His bill (A3437) would allow an additional 12 dispensaries in New Jersey, up from the current limit of six. Only five dispensaries are open, serving roughly 15,000 patients enrolled in the program.
The legislation would also eliminate the requirement that doctors enroll in a state registry to prescribe medical marijuana, add chronic pain as a qualifying condition and remove restrictions that only let minors get edible products. Adult patients would also be able to get up to a one-year supply of medical marijuana, up from the current 90-day supply cap.
New Jersey enacted its medical marijuana program in 2010, but critics say it was hampered by former Gov. Chris Christie, who limited its expansion.
“We had an administration that was very hostile to the medical marijuana program. It was over-regulated, and many patients were turned away because of cost and inconvenience,” Gusciora said.
The Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee is scheduled to consider Gusciora’s bill 11:30 a.m. on Thursday along with a separate measure from Assemblyman Herb Conaway (D-Burlington). Conaway’s bill “authorizes medical marijuana for treatment of any diagnosed condition,” according a news release from Assembly Democrats. The bill (A3740) was not available Wednesday afternoon.