As more dispensaries move into the recreational market, New Jersey is seeing a drop in the number of medical marijuana patients. High product prices are one major issue. Advocates say costs could be lower if New Jerseyans are allowed to grow their own marijuana.
Chris Goldstein, the regional organizer for NORML, the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, said, “New Jersey is one of the very few states, only two in the country that has legalized adult and medical cannabis, and have no provisions from home cultivation. Certainly, I wouldn’t be complaining about the prices if I can grow a little bit of my own every summer in my garden outside. But with that prohibited and expensive prices, consumers in New Jersey are in a real bind.”
Cannabis advocates say another major issue for medical patients is the required doctor’s visit — which isn’t covered by insurance.
“The cost is at least $100 a visit. I don’t know any doctor said charge less. Some charge more. The problem is, of course, the card has to be renewed every couple of years. And you have to be recertified by these doctors depending on the doctor when he says it could be every couple of months or it could be once a year. But you do need to recertify,” said Ken Wolski, executive director for the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey.
But Jeff Brown, Cannabis Regulatory Commission executive director, says the state still has a strong medical marijuana program, bringing in just under $50 million as of the last quarter of 2022. The CRC says it’s continually working to make sure medical cannabis patients are prioritized as recreational sales expand. Advocates are hoping the state will do more to make sure the market is affordable for everyone.
