TRENTON – Nearly 10 years after the New Jersey medical marijuana program was signed into law, the program is on the verge of becoming what one legislator termed a “national model” that would simplify the process for patients to qualify for, purchase and consume cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, which would legalize cannabis-infused edibles and remove the biggest hurdle in the way of patients looking to register for their medical marijuana cards, passed in a 65-to-5 vote, with 6 abstentions.
Four assembly members weren’t present to vote.
“This critical legislation, which would dramatically expand access to medicinal cannabis, is a victory for all New Jersey patients and families for whom medical marijuana would provide essential treatment, therapy and pain relief,” said Assemblywoman Joanne Downey, D-Monmouth, one of the bill’s primary sponsors.
The Senate is expected to approve the New Jersey medical marijuana expansion bill May 30, sending it to the desk of Gov. Phil Murphy.
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The new law would remove that requirement. Essentially, a doctor could — but doesn’t have to — recommend medical marijuana as they would any other treatment option. And instead of getting recertified every 90 days, as the current law requires, the Honig Act would institute an annual recertification process.
Bill Tracker . https://billtrack50.com/BillDetail/995801/5864
