New Jersey has established a medical cannabis program that offers reciprocity to patients from other states. However, this process requires out-of-state patients to obtain a temporary New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP) card. Simply possessing an out-of-state medical marijuana card does not grant direct access to New Jersey dispensaries.
Temporary Registration Process
Visiting patients can apply for a nonrenewable, six-month MCP card. To do so, they must consult with a registered New Jersey healthcare practitioner who will enroll them in the state’s registry. Patients need to provide a current copy of their registration from their home state’s program. Once registered, they can set up an account in New Jersey’s patient portal. This temporary card allows purchases without state sales tax on cannabis products, access to patient-only lines, and the ability to buy during patient-only hours at dispensaries.
Possession and Purchase Limits
Registered medicinal cannabis patients in New Jersey may purchase up to 85 grams (approximately 3 ounces) every 30 days. This limit is higher than that for recreational consumers, who are restricted to purchasing 28.35 grams (1 ounce) in a single transaction. Additionally, medicinal cannabis purchases are exempt from state sales tax, making them more cost-effective for patients.
Learn More: Understanding Cannabis Weights and Dispensary Purchase Limits
Legal Considerations
While New Jersey permits the use of medicinal cannabis, patients must adhere to specific regulations:
- Public Consumption: Smoking medicinal cannabis is subject to the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act, which prohibits smoking in most public spaces. Patients may only smoke in areas where smoking is legally permitted.
- Transportation: Transporting medicinal cannabis across state lines remains illegal under federal law. Patients should consume their medicine within New Jersey to avoid legal complications.
- Employment: Patients subjected to drug testing should consult their employer’s policies and may need to discuss their medicinal cannabis use with their human resources department or seek legal advice.
Benefits of the Medicinal Cannabis Program
Participating in New Jersey’s MCP offers several advantages:
- Prioritized Access: Medicinal cannabis is prioritized over recreational cannabis, ensuring a consistent supply for patients.
- Professional Oversight: Patients receive guidance from healthcare practitioners, ensuring effective treatment for their medical conditions.
- Cost Savings: Medicinal cannabis purchases are exempt from state sales tax, reducing the overall cost for patients.
In Review
New Jersey accommodates out-of-state medicinal cannabis patients through a structured process that requires obtaining a temporary MCP card. This system ensures that visiting patients have legal access to their medicine while maintaining the integrity and oversight of the state’s medicinal cannabis program. Visitors are encouraged to familiarize themselves with New Jersey’s specific regulations to ensure compliance and make the most of the benefits offered.