How can I participate in the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP)?

If a patient has a qualifying medical condition, their bona fide NJMMP physician must initiate a patient’s application online. For more information or to register as a patient, click here.

Can I register if I'm under 18 with a qualifying condition?

Yes. Patients under the age of 18 that suffer from a qualifying medical condition are considered minor patients and may register with the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP). Minor patients are required to have a legal custodian assume responsibility as their caregiver until they are 18 years of age; in which case the patient will need to re-register as an adult. For more information, click here.

Where can I find a doctor that can prescribe medicinal cannabis?

In 2012, an online list of NJMMP qualifiying physicians was created to aid patients.

What qualifying medical conditions are approved for the NJMMP?

For a list of qualifying medical conditions from the CRC, click here. Be aware that additional qualifying conditions are being considered and added to the program on an ongoing basis.

I possess a medical cannabis patient card from another state; may I use it in New Jersey to obtain medical cannabis?

In 2019, NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill allowing qualifying medical cannabis patients from out-of-state to legally purchase medical cannabis for up to six (6) months. For more information and guidance, click here.

Is there a limit on how much medical cannabis I can purchase?

Yes. A patient’s physician should provide guidance when determining the proper dosage; however, as of 2020, the maximum purchase amount allowed by law is 3 ounces in a 30 day period (except for terminally ill patients, who have no limit). FYI: Medical marijuana is usually packaged in 1/4 ounce or 1/8 denominations. For more information, click here.

What is a bona fide physician-patient relationship?

A bona fide relationship is defined as a relationship in which the physician has ongoing responsibility for the assessment, care, and treatment of a patient’s debilitating medical condition. For more information or specific requirements, click here.

It is too difficult for me to travel. Can a caregiver help?

Yes. As of 2020, a qualified patient can designate a primary caregiver, who must register with the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP). For more information or to register a primary caregiver, click here.

Is there a fee for patients to register with the NJMMP?

Yes. For specific information on fees and how to register, click here.

Is medical cannabis covered by Medicaid or any other health plans?

Unfortunately, no. As of 2020, medical cannabis is not currently covered under Medicaid or any other health plans. For more information, click here.

When my certification for medical cannabis expires, do I have to re-register?

As of 2020, a patient's initial registration is valid for two (2) years and a physician assessment is required every one (1) year. For more information, click here.

What should I tell my employer if I am subjected to a drug test?

A qualifying patient, primary caregiver, alternative treatment center, physician, or any other person acting in accordance with the provisions of act N.J.S.2C:35-18 shall not be subject to any civil or administrative penalty, or denied any right or privilege, including, but not limited to, civil penalty or disciplinary action by a professional licensing board, related to the medical use of cannabis as authorized under this Act. For more information, click here.

Are there any restrictions on my usage of cannabis?

Smoking cannabis falls within the definition of “smoking” as set forth in the Smoke Free Air Act at N.J.S.A. 26:3D-57, and is therefore subject to the provisions of the Smoke Free Air Act. Those who consume cannabis may not operate, navigate, or be in control of any vehicle, aircraft, railroad train, or stationary heavy equipment vessel while under the influence of cannabis. Additionally, consumers may not smoke cannabis:

• On a school bus or public form of transportation.
• In a private vehicle unless the vehicle is not in operation.
• On any school grounds, in any correctional facility, at any public park or beach, at any recreation center.
• Any area pursuant to N.J.S.A. 2C:33-13.

What is the difference between cannabis from a dispensary vs cannabis from the “street”?

Licensed cannabis dispensaries are held to a high standard, all products are laboratory tested and meet stringent cleanliness standards. The cannabis available elsewhere can be contaminated with fungus, molds, or have been sprayed with pesticides. There is also very little verifiable information about the genotype (strain name, origin) or chemotype (THC % etc) outside of a licensed Alternative Treatment Center. For more information, click here.

Can I use cannabis if I don’t smoke?

Yes! There are many ways to use cannabis products beyond smoking. Many patients find that vaporizing the flower or extract is easier on their respiratory system. Additionally, depending on the Alternative Treatment Center (ATC), alternative options of medical cannabis are available as Oil Cartridges, Edibles (which can be purchased or made at home), Lozenges (solid oral dosage designed to dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth), and Topical Formulations (transcutaneous therapeutic cannabis extract for application directly on the skin). For more information, click here.

What is the difference between smoking and eating cannabis?

There is a much more immediate perceived effect when cannabis is smoked or vaporized. It is easier to control dosage, because the effect is shorter lived than consuming an edible. Preparing and consuming an edible is an effective delivery method, but it takes longer for your body to feel the effects. Therefore, it is important to start with small amounts of an edible and slowly eat more over a period of time until you reach a comfortable level of desired effect. For more information, click here.

What is the difference between CBD and THC?

Both CBD and THC are cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. When you ingest THC and CBD, the THC directly stimulates CB1 receptors, while the CBD acts as a modulating influence on the THC. Additionally, THC is psychoactive, meaning it will produce a euphoric effect, while CBD is non-psychoactive. CBD-only products derive from "Cannabis Ruderalis", a class of cannabis we often call "Hemp". Recently, Hemp-derived CBD products became federally legal, which is why you’ll see them available all over, from grocery stores to coffee shops. Today, when we say “cannabis", we’re usually talking about the federally illegal, euphoric, THC type. For more information, click here.

What is the difference between a cultivator and a processor?

A cultivator/grower only grows medical cannabis, which will either be sold to a dispensary or to a processor. A processor gets plant material from cultivators/growers and then processes that into various forms (oils, balms, tinctures, etc). For more information, click here.

Can anyone shop at a New Jersey dispensary?

Once dispensaries begin selling to non-medical patients (which is expected to happen sometime in 2022), anyone 21+ with a valid form of ID will be able to purchase cannabis in New Jersey. For more information, click here.

What is the difference between medical cannabis vs recreational "adult use" cannabis?

The difference is based only on in its intended use. Medical cannabis is used by people with a qualifying medical condition who have registered under a state's medical cannbis program. The cannabis itself is no different from that which can be purchased for adult-use—that's the preferred term for "recreational use." One exception: You may at times see the words “medical grade” on a cannabis product’s label or package. This specifically refers to the quality of the cannabis, as some patients require a higher caliber product in order to best manage symptoms. For more information, click here.

Cannabis often gives me negative side-effects, am I doing something wrong?

The THC in cannabis is psychoactive and can sometimes lead to varying side-effects depending on a large variety of factors: age, weight, gender, amount consumed, strain, THC level, and MANY more! In other words, similar to alcohol, cannabis can effect each person differently for reasons we cannot yet fully explain. Consequently, if you consume cannabis from a reputable seller (like a dispensary) and notice a pattern of negative side-effects, you should immediately consult a medical professional to determine whether cannabis usage is safe for you. For more information, click here.

I am new to cannabis, what should I try first?

Cannabis isn't one-size-fits-all. Just like alcohol, there are countless varieties of cannabis, which can make ordering a bit overwhelming! So if you aren't sure where to start, we'd recommend first considering the following questions:

1. Are you trying to treat a medical condition (such as pain or trouble sleeping)?
2. When do you primarily consume cannabis: at night or during the day?
3. How do you prefer consuming cannabis: Smoking flower? Vaping cartridges? Using edibles, concentrates, or topically?