Gov Phil Murphy Signs Executive Order Calling For Expansion of the NJ Medical Marijuana Program
Gov. Phil Murphy recently addressed a campaign promise to make New Jersey more cannabis-friendly by signing an executive order requiring a review and expansion of the State’s medical marijuana program.
In 2010, New Jersey legalized medical use of marijuana with the enactment of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. The New Jersey Department of Health implemented the Act by creating the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (MMP). The MMP authorizes approved physicians to disburse up to two ounces of medical marijuana to a registered patient during any 30-day period to treat numerous “debilitating medical conditions,” particularly where conventional treatments are ineffective or exacerbate a patient’s suffering.
Although New Jersey launched its medical marijuana program several years ago, there are still only five alternative treatment centers (ATCs) in the state, with one more dispensary on the way. In addition, only 15,000 patients are currently enrolled in the program. The low numbers reflect the number of regulatory hoops that doctors, patients, and dispensaries must jump through to participate. By way of comparison, the medical marijuana program in Michigan, a state with a similar population to New Jersey, currently serves over 218,000 patients. In addition, the program in Arizona, a state with a smaller population than New Jersey, serves over 136,000 patients.
Expanding Access to Medical Cannabis in New Jersey
Under Gov. Murphy’s executive order, the Department of Health (Department) and the Board of Medical Examiners (Board) must review all aspects of New Jersey’s medical cannabis program, including but not limited to:
An evaluation of the current rules regulating the operations and siting of dispensaries and cultivation facilities, particularly focusing on whether the rules should be revised to remove unwarranted obstructions to expansion;
A review of the current process for obtaining a license to operate a medical marijuana dispensary, including recommendations to expedite that process;
An examination of conditions for participating physicians in the program to ensure that any such requirements are not needlessly onerous;
An analysis of the current list of debilitating medical conditions for which medical marijuana may be authorized, and a recommendation as to whether doctors should be given the flexibility to make these determinations on their own;
An assessment of the methods by which patients or their primary caregivers are obtaining medical marijuana and a recommendation of whether rules should be amended to approve additional methods that could facilitate patient access;
A review of regulations that govern the forms in which medical marijuana can be ingested, taking into consideration the needs for different methods for different patients; and
Any other aspect of the program within the Department or the Board’s discretion that hinders or fails to effectively achieve the statutory objective of ensuring safe access to medical marijuana for patients in need.
The Department’s study must be completed in 60 days, after which the rulemaking process necessary to reform the program will begin. This timeline, combined with the recent opposition to Gov. Murphy’s plans for full legalization of an adult-use cannabis market in New Jersey, may result in the relatively quick development and expansion of the State’s medical program during the Murphy administration.
This article is a part of a series pertaining to cannabis legalization in New Jersey and the United States at large. Prior articles in this series are below:
If you have any questions or if you would like to discuss the matter further, please contact me, Dan McKillop, at 201-806-3364.
Disclaimer: Possession, use, distribution, and/or sale of cannabis is a Federal crime and is subject to related Federal policy. Legal advice provided by Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC is designed to counsel clients regarding the validity, scope, meaning, and application of existing and/or proposed cannabis law. Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC will not provide assistance in circumventing Federal or state cannabis law or policy, and advice provided by our office should not be construed as such.
Non-disclosure agreements (NDAs) remain a critical tool for protecting sensitive business information. However, New York NDA requirements have evolved, and businesses must ensure these agreements are carefully drafted to remain enforceable. In a competitive market like New York City, NDAs are commonly used to protect proprietary information, client relationships, and strategic plans. At the same […]
How Courts Evaluate Testamentary Capacity and Undue Influence Will contests in New Jersey are difficult to win, given the strong presumption that a properly executed will reflects the testator’s intent. However, challenges based on lack of testamentary capacity and undue influence remain common, particularly where there are concerns about mental capacity or the involvement of […]
Bringing on outside investors can provide the capital and strategic support a business needs to grow. However, raising capital also introduces important legal, financial, and operational considerations. Before bringing on investors, businesses should address key legal issues to reduce risk, streamline investor due diligence, and position the company for long-term success. Early preparation signals that […]
How the Updated Law Shapes Retirement and Estate Planning The SECURE 2.0 Act of 2022 materially reshapes the required minimum distribution (RMD) landscape, extending tax deferral opportunities while accelerating distribution requirements for many beneficiaries. For high-net-worth individuals and families, these changes are not merely technical. They require a reassessment of retirement income strategies, beneficiary planning, […]
Buying Commercial Property in New Jersey: Legal Guide for Small Businesses
Small businesses considering buying commercial property in New Jersey must evaluate a range of legal, financial, and operational factors. While ownership can offer long-term value and control, it also introduces significant risks if not properly structured. This guide outlines key considerations to help New Jersey business owners make informed decisions, minimize legal exposure, and successfully […]
The SEC’s Latest Guidance on Applying Federal Securities Laws to Tokenized Securities
On January 28, 2026, staff of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s Divisions of Corporation Finance, Investment Management, and Trading and Markets issued a joint statement clarifying how existing federal securities laws apply to tokenized securities. The SEC’s “Statement on Tokenized Securities” does not establish new law, but it does provide greater clarity on the […]
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.
Let`s get in touch!
Sign up to get the latest from the Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC attorneys!
