Marijuana Addiction Statistics for New Jersey

Marijuana is one of the most commonly abused substances in New Jersey and across the United States. This post compiles key statistics, trends, and insights on marijuana addiction in New Jersey. 

Key Takeaways: 

• In 2022, about 20.3% of adults in New Jersey reported using cannabis in the past year.

• In 2019, 6.6% of New Jersey’s population reported smoking marijuana in the past month, with 4.5% being male and 2.1% female.

• From 2010 to 2019, 3.02 million people in New Jersey reported using marijuana at least once, with 35.8% of women and 45.2% of men having tried it.

• In 2021, there were 6,644 hospital admissions in New Jersey with marijuana as the primary drug, comprising 4,892 males and 1,662 females.

• Marijuana was the fourth-most commonly abused drug in New Jersey in 2021, making up 7% of all substance abuse treatment admissions.

• In 2021, individuals aged 25 to 59 had the highest number of marijuana-related hospital admissions in New Jersey, with 4,387 admissions.

• In 2016, about 75,000 teenagers aged 12-17 reported using marijuana, which increased to 78,000 by 2019.

• Hispanic/Latino students reported the highest rate of trying marijuana before age 13 at 4%, with other ethnic groups reporting rates of 2-3%.

• Multi-racial students in New Jersey had the highest current marijuana use rate (22%) in 2021. 

• In 2021, 17% of students reported using marijuana at least once in the past 30 days and 30% reported having used marijuana at some point in their lives.

• Female students reported a higher rate of current marijuana use (20%) compared to male students (14%) in 2021.

• Marijuana-related police incidents in schools increased from 1,794 reports in 2006 to 4,189 in 2019.

General Insights 

Here are general insights on marijuana addiction in New Jersey:

• In 2022, around 20.3% of adults in New Jersey reported using cannabis within the past year. 

• In 2019, 6.6% of New Jersey’s population reported smoking marijuana in the past month. Of this population, 4.5% were male and 2.1% were female. 

• According to the New Jersey State Policy Lab, 3.02 million individuals in New Jersey reported using marijuana at least once between 2010 and 2019, with 35.8% of women and 45.2% of men having tried it. 

• According to the New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), there were a total of 6,644 recorded hospital admissions with marijuana as the primary drug in 2021. Of this demographic, 4,892 were male and 1,662 were female. 

• In 2021, marijuana cases made up 7% of all substance abuse treatment admissions, according to the New Jersey DHHS. This makes marijuana the fourth most commonly abused drug in the state.

• In 2021, individuals aged 25 to 59 years had the highest number of marijuana-related hospital admissions in New Jersey, with 4,387 admissions. 

• Between 2010 and 2019, men in New Jersey were three times more likely than women to have used marijuana between 20 to 30 times in the past month, with 29.5% of male users compared to 9.6% of females. 

• In 2019, Essex County reported the highest number of marijuana-related admissions in New Jersey (1282 admissions or 12%), followed by Hudson (11%), Camden (9%), and Passaic County (8%). 

• According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), around 34.6% of young adults (aged 18 to 25) in New Jersey admitted to using marijuana in the past year between 2017 and 2019. This represents 302,000 individuals. 

• Between 2017 and 2019, around 6.0% of New Jersey’s young adults (or 55,000 individuals) lived with marijuana use disorder, according to SAMHSA.

• Between 2017 and 2019, around 12.5% of individuals in New Jersey (aged 12 or older) reported using marijuana in the past year. This makes up 942,000 individuals, lower than both regional and national numbers. Around 1.2% of this subgroup (or 94,000 individuals) met the criteria for marijuana use disorder. 

• In 2016, around 517,000 adults (over the age of 25) in New Jersey reported using marijuana within the past year. By 2019, this number had risen to 651,000—a 25.9% increase. 

• In New Jersey, 25% of those receiving treatment for marijuana abuse in 2015 were female, with the remaining 75% being male. By 2018, the proportion of female admissions had risen to 28.8%, while male admissions had decreased to 71.2%. 

Youth Marijuana Addiction in New Jersey

Youth marijuana addiction statistics for New Jersey include: 

• According to the New Jersey 2021 Student Health Survey, 17% of students reported using marijuana at least once in the past 30 days, while 30% admitted using marijuana at some point in their lives.

• In 2021, 3% of students reported they had tried marijuana for the first time before the age of 13. Of this demographic, Hispanic/Latino students had the highest early use rate at 4%, while all other racial categories reported rates of 2-3%.

• In a 2021 Student Health Survey, 10% of New Jersey students reported using e-vapor products containing only marijuana, a combination of tobacco and marijuana, or flavored marijuana at least once in the past 30 days.

• When asked about their perception of harm with weekly marijuana use, most students (32%) reported only slight risk, 24% perceived moderate risk, and 21% perceived no risk. 

• Of students reporting current marijuana use in 2021, 16% identified as heterosexual, 26% identified as gay, lesbian, or bisexual, and 17% identified as other or questioning. 

• In 2021, female students in New Jersey reported a higher rate of current marijuana use (20%) compared to males (14%). 

• In 2021, multi-racial students in New Jersey reported the highest rate of current marijuana usage (22%) compared to students of other racial groups. 

• Marijuana use was the highest among 12th graders in New Jersey compared to students of other grade levels (28%) in 2021. 

• According to the New Jersey State Policy Lab, about 75,000 teenagers aged 12-17 in New Jersey reported using marijuana in 2016. By 2019, this number increased to 78,000, indicating a 4% rise in marijuana usage. 

• Between 2006 and 2019, marijuana-related incidents were the most commonly reported school incidents to the police in New Jersey, increasing from 1,794 reports in 2006 to 4,189 in 2019.

• According to SAMHSA, an annual average of 6.5% (or 44,000) of New Jersey youth (aged 12 to 17) reported using marijuana in the past month during 2017 and 2019. This rate is comparable to the regional average of 7.1% and the national average of 6.8%. 

• Data from SAMHSA shows that an average of 6.0% (or 41,000) youth In New Jersey (aged 12 to 17) used marijuana for the first time in their lives each year from 2017 to 2019. 

Struggling with Marijuana Addiction?

Taking the first step toward overcoming marijuana addiction can be incredibly challenging. It’s natural to feel uncertain or even fearful about change. But remember, every journey begins with that crucial first step. On the other side of this struggle is a life full of possibilities and potential.

At Rubicon Recovery, we can help you reach a higher level. Our rehab center in New Jersey is dedicated to guiding you through this transformative process. We are here to support you in reclaiming your life and achieving your full potential. A brighter, healthier future is within your reach, and we will be with you every step of the way. Come visit us at our Marijuana Rehab in New Jersey or call us under (908) 332-0767.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Marijuana Possession Legal in New Jersey?

Yes, New Jersey state law allows adults (aged 21 or above) to possess up to 6 ounces of cannabis and cannabis products. Possessing a higher quantity is a crime punishable by serious fines and imprisonment. 

Are Marijuana Addiction Rates High in New Jersey?

Marijuana usage is slightly lower in New Jersey than the average U.S. rates—around 45.2% for New Jersey men compared to 48.6% in the U.S. Learn more in our post on New Jersey addiction statistics.

How Many Adults in New Jersey Use Marijuana?

More than one-fifth (20.3%) of New Jersey adults reported using marijuana in 2022, making it a fairly common drug. 

Data Sources

1. https://www.nj.gov/education/safety/survey/2021/2021MarijuanaUse.pdf
2. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/publications/statistical/Substance%20Abuse%20Overview/2021/statewide.pdf
3. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/sites/default/files/reports/rpt32847/NewJersey-BH-Barometer_Volume6.pdf
4. https://policylab.rutgers.edu/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/NJSPL-Cannabis-Feb2022.pdf
5. https://www.statista.com/statistics/723822/cannabis-use-within-one-year-us-adults/
6. https://exceltreatmentcenter.com/unveiling-the-truth-new-jersey-drug-use-statistics-uncovered/
7. https://www.alinalodge.org/addiction-treatment/substance-abuse-statistics-for-new-jersey/
8. https://www.nj.gov/humanservices/dmhas/publications/statistical/Substance%20Abuse%20Overview/2022/Statewide.pdf
9. https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/adult-personal/#:~:text=How%20much%20weed%20am%20I,cannabis%20products%20in%20their%20possession.