Medical marijuana is a form of cannabis used to treat medical conditions. It can treat chronic pain, nausea, seizures, and other severe medical conditions.
Medical marijuana can consume in many ways, including the following:
- Smoking
- Vaporizing
- Eating edibles
The state of New Jersey allows the use of medical marijuana for patients who have one or more qualifying conditions. Let’s learn some things together if you have questions about medical marijuana in NJ.
1. Why Does the State Permit Medical Marijuana?
New Jersey permits medical marijuana since it is a proven treatment for many illnesses and conditions. It shows that it can help people with PTSD, epilepsy, many sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, and more. The state also believes that legalizing medical marijuana will help reduce opioid use by providing a safer alternative for pain relief.
2. Is It Legal To Possess Cannabis in New Jersey?
Yes, it is legal to have medical marijuana in New Jersey. Although, before you do, make sure you have the appropriate state-issued patient ID card. This card allows you to purchase products from a licensed dispensary with your doctor’s recommendation and prescription.
3. I Don’t Have a Prescription. Can I Still Use It?
Absolutely yes! You can still use cannabis in New Jersey without a prescription.
However, if you’re a minor, you’ll need parental consent. Thus, if you’re not a minor and you don’t have any prescription from a licensed doctor, here are some things to keep in mind:
- You can only buy up to one ounce at a time.
- You have to be at least 21 years old or older to buy it.
- Finally, you have to have a valid ID on you when you buy it.
4. Where Can I Legally Purchase Cannabis in New Jersey?
Since November 1, 2019, it has been legal to purchase recreational cannabis from a licensed dispensary in the state. In addition, the state has approved over 100 retail stores across New Jersey to open their doors and offer a selection of products for sale.
5. How Can You Get a Medical Marijuana Card in NJ?
If you want to know how to get a medical marijuana card in NJ, here are the two recommended ways:
- Get a written certification from a doctor. The doctor must be licensed to practice in New Jersey and can only recommend cannabis to treat an illness or disease. However, if you have been diagnosed with a chronic or debilitating condition, you may be eligible to receive a medical marijuana recommendation.
- Join a state-approved medical marijuana program. You must be at least 18 years old, diagnosed with a qualifying condition, and a resident of New Jersey.
6. What Are the Conditions that Qualify for Treatment with Medical Marijuana?
In New Jersey, the conditions that qualify for treatment with medical marijuana are as follows:
- Cancer
- Glaucoma
- HIV/AIDS
- Severe and chronic pain
- Multiple sclerosis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Inflammatory bowel disease
- Other disorders
The patient must submit to a physician a written certification that the patient has such a debilitating condition.
7. How Much Cannabis Can I Legally Possess?
If you’re over 21, you can legally possess up to 1 ounce of cannabis at a time in New Jersey. In addition, you can have up to 6 immature plants (flowering or non-flowering) in your home.
However, if you are under 21 years old, the possession limit is much lower: only 5 grams per person, that’s about 0.18 ounces.
8. Where Can You Smoke Cannabis?
In New Jersey, you can only smoke (medicinal) cannabis in your home or on private property. You can also smoke cannabis in a private vehicle if it’s not moving.
9. Can I Grow Cannabis Plants at Home in New Jersey?
Yes, you can grow medicinal cannabis plants at home in New Jersey.
The state’s new medical marijuana law allows patients 18 and older to grow up to six plants for themselves and 12 marijuana plants for a caregiver. Although the law also doesn’t allow patients to cultivate their cannabis if they live in a state-licensed dispensary.
10. What is the Medical Marijuana Dosage in New Jersey?
If you are interested in the medical benefits of marijuana, be sure to talk with your licensed doctor. A good one will be able to recommend the correct dosage for you. Your doctor may even want to consult with an expert on marijuana treatment and research (like a psychiatrist) who can help him determine whether marijuana is right for you.
The future of New Jersey and medical marijuana looks promising. The New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program is quite progressive compared to other medical marijuana programs in the United States. However, even though legal medicinal marijuana has existed for several years, the program has been slow to take off due to the strict regulations and applications.
