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

If a patient has a qualifying medical condition, their bona fide physician may initiate a patient’s application via online registration. The physician must first register themselves with the NJMMP Physician Registry. Once registered, the physician must complete an Attending Physician Statement for each individual patient. Upon submission of the statement, a unique Patient Reference Number will be produced. The physician will need to provide the patient with this Reference Number. The patient or their designee will go to http://njmmp.nj.gov and complete the following steps to complete the registration process:

• Select “Patient Registration” on the left side of the screen of the NJMMP registry page.
• Enter all required information as noted by a “red asterisk”.
• The Patient Reference Number must be included; this is the number that was provided by the physician.
• Select “Submit” and the Patient Registration page will appear.
• Complete all required information on the Patient Registration page
• If applicable, enter primary caregiver information
• Read and acknowledge the Patient Certification
• Check the appropriate box indicating that the terms have been understood.
• “Save and Continue”.
• Patients will now be required to upload photographs and documents.

Can you register if you're 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.

Where can I find a doctor that is able to prescribe medicinal marijuana?

Speak with your primary physician about registering with the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) and finding a qualifying physician near you. Physicians must be registered with the NJMMP in order to certify your eligibility. As of April 16, 2012 a list of participating physicians was released to aid patients suffering from qualifying medical conditions. The link below can assist the patient in locating a physician in their area. Click here for the list of physicians.

What qualifying medical conditions are approved for the NJMMP?

A physician must certify that a patient has an approved qualifying medical condition to participate in the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP). As of 07/2019, approved medical conditions include:

• Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
• Anxiety
• Cancer
• Chronic Pain
• Dysmenorrhea
• Glaucoma
• Inflammatory Bowel Disease, including Crohn’s Disease
• Intractable Skeletal Muscular Spasticity
• Migraines
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Opioid Use Disorder
• Positive Status for Human Immunodeficiency Virus
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Seizure Disorder, including Epilepsy
• Terminal illness (if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life)
• Tourette’s Syndrome

My condition is debilitating, but it’s not on that list of qualifying conditions. What can I do?

After an initial assessment, patients can file a petition with the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) once a year. Additional qualifying conditions are being considered and added to the program on an ongoing basis.

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

Recently (07/2019), NJ Governor Phil Murphy signed a bill that changed the NJMMP and now allows medical marijuana patients from out-of-state to legally purchase medical marijuana for up to six (6) months. For further information and guidance, please check the NJMMP website.

Will my application be confidential?

A patient’s application will only be available to your registered physician, the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) staff, and Alternative Treatment Center (ATC) personnel. However, the NJMMP and ATC personnel will use the patients’ application for identity verification purposes only.

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 marijuana as authorized under this Act.

Are there any other alternative forms of marijuana offered by Alternative Treatment Centers?

Depending on the Alternative Treatment Center (ATC), alternative options of medical marijuana are available as oil cartridges, lozenges (solid oral dosage designed to dissolve or disintegrate slowly in the mouth), or topical formulations (transcutaneous therapeutic marijuana extract). Recent changes to the NJMMP rules now allow both adult and pediatric patients to purchase edibles as well.

If qualified and approved, are there any restrictions regarding the use of medical marijuana?

Smoking medical marijuana 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. Additionally, patients may not:

• Operate, navigate, or be in control of any vehicle, aircraft, railroad train, or stationary heavy equipment vessel while under the influence of marijuana.
• Patients may not smoke medical marijuana:
  • 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.

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

Yes. The patient’s physician should provide guidance when determining the proper dosage; however, the maximum purchase amount allowed by law is 3 ounces in a 30 day period. Terminally ill patients have no limit. FYI: Medical marijuana is usually packaged in 1/4 ounce or 1/8 denominations.

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 whereby:

• The physician-patient relationship has existed for at least one year; or
• The physician has seen and/or assessed the patient for the qualifying medical condition on at least four visits; or
• The physician assumes responsibility for providing management and care of the patient’s qualifying medical condition after conducting a comprehensive medical history and physical examination, including a personal review of the patient’s medical record maintained by other treating physicians reflecting the patient’s reaction and response to conventional medical therapies.

It is too difficult for me to travel. Can someone help me get medical marijuana?

Yes. A qualified patient can designate a primary caregiver who must register with the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP). Your caregiver can assist you with the procedures necessary to obtain your medical marijuana from a selected Alternative Treatment Center (ATC).

How do I register my primary caregiver?

All primary caregivers must register with the NJ Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) and submit to the required fingerprint and background check. This can be completed via the NJMMP website or through the United States Postal Service. Applications will be reviewed and approved upon satisfactory completion.

Is there a fee to register with the NJMMP?

Yes. The fee for patients and caregivers is $100 each. Patients and caregivers who qualify for one of the state and federal assistant programs listed below will be eligible to pay a fee of $20 each.

• NJ Medicaid Program
• Receipt of current Food Stamp Benefits
• Receipt of current NJ temporary disability insurance benefits
• Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD)

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

Unfortunately, no. Medical marijuana is not currently covered under Medicaid or any other health plans.

What are the fee requirements for legal guardians and minor patients?

A legal guardian for a qualified minor patient is exempt from the application fee. The required fee for a qualified minor patient is $100; however, if the legal guardian or minor patient can provide proof of enrollment in one of the approved government assistance programs listed below, the minor patient may qualify for the twenty ($20.00) dollar reduced application fee:

• NJ Medicaid Program
• Receipt of current Food Stamp Benefits
• Receipt of current NJ temporary disability insurance benefits
• Supplemental Security Income Benefits (SSI)
• Social Security Disability Benefits (SSD)

When my 30, 60, or 90 day certification for medical marijuana expires, do I have to re-register with the program?

No. Patient registration is valid for 2 years. However, upon expiration of your 30, 60, or 90 day certification, you must see your physician for a follow up visit. Your physician will assess your condition and determine whether to continue your use of medical marijuana for an additional 30, 60, or 90 day period. The physician will be required to log into the registry and update your physician statement. UPDATE: Recent changes to the NJMMP now require a physician assessment every one (1) year, instead of every three (3) months. For more information, consult your qualifying physician or the NJMMP website.

How can a medical professional become part of the NJMMP?

Only physicians registered with the Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) can authorize patients for the MMP. Per regulation, only the patient’s bona fide physician can initiate the patient’s application, and that physician must first be registered with the MMP. To become a qualified healthcare provider in New Jersey, you must register with DHSS online and receive a NJMMP ID card. You will also be required to initiate your patient’s registration process. To register, you will need:

• NJ medical and CDS license numbers
• Professional license and good standing
• CDS number
• Patient’s qualifying condition
• Completion of addiction and pain management education in past 2 years
• Complete online registration forms, create your account username and password
• Log-in to initiate patient applications and to create accounts for your office to use in updating patient records
• Sign a certification statement

What is the difference between medical marijuana and marijuana from the “street”?

Licensed cannabis dispensaries are held to a high standard, all products are laboratory tested and meet stringent cleanliness standards. The marijuana 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.

Can I use medical cannabis if I don’t smoke?

Yes! There are many ways to use medical marijuana products, beyond smoking. Many patients find that vaporizing the flower or extract is easier on their respiratory system. There are also edible options which can be made at home, as well as topical products that can be applied directly to your skin.

What's the difference between smoking and eating marijuana?

There is a much more immediate perceived effect when marijuana 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.

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, while CBD is non-psychoactive.

What is the difference between a cultivator/grower and a processor?

A cultivator/grower simply 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).