State Marijuana Regulators Share Tips On How To Stay Safe And Legal Around The Holidays

Another holiday season has arrived—and, with it, another round of public
service announcements from regulators in states that have legalized
marijuana that are aimed at advising people about how to comply with the
law and stay safe amid the merriment.

This has become something of a trend over recent years, with states
increasingly using the annual occasion to promote messaging focused on
education over stigma to help cannabis consumers better understand the
laws—particularly around impaired driving—while also offering advice to
prevent overindulgence.

This year, cannabis regulators in New Jersey and Virginia have put out
holiday-themed social media and blog posts about safe consumption practices.

“The holidays are a time for food, fun, laughter, and connecting with the
people who make life sweeter,” the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory
Commission (NJ-CRC) said. “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.”

The acronym stands for “Safe, Mindful, Aware, Responsible and Thoughtful.”

“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,” the officials said.

“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,” the state
blog post says. “Be Safe. Be Mindful. Be Aware. Be Responsible. Be
Thoughtful. Be S.M.A.R.T. this holiday season.”

Wishing you a holiday season filled with love, happiness, and good vibes.
If cannabis is a part of your celebration, keep it away from kids, use in
moderation, and don’t drive high. pic.twitter.com/iTRWhB3nAG

— New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (@NewJerseyCRC) December 22,
2025

On X, NJ-CRC emphasized that people who use marijuana in compliance with
state law should not drive after using cannabis, ensure that marijuana
products are kept away from children and practice moderation.

Virginia’s Cannabis Control Authority (CCA), meanwhile, shared a post
stressing the importance of understanding the state’s unique marijuana law,
particularly as it concerns “gifting.”

Planning to give the gift of green this year? (wink*wink*)

Before you do, make sure you’re doing it legally.

We break down legal adult exchanges of cannabis: https://t.co/ELOe9YUjNV
pic.twitter.com/VCGNmDF91f

— Virginia Cannabis Control Authority (@Virginia_CCA) December 4, 2025

Possession, as well as non-commercial gifting, of cannabis is permitted
under the current law in Virginia. But there are certain policy parameters
to keep in mind as lawmakers look to 2026 to establish a retail market
under an incoming pro-reform governor.

“While ‘adult sharing’ of cannabis between people 21 years and older is
legal in Virginia, this term only applies to specific situations. Other
exchanges may be illegal and can carry penalties. Common illegal exchanges
are known as ‘gifting schemes,'” the CCA’s guidance says.

“‘Gifting’ cannabis to someone as part of the sale of another good or
service, like a sticker or seminar” is not legal, it says.

Several other states—from California to New York—have also historically
publicized public education campaigns around the holidays in recent years.

About one in three Americans say their holiday “pregame” routine involves
using marijuana, according to a new survey.

Mainstream media outlets this past November also picked up on a trend
that’s long been practiced within the cannabis community: the “cousin
walk,” a Thanksgiving pre-game (and usually pre-dinner) tradition for some
where the typically younger adults at a gathering will sneak away for a
cannabis break before the feast begins.

The post State Marijuana Regulators Share Tips On How To Stay Safe And
Legal Around The Holidays appeared first on Marijuana Moment.