New Jersey adds five categories to medical marijuana program

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(This story has been updated from an earlier version.)

New Jersey’s medical marijuana program is undergoing a significant expansion, including the addition of five categories of conditions treatable by MMJ.

According to New York TV station WABC, Gov. Phil Murphy signed off Tuesday on the addition of:
  • Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders
  • Migraines
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic visceral pain
  • Tourette syndrome

New Jersey physicians can immediately begin recommending medical cannabis for the additional conditions.

Lengthening the conditions list should significantly increase the patient pool and add more customers for the existing MMJ businesses in the state.

Here’s what you need to know about the new rules:

  • The five operating Alternative Treatment Centers – the state’s name for dispensaries – will be able to open satellite locations. The governor recommended that the treatment centers be allowed to convert from nonprofit status to for-profit businesses, WABC reported.
  • Doctors no longer must appear on a public registry to recommend MMJ, a change that likely will result in more patient access and greater sales opportunities.
  • Patients will pay less to sign up for the MMJ program. The price dropped from $200 to $100.
  • The governor is also recommending raising the monthly MMJ purchase limit from 2 ounces to 4 ounces and allowing adults to consume edibles.