is reminding Garden State residents that on July 1, sales tax was completely eliminated for residents enrolled in the program who purchase cannabis and cannabis products at a permitted medicinal dispensary.

While state sales tax has been eliminated, municipalities may continue to charge a 2% tax on dispensary sales.

Elimination of the sales tax, in three phases, was spelled out in a law signed by Gov. Phil Murphy in July 2019. The Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act was named after a 7-year-old boy from Howell who used medical cannabis for several months before dying of cancer in 2018.

“Removing state sales tax on medicinal cannabis is consistent with Governor Murphy and the Legislature’s intent to prioritize patients and improve affordability,” said Jeff Brown, executive director of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission. “As the sales tax has been phased out from 4% to 2% and now to 0% patients have been able to spend less on their medicine, further ensuring patients are prioritized over recreational consumers.”

New Jersey is home to about 130,000 medical marijuana patients.

This change does not impact purchases of recreational marijuana, the market for which launched on April 21 of this year.

Dino Flammia is a reporter for New Jersey 101.5. You can reach him at dino.flammia@townsquaremedia.com

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These are the best hiking spots in New Jersey

A trip to New Jersey doesn't have to be all about the beach. Our state has some incredible trails, waterfalls, and lakes to enjoy.

From the Pine Barrens to the Appalachian Trail to the hidden gems of New Jersey, you have plenty of options for a great hike. Hiking is such a great way to spend time outdoors and enjoy nature, plus it's a great workout.

Before you go out on the trails and explore some of our listeners' suggestions, I have some tips on hiking etiquette from the American Hiking Society.

If you are going downhill and run into an uphill hiker, step to the side and give the uphill hiker space. A hiker going uphill has the right of way unless they stop to catch their breath.

Always stay on the trail, you may see side paths, unless they are marked as an official trail, steer clear of them. By going off-trail you may cause damage to the ecosystems around the trail, the plants, and wildlife that live there.

You also do not want to disturb the wildlife you encounter, just keep your distance from the wildlife and continue hiking.

Bicyclists should yield to hikers and horses. Hikers should also yield to horses, but I’m not sure how many horses you will encounter on the trails in New Jersey.

If you are thinking of bringing your dog on your hike, they should be leashed, and make sure to clean up all pet waste.

Lastly, be mindful of the weather, if the trail is too muddy, it's probably best to save your hike for another day.

I asked our listeners for their suggestions of the best hiking spots in New Jersey, check out their suggestions: