Former Speaker of the House John Boehner's cannabis firm is planning to dramatically expand New Jersey's medical marijuana industry, a signal of the country's gradual but steadily growing acceptance of cannabis. Acreage Holdings, a New York-based cannabis firm operating dispensaries as well as cultivation and processing operations in 11 states, has announced a partnership with Compassionate Care Foundation, a south Jersey medical cannabis dispensary, to break ground on a new cultivation facility.
In one of his first acts in office, Governor Phil Murphy made moves to expand the state's restrictive medical cannabis program. Over the past two months, the state has extended the list of qualifying conditions, cut fees for patients, and allowed existing dispensaries to apply to upsize their facilities. These expansions have paved the way for Compassionate Care to partner with Acreage in order to grow more product for the state's increasing number of patients.
"Governor Murphy's decision to expand the medical marijuana program in New Jersey should be applauded as the first step towards a well-regulated and effective cannabis program," Kevin Murphy, founder and CEO of Acreage Holdings, said in a statement. "The potential to help people who are facing serious health issues, as well as create revenue opportunities for the state, is truly a 'win-win' and we are pleased to have this opportunity to grow our presence there."