New Jersey Medical Marijuana

Early 2010, New Jersey Medical Marijuana became the 14th of such laws to be accepted in the United States. The legislature approved the measure, but made it very clear that any such laws were to be very tight, and would not fall victim to the ambiguity that has befallen some of New Jersey’s predecessors. To start, New Jersey Medical Marijuana is very specific on the conditions which qualifying, and on the methods of procurement by patients.

Although the measure passed the Legislature in January of 2010, it was not set to become active until the Department of Health organizes a set of rules and regulations to govern the cultivation and distribution aspect. Until that time, however, residents are left with no clear protection for possession and procurement of medical marijuana.

Medical Marijuana New Jersey law’s aim is to be as clear cut and detailed as possible, in order to prevent ambiguity. To ensure clarity and legitimacy of use, New Jersey Medical Marijuana has two distinctive points: specific and clear cut illnesses that are left with no other options other than cannabis use, and a heavily regulated and detailed distribution process. The medical conditions that are currently acceptable for medical use of cannabis include:

• Seizures/Epliepsy
• Glaucoma
• Severe Pain, Severe Nausea, and/or Cachexia specifically caused by: HIV/AIDS or Cancer
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Any terminal illness with a prognosis of less than 12 months of life
• and/or any additional conditions approved by the Department of Health,/li>

Even more specific is the proposed procurement process. First and foremost, dispensaries are to be considered Alternative Treatment Centers and are to be established by permit issue—after approval—by the Department of Health. The initial two Alternative Treatment Centers in each of the four regions of the state are required to be nonprofits—and each region will have at least two centers. Any subsequent Centers whose allowance will be authorized only after a proven need is evident, may either be nonprofit or for profit.

Most uniquely to the proposed Medical Marijuana New Jersey legislation—a patient, once registered with the state, must use only one Alternative Treatment Center, and must present a physician’s recommendation for medication, similar to a prescription. A patient is limited to two ounces or usable cannabis each month, and their protection under the law is limited to that amount.