Cornell says data from other states indicates there will be a decrease in the medicinal marijuana program if New Jersey legalizes adult recreational use.
“We are very much committed to making sure, however, that especially for minors and for those with very complex chronic health needs that the medicine that they need, this product, is available to them. So I think it will not eliminate by any means the need for the medicinal marijuana program.”
Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal told lawmakers than including chronic pain as an eligible condition for medical marijuana will reduce reliance on opioids.
“Preventing that initial exposure of an opioid prescription just by giving medicinal marijuana for that pain, you’re already seeing reduced number of folks who are addicted to opioids and dying from opioids.”