Illnesses added to New Jersey’s list of conditions for medical marijuana usage have helped double the number of MMJ patients in the state to 34,000 since the beginning of the year.
New Jersey’s Health Department said Monday that the majority of the 17,000 new patients have one of five medical conditions that Gov. Phil Murphy, a Democrat, made eligible for coverage in March. They are:
- Chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders
- Migraines
- Anxiety
- Chronic visceral pain
- Tourette syndrome
The health department also said 800 doctors, up from 500, are now participating in the program.
The state also is considering doubling medical cannabis dispensaries to 12.
When he took office in January, Murphy pledged to expand the state’s MMJ program and support the legalization of recreational cannabis. The adult-use measure is still working its way through the state’s Democratic-led Legislature.
– Associated Press
