Medical Cannabis vs. Adult-Use: The Battle for Dominance in New Jersey
Attention all hipsters! Brace yourselves for the latest controversy in the world of cannabis. In most states where recreational cannabis is legal, the medical cannabis industry is feeling the heat. And New Jersey is no exception.
According to a recent report by the New Jersey Monitor, patients are feeling neglected by the state’s medical cannabis program. The news outlet spoke with Michael Wiehl, a local patient, who expressed his concerns. “It’s like they’re not even trying anymore. It’s like they’ve given up on saving the program. And I just don’t get it. There’s so much more they could do, but they just don’t care,” Wiehl lamented. “It’s like they’ve thrown in the towel.”
The Rise and Fall of New Jersey’s Medical Cannabis Program
New Jersey’s medical cannabis program, also known as the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, was established in January 2010. But with the legalization of adult-use cannabis sales in April 2022, the program has seen a significant decline in patient enrollment.
As of April 15, there are approximately 80,000 registered medical cannabis patients in New Jersey. However, at its peak in May 2022, the state had over 129,000 registered patients. That’s a significant drop in just two years.
But it’s not just patient enrollment that’s suffering. Medical cannabis sales have also taken a hit. In 2022, the program brought in a whopping $226 million. But in 2023, that number dropped to just $124 million. Meanwhile, adult-use sales continue to soar, with 2023 numbers reaching $675 million.
What Do Medical Cannabis Patients Get?
According to the New Jersey Monitor, medical cannabis patients have access to extended dispensary hours, reserved parking, medical-only sales, tax exemptions, and a wider range of cannabis products. But is that enough to keep them in the program?
Ken Wolski, director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, believes that medical cannabis needs to be an integral part of healthcare in the state in order to survive.
The NJ-CRC’s Response
The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC), led by executive director Jeff Brown, has promised to support the medical cannabis program with an “unwavering commitment to patient access.” This includes reducing medical cannabis card fees from $200 to $10 and providing patients with a free digital card.
However, the NJ-CRC has also stated that the decrease in patient enrollment is due to the high cost of doctor appointments. According to Brown, “patients are leaving the program because they can’t afford the fees charged by some doctors.”
Who Qualifies for Medical Cannabis in New Jersey?
Under state law, patients must be certified by a doctor in order to qualify for medical cannabis. This includes individuals with conditions such as epilepsy, post-traumatic stress disorder, glaucoma, cancer, anxiety, chronic pain, and opioid use disorder. Currently, there are approximately 1,500 doctors in New Jersey who are certified to recommend medical cannabis.
So, what’s the verdict? Will the medical cannabis program in New Jersey survive the battle against adult-use? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure, the fight for dominance in the cannabis industry is far from over.
