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Why should I get an NJ medical marijuana card if cannabis is legal now?
Even though cannabis is legal in NJ, it’s still illegal to sell it. It’s going to be a while before NJ has access to legal recreational dispensaries. The only way to access legal lab-tested products in NJ is by obtaining a medical marijuana card.
Cannabis is legal in NJ now, but public consumption is still banned, but that rule doesn’t apply to NJ cannabis patients. NJ cannabis patients are free to consume their medication wherever smoking is permitted (with a few exceptions).
A medical marijuana card may also offer some benefits such as the protection of professional licenses and it can make a stronger case in custody disputes.
Here are step-by-step instructions on how to get a medical marijuana card in NJ.
Step 1: Qualify
There are many qualifying conditions in NJ, but most people qualify under chronic pain and or anxiety. For example, patients with autism qualify for, “anxiety related to autism”.
READ: New Patient Guide to Medical Marijuana
Step 2: Find a NJ Doctor Registered with the MMP.
In NJ doctor who can prescribe a controlled substance is allowed to recommend cannabis. They do however have to register with the state.
If your doctor doesn’t recommend cannabis, you can easily obtain a medical marijuana recommendation online from a service live Veriheal. You’ll meet with a doctor via video and they will provide your recommendation.
If you don’t want to see an online provider, you can also choose from a doctor already registered doctor from the list of providers on the NJ MMP website.
After you receive your recommendation, you will need to return to the doctor to have the recommendation renewed (not the card, just the recommendation). The doctor is allowed to certify you for up to 12 months but some doctors only certify for 3, 6, or 9 months. It’s completely up to the doctor. Veriheal certifies a recommendation for 1 year.
How Much Does It Cost To Get Medical Marijuana in NJ?
Health insurance DOES NOT COVER medical marijuana. It must be paid for 100% out of pocket. In general, medical insurance also does not cover doctor visits specifically for cannabis.
If you’re seeing your regular physician, they might include it with your routine visit charges. However, if you need to see a different doctor specifically for medical marijuana, you will be required to pay out of pocket on the day of your visit. Veriheal charges $200 for their service. Here’s the range of prices I’ve found around central NJ.
Initial Doctor Consultation: $200-$350
Subsequent Visits: $60-$200.
Step 3: See the Cannabis Doctor
If you’re using a service like Veriheal, you’ll meet with a physician via video who will discuss your medical history and conditions. The physician will complete the initial NJ state registration to begin the process to obtain your card.
At the end of the visit, the doctor will email you two things:
- An individual patient reference number
- An attending physician’s statement/Prescription
You need these documents in order to apply for your card.
The doctor will also determine your monthly allotment. In NJ, patients are allowed to purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis a month. Except for terminal patients who do not have any limit.
In my professional opinion, all patients should be allowed the maximum allotment. Most patients don’t need it but restricting access to medication is ridiculous.
Step 4: Complete the Online Application.
Occasionally, doctors complete this section in their office for the patient, but most often patients need to complete this portion on their own. Also, you’ll need a passport photo.
You will need internet access and the ability to upload documents in order to complete the application.
Follow these instructions from the NJ MMP website to complete the online application for your medical marijuana card. Scans or photos of the following documents must be submitted:
- Passport-style photograph with a white background. (No glasses or hats.) Tip: A high-quality selfie in front of a white wall works fine.
- Government-issued photo ID
- Proof of New Jersey Residency (Utility bill and tax documents accepted)
- *Documentation of Government Assistance (If applicable)
*Patients receiving government assistance qualify for a reduced registration fee for a medical marijuana card.
Step 5: Payment for your card
Once your application is completed, submitted, and approved, you will receive an email. The email gives you permission to pay for your medical marijuana card which costs $100.00 (or $20 for veterans and seniors). Your card must be renewed every two years.
The email will contain a link that will take you to a site where you can pay using a credit card.
*MMP Patients on public assistance can apply for a reduced payment of $20.00 for their marijuana card. Proof documentation must be submitted with the initial application.
Step 6: Receive Your Card & Schedule an Appointment with the Dispensary.
After your payment is processed, the state will send you your medical marijuana card in the mail which can take up to 2 weeks. When you receive your card, contact your preferred dispensary to schedule an appointment or locate a dispensary that accepts first time walk-ins.
Here’s a list of current dispensaries in NJ.
Step 7: Buy Your Medication.
I hope your bank account isn’t empty yet because medical marijuana is extremely expensive in NJ.
In NJ, medical marijuana is sold in eighth-ounce denominations. The average cost of medical marijuana is about $50.00-$60 per eighth ounce.
Again, except for terminal patients, your physician decides how much cannabis you may purchase every 30 days. Some doctors recommend up to 3 ozs, others recommend less.
Prices vary according to the dispensary and some dispensaries offer discounts for low-income patients.
How much cannabis you need varies a great deal from patient-to-patient. Some lucky patients only need n eighth a month, while others max out their allotment and wish for more.
Step 8: Smoke/Eat/Vaporize. Feel better.
Go home, and find a nice spot to start consuming your medication.
Prepare, prepare, prepare. Expect to experience side effects for the first week or so of cannabis consumption. Don’t try cannabis for the first time and then head off to a PTO meeting. Instead, make sure you have no immediate obligations the first few times so you can responsibly adjust to your medicine.
There are a variety of ways you can consume cannabis. Here’s an overview of the different methods of cannabis administration.
If you’re new to marijuana, avoid these 5 Common Marijuana Mistakes New Users Make.
