Ten thousand patients have joined the Department of Health’s Medicinal Marijuana program since the Murphy Administration began in January—for a total of 25,000 patients and 1,000 caregivers participating.
“By changing the restrictive culture of the State’s Medical Marijuana program, we are now providing greater access to treatment for those who truly need to be helped,” said Governor Phil Murphy. “The addition of 10,000 new patients since January demonstrates this Administration’s commitment to making the program more responsive to the needs of patients, physicians and dispensaries.”
Of the 10,000 patients who have signed up since January, 6,300 have one of the six new medical conditions added at the end of March: anxiety, migraines, Tourette’s syndrome, chronic pain related to musculoskeletal disorders, and chronic visceral pain.
A sixth dispensary opened in Secaucus June 18 and several satellite Alternative Treatment Center locations are also in the works.
“These numbers reflect that we are building a compassionate, consumer-friendly program,” said Health Commissioner Dr. Shereef Elnahal.
The Department is also continuing its public awareness campaign to let residents know that the program has expanded. “Talk to your doctor to see if you qualify,’’ a promoted Facebook ad states. The ad started Friday and will run through the summer.