The measure makes a number of changes. It increases the limit that can be dispensed from 2 ounces to 3 ounces for 18 months after the law goes into effect, with a commission the measure establishes setting the limit afterward.
It boosts a patient's supply from 90 days to one year and allows for home delivery to patients.
The law lowers the threshold from debilitating illnesses to "qualifying" illnesses to make it easier for health care officials to prescribe the drug. The illnesses include seizure disorder, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity, post-traumatic stress disorder, glaucoma, cancer, as well as chronic pain and opioid-use disorder. Other illnesses could be added as well.
It permits physician assistants and advanced practice nurses to authorize medical cannabis. Previously, only doctors could prescribe it.
The law also sets up three new categories of licenses, including cultivators, manufacturers and dispensaries. Currently there is only a single of permit allowing so-called alternative treatment centers that cover all three categories.
The law calls for expanding the number of cultivators to 28. In Murphy's first year as governor, the state said it would double alternative treatment centers from six to 12.
The measure also sets up a five-member commission to regulate the drug, taking oversight of the program from the Health Department, and phases out the 6.625 percent sales tax over three years.