Murphy expands access to medical marijuana

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy expanded patient access to medical marijuana on Tuesday.“We are adding five new categories of medical conditions, reducing patient and caregiver fees, and recommending changes in law so patients will be able to obtain the amount of product that they need,” Murphy said. “Some of these changes will take time, but we are committed to getting it done for all New Jersey residents who can be helped by access to medical marijuana.”

The categories are anxiety, migraines, Tourette’s syndrome, chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders and chronic visceral pain. People who have these conditions are immediately eligible for a marijuana prescription.

More than 20 recommendations are outlined in a report that New Jersey Department of Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal submitted to Murphy in response to Executive Order 6, which directed a comprehensive review of the program within 60 days.

Other immediate changes include lowering the biennial patient registration fee from $200 to $100 and adding veterans and seniors at least 65 years of age to the list of those who qualify for the $20 discounted registration fee. Those on government assistance, including federal disability, already receive the reduced fee.