What to Know
- New Jersey hopes to add six new dispensaries to expand access to medicinal marijuana, doubling the state’s medical marijuana program
- The Murphy Administration is looking to add two new dispensaries each in the northern, central and southern regions of the state
- Currently, more than 25,000 patients, 1,000 caregivers and 700 physicians are participating in the medicinal marijuana program of the state
New Jersey hopes to add six new dispensaries to expand access to medicinal marijuana, doubling the state’s medical marijuana program.
The Murphy Administration is looking to add two new dispensaries each in the northern, central and southern regions of the state.
“We look forward to the opening of six new dispensaries so we can ensure that all qualifying patients who want access to medicinal marijuana can have it,’’ said Gov. Phil Murphy in a statement.
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Currently, more than 25,000 patients, 1,000 caregivers and 700 physicians are participating in the medicinal marijuana program of the state.
“As we strive to make the program more responsive to the needs of patients, caregivers and Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), we recognize the need to grow the industry and create more options for patients,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal in a statement.
A Request for Applications shows that the six new medical marijuana providers would follow the formula of the existing six. They are expected to grow, process and sell cannabis.
The business can be either nonprofit or for profit and applicants are also required to submit a business plan including a budget detailing revenues and expenses over a five-year period.
While applicants can submit applications for more than one region of the state, but must submit a separate application for each region.
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The fee for applying is $20,000. However, $18,000 of that fee will be returned to unsuccessful applicants.
Currently, there are six dispensaries operating in the state. These six are not eligible to participate in the application process, officials say.
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A mandatory pre-application conference is scheduled for Aug. 9 at the headquarters of the Department of Health in Trenton.
In March, Murphy announced a medical marijuana program overhaul in the state, which included a long list of reforms such as lowering fees for patients and caregivers, adding five approved medical conditions and proposing legislation to increase monthly product limit for patients. Patients receiving hospice care would also be eligible for an unlimited supply of cannabis.
The latest expansion comes at a time when the state is considering legalizing recreational marijuana.
