NJCIA’s Response to the Department of Health Recommendations

Trenton, New Jersey – Today, Governor Phil Murphy announced the Department of Health’s recommendations for increasing patient access and accessibility to New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.

The recommendations from the Department of Health will provide a major shot in the arm for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program. The recommendations include the following:

·       Increasing patient accessibility by:

o   Expanding the list of medical conditions

o   Reducing registration fees to patients

o   Streamlining the patient and physician enrollment process

·       Support our current operators’ expansion through additional storefronts and cultivation facilities

·       Optimizing industry architecture by moving from a single vertically integrated license to three distinct classes – cultivation, manufacturing/processing and dispensing

·       Issuing licenses to new industry participants in each of the new classes

“When we began working with the new administration, we made patient access a top priority. Our association is thrilled to see the Governor and the Department of Health leading the way in expanding medical marijuana access to those who deserve its benefits,” said Dara Servis, Executive Director of the NJCIA. “These recommendations are not just a win for our association and the members we represent, but – these recommendations are a win for all of those who depend on the medicinal value of the plant.”

Expanding patient access to the state’s medical marijuana program is why many individuals joined the NJCIA in the first place. As we see the medical market grow and mature, New Jersey will be better equipped to transition into an adult-use cannabis market when the opportunity presents itself. Our association is committed to advocate for those who depend on the medicinal value of cannabis and work to grow the market in the Garden State.

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The New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association is the state’s largest nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the legalization of cannabis.

NJCIA’s mission is to promote sensible policies to optimize the responsible growth and development of New Jersey’s cannabis market. The NJCIA strives to promote all industry sectors including: biotechnology, cultivation, manufacturing, finance, retail, security, industrial hemp and consulting services. Our policy makers are relying on industry thought leaders to provide best practices and common sense solutions for cannabis in the Garden State. Further information about the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association can be found at www.NewJerseyCIA.org