New Jersey is among 29 states and the District of Columbia where cannabis is legally prescribed to patients with chronic pain conditions.
But the program has long been criticized for being too restrictive: It's only available to people with a limited set of conditions, like multiple sclerosis, cancer and post-traumatic stress disorder. And, there are just six dispensaries selling the drug, making it hard for those who are physically limited to travel for their prescription.
Assemblymay Herb Conaway (D), chairs the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee, and is a practicing physician. He said the current proposal makes medical marijuana accessible to more people by cutting the fees patients pay, doubling the number of dispensaries to 12, and lifting a requirement that doctors register on a public list if they prescribe the drug. Doctors have complained the list harms their professional reputations once they get labeled as "pot docs."
Meanwhile, Gov. Phil Murphy has ordered a review of the program, with the intent of expanding treatment to more patients. The review's findings are expected to be released next week. Murphy's budget calls for $20 million in revenue from the sale of medical marijuana.