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As part of a move to make the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program more accessible to patients and caregivers, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission aims to do away with registration and renewal fees for enrollees.

Starting in early 2024, participants in the program will have the option of getting a free digital ID card, which, the CRC says, will be free to register or renew.

While physical cards will still be available for patients and caregivers who wish to have them, the CRC said those participants will be required to pay any associated fees for registration, renewal or replacement.

Leading up to the digital card launch, the board voted during its Dec. 7 meeting to lower the cost of registering and renewing a two-year medicinal marijuana card to $10, down from $50 for most participants and $20 for seniors. The change went into effect at 5 p.m. Dec. 7.

CRC Executive Director Jeff Brown said, “We are consistently looking for ways to make the Medicinal Cannabis Program accessible and effective for patients. We recently upgraded our patient portal, and our latest effort is the reduction and ultimate elimination of fees.”

“Many patients face barriers to accessing treatment due to costs, like paying out of pocket for doctor’s visits and the cost of cannabis. NJ-CRC is doing everything in our power to eliminate as many barriers as possible to ensure those who can benefit from cannabis treatment remain in the program,” he said.

Following the launch of New Jersey’s adult-use market last year, enrollment in the state’s Medicinal Cannabis Program has decreased steadily, from 128,548 in April 2022 to 98,066 in September 2023, according to the state.