Can My Doctor Recommend Medical Marijuana?

The NJ Medical Marijuana Program has been updated (and more updates are expected soon).

As of March 27, 2018, any NJ physician licensed to prescribe narcotics, may register to recommend medical marijuana and they DO NOT have to list their name in the public registry.

Again, NJ doctors are NO LONGER REQUIRED to publicly list their names on the NJMMP registry, however, they still must register PRIVATELY with the state to gain access to the system.

The registration process is fairly straightforward. It is done online and communication occurs via email. You’ll find the instructions below including a print out you can bring to your doctor.

Patients Still Must Qualify

Patients must qualify for medical marijuana, but the list has been expanded. Chronic pain and anxiety now qualify for a medical marijuana recommendation in NJ.

What Patients Do After the Doctor

After you receive your doctor recommendation, you’ll still need to follow the process to obtain your medical marijuana card. After you receive your medical marijuana card, you can visit an NJ dispensary to obtain your medication.

If your doctor is unwilling to recommend medical marijuana, you may choose to see a doctor listed in the public registry.

How NJ Doctors Opt-Out of the Public Registry

Doctors who choose not to be listed on the public registry MUST select the checkbox at the bottom of the registration form.

How Your Doctor Can Register to Recommend Cannabis in NJ

Visit the NJMMP.

Select “Physicians” from the blue menu bar, then select “Physician Registration” from the drop-down menu.

Here is the information physicians need to provide when they register to prescribe medical marijuana in NJ:

• Their contact information
• Their CDS and medical license information
• The title of the “Addiction Medicine and Pain Management” medical education course or presentation completed within past 2 years

The MMP will then review their application and will send further instructions via e-mail. It will take approximately 7-10 days for the Department of Health to reply.

Physicians with questions can contact the MMP Customer Service Unit at 609-292-0424 or medical.marijuana@doh.nj.gov.

Here’s the information for you to print and bring to your doctor.

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Summary of NJ’s Expansion of the Medical Marijuana Program

Summary of: Executive Order 6 Report

On January 23^rd, Phil Murphy ordered a review of NJ’s medical marijuana program via Executive Order 6. On March 27, 2018, he announced the findings.

Here’s a summary of that report including the timelines for the estimated implementation of each item addressed. The changes are really promising, but honestly, I’m disappointed by the lack of immediate benefits for current patients.

Conditions Added to NJ’s Qualification List

The biggest change was that the administration finally approved the conditions that the panel recommended when Christie was still in office.

Effective immediately, these conditions were added:

• Anxiety (This includes anxiety related to autism and Alzheimer’s disease, etc.)
• Chronic Pain (This includes pain conditions like migraines, fibromyalgia, Lyme Disease, injury, etc.)
• Tourette’s Syndrome

These added conditions are welcome, and we’re celebrating them as a “win”, however, the additions feel a lot like optics as these additions were approved by the panel months ago. All of these conditions could have been added during Murphy’s first few weeks in office WITHOUT an Executive Order.

Update NJMMP Portal

The report states they plan to update the online system, the NJ medical marijuana patient portal. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

Reduced Registration Fees

Effective immediately, registration fees required to obtain or renew a medical marijuana card have been reduced to $100 for all, and $20 for seniors, veterans, and patients receiving public assistance.

Satellite Locations for ATCs

Effective immediately, waivers will be granted to current ATCs allowing them to begin the process of opening additional grow facilities and satellite locations.

Phase Out Physician Registry

Effective immediately, physicians no longer have to list their names on the public registry. Physicians can call (609) 292-0424 to opt out of the public registry.

The report states they plan to phase out the physician registry altogether. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

Make it Easier to Add Qualifying Conditions

The report states they plan to streamline the process to allow Commissioner of Health to add conditions without a lengthy review process. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

Allow More Caregivers

Effective immediately, medical marijuana patients are allowed to register up to two licensed caregivers.

Split ATC Permits Into Three Categories

The report states they plan to split ATC/dispensary permits into three separate licenses. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

• Cannabis Retail
• Extract & Edible Manufacturing
• Cannabis Cultivation

Remove 10% THC Limit

Plans to remove the 10% THC limit. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

Remove Psychiatric Approval Required for Minors

Plans to remove the requirement for a psychiatric approval for minor patients. Estimated implementation by March 27, 2019.

These Changes Must Be Enacted Via the Legislature – No Timeline

The report discusses several areas it hopes to address. These things cannot be changed by the governor’s administration and must be changed by working with the legislature. There are NO TIMELINES for these items.

• Allow Edibles
• Increase monthly patient limits to 4 oz.
• Allow patients to register at more than one ATC
• Allow cannabis as a first line treatment for ALL qualifying conditions.
• Allow NO LIMITS on supply for hospice patients.
• Allow ATCs to transition to for-profit corporations.

“Exploring” These Changes – No Timeline

The report mentions several changes the Department of Health is currently “exploring”. There are NO TIMELINES for these items.

• Allow home delivery
• Allowing external labs to conduct quality testing
• Develop a provider education program with dosing guidelines
• Research and develop standardized dosing and administrative protocols for medicinal marijuana products, including information on expected effects, side effects, and adverse effects
• Eliminate sales tax on marijuana – The Department of Health is working with the treasury to expand exclusions and eliminate the tax.
• Streamline the procedure to allow more ATCs to open

Conclusion

Personally, I’m disappointed. Much of Executive Order 6 appears to contain hopes for the future with little commitment and no timelines.

If you’re a current MMJ patient, there are only two changes that affect you immediately: (1) When you renew your card, you’ll pay a reduced rate. (2) If you have a licensed caregiver, you may now register up to two.

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Do you see the pretty bong I’m holding in that billboard? That is a “medication administration device”.  It is a device used by medical marijuana patients to consume their medication. STOP acting like it’s illegal.

Thousands of NJ Residents Legally Smoke Pot

Thousands of people in NJ legally smoke marijuana and many of them use devices like these. The NJ medical marijuana program currently has over 18,000 patients and that number is about to skyrocket.

I prefer vaping, but honestly, vapes are expensive and not everyone can afford one. Besides, some patients just prefer smoking.

A bong is a perfectly delightful option for medical marijuana patients who are unable or unwilling to vape but still need immediate medication administration via inhalation.

Stop Censoring The Truth

I’m tired of being censored. In the cannabis industry, we are constantly censored for telling the truth about this plant.

Every day Facebook shuts down legitimate legal accounts of people and companies because they talk about cannabis. Plus, trying to reach a new audience via online advertising is nearly impossible.

People Need Education But Education Is Being Censored

How do we spread a message when our content is constantly censored? I decided to take out a billboard on the Turnpike in Newark, NJ to celebrate April.

Sigh, and the billboard company censored me too.

Outfront Media refused to allow my billboard because it pictured “drug paraphernalia”.  They also hassled me about the phrase, “Discover Cannabis.”

Fortunately, my remarkable designer at ShootMePeter was able to create another version that they finally accepted, changing the photo and adding additional text. (All this after they had accepted payment and we’d already discussed the concept at length prior to the photo shoot.)

Here’s the final billboard. If you’re driving South on the NJ Turnpike, watch for me.

Spread the Truth Not Propaganda

People deserve the truth about cannabis and patients deserve to feel comfortable using their medication.

Bongs Banned But Guns & Alcohol OK???

Does anyone else find this ironic? Outfront Media banned my bong but a google search makes it appear that they routinely publish images of guns and alcohol??? (Which kill tens of thousands of people each year.)

Here are some other Outfront billboards.

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Summary of Phil Murphy’s Sixth Executive Order:

Read the executive order in full here.

The Department of Health and The Board of Medical Examiners will review all aspects of the current medical marijuana program. They will then make recommendations to revise the current rules and remove any obstructions. The intention of the review is to find ways to expand access to medical marijuana.

The review will conclude within 60 days (from January 23).  The order specifically mentions the following items; it also uses the language, “including but not limited to”:

• Rules governing operations and locations of dispensaries & cultivation facilities.
• Process of obtaining a dispensary license.
• Conditions for physicians participating in the program.
• List of qualifying conditions and “whether doctors should be given the flexibility to make these determinations on their own.”
• Assessment of how patients obtain MMJ and ways to facilitate patient access.
• Review of the methods of consumption, with the intent to add a variety of methods.
• The order also adds” 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.”

NJ’s Governor Signs Executive Order to Expand NJ’s Medical Marijuana Law

At 11:00 am, on January 23, Governor Phil Murphy held a private press conference in Trenton, NJ where he signed an executive order dedicated to expanding NJ’s medical marijuana laws.

The executive order directs the Department of Health to review the current NJ medical marijuana program with the specific purpose of expanding patient access.  

To Be Completed Within 60 Days

The Governor stated, “the review will be completed within 60 Days and will end with proposed new rules and regulations.”

The Governor chided the “hostile administration” of the Christy era and reiterated his commitment to comprehensive marijuana reform. He said NJ’s MMP will be “modernized, compassionate, and put the needs of patients first.”

The Governor also briefly touched on the opiate crisis, saying cannabis is “far from the only weapon in the fight against the opiate crisis, but let there be no doubt it is a significant weapon.”

Elements The Executive Order Will Address:

Murphy briefly reviewed elements the executive order will address, adding that these are only “some of the elements” included.

• Restricting dispensaries to one location
• Streamlining the process for obtaining dispensary licenses
• Reducing the burdensome continuing education requirements for physicians participating in the program
• Eliminating the public listing of physicians participating in the program
• Adding Additional Qualifying Conditions
• Reducing restrictions on patient access for things like home delivery and adding the sale of edibles, concentrates, etc.

The governor also discussed the extremely restrictive 2 oz per month limit on cannabis flower, however, he stated patient limits may require legislative action to change.

What this means for NJ’s MMJ patients:

This doesn’t change anything for anyone today. However, it does mean NJ’s medical marijuana program is moving in the right direction. By March 23rd, we should have more information about how NJ’s medical marijuana program will be streamlined and expanded.

Why Didn’t They Approve The Proposed Conditions?

I’m thrilled that the program could open up to so many more patients in the next few months, however, I’m not sure what they’re waiting for.

There’s been a petition sitting on the NJ’s Health Commissioner’s desk since October (presented to the previous administration), that could expand access to the program to numerous other conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, and opiate use disorder.

It’s my understanding that with the wave of a pen, the Department of Health could add numerous conditions to the medical marijuana program.

Patients are dying from overdoses. What are they waiting for?

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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:

1. An individual patient reference number
2. 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.

• Anxiety
• Migraines
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and opioid use disorder
• Chronic pain affecting internal organs, including but not limited to pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction

How To Get Medical Marijuana in NJ (Step by step)

Getting MedicaMarijuanana in NJ

If you want medical marijuana in NJ, you need to prove two things to the state first.

1. That you’re medically messed-up enough to require cannabis.
2. That you’re privileged enough to afford cannabis. (Because NJ’s MMJ program is the most expensive in the country.)

Do I qualify for a medical marijuana card in NJ?  (for adults)

In order to get medical marijuana in NJ, you need to be diagnosed with one of the “qualifying conditions”.

There are three ways of qualifying for medical marijuana in NJ.

Qualifying Conditions

These conditions qualify for medical marijuana.

• Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
• Multiple sclerosis
• Terminal cancer
• Muscular dystrophy
• Inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis & Crohn’s disease
• Terminal illness, if the physician has determined a prognosis of less than 12 months of life.
• Anxiety
• Migraines
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders, including but not limited to rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, fibromyalgia and opioid use disorder
• Chronic pain affecting internal organs, including but not limited to pancreatitis, irritable bowel syndrome, and neurogenic bladder and bowel dysfunction

OR

If you have been diagnosed with one of these, AND you are intolerant of, or resistant to traditional treatments, you may qualify.

• Seizure disorder, including epilepsy
• Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity [Many patients suffer pain as a result of muscle spasms.]
• Glaucoma
• PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)

OR

If you have been diagnosed with one of these, AND you have severe or chronic pain, severe nausea or vomiting, cachexia or wasting syndrome because of either the condition or because of the treatment of the condition (i.e. chemo), you may qualify.

• Positive status for human immunodeficiency virus
• Acquired immune deficiency syndrome
• Cancer

If you qualify, I’m sorry because you’ve most likely been through medical hell.  BUT I hope you have the opportunity to try medical marijuana because this medication can be life-changing.

Health Insurance & Medical Marijuana

Unfortunately, health insurance does not cover the cost of medical marijuana.

Depending on the doctor, health insurance won’t even cover the cost of the doctor visits required to procure the cannabis prescription.  Every dollar has to be paid out of pocket.

How Much Does Medical Marijuana Cost in NJ?

Since March 28, 2018, any NJ doctor who is allowed to prescribe controlled substances, may also now recommend cannabis. Doctors are no longer required to publically register if they choose to offer cannabis.

If your doctor will not prescribe it, you can visit a doctor listed on the public registry. (Doctors may still choose to be listed on the public registry.)

The prescribing physician must have a “bona fide” patient relationship. Between one to three doctors visits are required to obtain a medical marijuana prescription.  (This is after you’ve been officially diagnosed with a qualifying condition.)

By the time you have your NJ medical marijuana card, you will have spent between $400.00 – $950.00 depending on the physician.

(*A discount is available for patients on public assistance.)

Then Cannabis Costs a Bunch More

After you get your card you still have to purchase cannabis and whatever paraphernalia you’ll need to ingest it.  In NJ, medical marijuana is sold in quarter ounce denominations.

The average cost in of a quarter ounce in NJ is $122.00.  Prices vary by the dispensary, and some dispensaries offer discounts for low-income patients.

A doctor may prescribe up to two full ounces per month.  How much cannabis the patient requires varies by patient.

After receiving a prescription, the state requires you to see that doctor every three months in order to have your prescription refilled.

 Read:  How to Apply Medical Marijuana in NJ [Step-by-Step Guide]

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