Last Tuesday, a new law on cannabis was enacted in New Jersey. This law aims to expand the state’s current program on medical marijuana. With it, patients will be allowed to purchase more cannabis every month through home delivery. The law will also phase out the sales tax imposed on cannabis, among other charges. 

Things Learned in the Past Years 

According to Governor Phil Murphy, several things have been learned in the past years regarding the medical benefits of cannabis. He further added that the knowledge gained in the past years would have an impact on how the cannabis laws will be designed.  

Most importantly, those who have been sick and in great pain were treated. One such patient is Jake, the son of Mike Honig, who has relied on cannabis for his cancer treatment.  

Cannabis advocates have long been waiting for this to happen. Caregivers have also waited patiently for this. Above all, patients have been very hopeful for this new law to come.  

Changes in the Medical Marijuana Program 

The new law that was enacted has made several changes on the state’s medical-marijuana program, such as the following: 

• Patients can now purchase 3 oz. of medical marijuana each month instead of only two ounces. Furthermore, those who are terminally ill and have been receiving hospital care can purchase as many as they need. 

• The sales tax of 6.625% that’s applied to medical marijuana will be stopped eventually. This could be lowered to 2% by July 2021. 

• Doctors can now authorize their patients to receive medical cannabis for one year at a time instead of only three months. This will cut back the cost of medical expenses. 

• Home delivery of medical cannabis is now allowed. 

• Dispensaries are required to post their price lists online and they must not revise the price for more than once in a month. 

• Assistants to the physicians including nurses on advance practice can now authorize marijuana use for patients. 

• Those who registered for the medical marijuana program from other states will be considered qualifying patients in the state of New Jersey for 6 months.  

• The Cannabis Regulatory Commission will now oversee the medical cannabis program. 

Progressive and Innovative Medical Marijuana Law 

According to Assemblyman Joe Danielsen, these new changes to the medical marijuana law will make New Jersey’s medical marijuana law the most progressive and innovative in the country.  

Scientists and medical professionals can now work together while universities can educate more people that can greatly improve the lives of the patients. According to Gov. Murphy, the medical marijuana program has added around 3,000 patients a month prior to these new changes.  

He further added that part of the reason why this new law has to be enacted is that the number of patients needing treatment from medical cannabis is exploding. There is an imbalance in the supply and demand, which is trying to choke them.  

In addition, New Jersey has added six alternative treatment centers last December but as of now, none of them is licensed.