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With recreational cannabis being legalized in The Garden State, obtaining a medical card in New Jersey might appear burdensome. However, this assumption is far from accurate.
Acquiring a medical card in New Jersey is not just a simple process but also offers numerous advantages beyond what adult-use consumers receive. It provides cost savings, priority service, and access to a greater quantity of cannabis. So, if you're interested in these benefits, let's discuss NJ medical cards.
The History of Medical Cannabis in New Jersey
In January 2010, the state of New Jersey joined the ranks of 13 others in legalizing medical marijuana, following the passage of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) by the legislature and its subsequent signing into law by Governor Jon Corzine.
However, the implementation of New Jersey's medical marijuana program came to an abrupt halt when Governor Christie assumed office just one day after Governor Jon Corzine had signed the medical marijuana bill.
Thankfully, on August 9, 2012, the state's medical marijuana program was reopened.
To avail the benefits of medical marijuana in New Jersey, patients are required to register with the New Jersey Medical Cannabis Program (NJMCP) and obtain a medical card.
Is Recreational Marijuana Legal in New Jersey?
Individuals aged 21 and above have the opportunity to purchase and enjoy recreational marijuana in New Jersey.
The journey towards legalizing recreational marijuana in The Garden State began in 2020 with the approval of the Marijuana Legalization Amendment by voters.
The immediate success of legal recreational marijuana was hindered as legislators required time to clarify the specificities involved.
Eventually, Governor Phil Murphy signed the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act, officially legalizing recreational marijuana.
With cannabis now fully legalized in NJ, many are questioning whether they should obtain a medical card in the state.
However, it is essential to realize that medical cannabis offers a multitude of benefits that recreational marijuana simply does not and is unlikely to provide. Let's delve into these advantages.
Benefits of Getting a Medical Card in New Jersey
Obtaining a medical card in New Jersey represents the most optimal approach to relishing cannabis within The Garden State. Allow us to explain the reasons behind this assertion.
You Enjoy a Lower Age Limit
While recreational marijuana is legal in New Jersey, purchasers must be at least 21 years old. However, if you possess a medical marijuana card in the state, age is not a barrier to accessing the therapeutic advantages of medical marijuana.
To apply for an NJ medical marijuana card, you'll notice that the minimum age requirement is 18. Nevertheless, individuals under 18 can still apply with the assistance of a caregiver, which can be a lifeline for parents whose children could benefit from high-CBD, low-THC products.
For parents or legal guardians with children under 21, obtaining a medical card in New Jersey permits the purchase of medical cannabis products that can help alleviate their qualifying condition(s).
You Have a Higher Possession Limit
Having a higher possession limit allows medical marijuana patients in New Jersey to make fewer trips to the dispensary compared to recreational consumers. This is because they won't run out of marijuana as frequently as recreational users. While recreational consumers can only purchase one ounce of marijuana at a time, those with a New Jersey Medical weed card have the privilege of buying up to three ounces within a thirty-day period. In essence, obtaining a medical card in New Jersey enables you to purchase three times more weed than recreational users. Additionally, terminally ill patients or those in hospice care face no restrictions on their purchase amounts.
To put it simply, recreational consumers need to visit the dispensary three times to buy the same quantity of marijuana that a medical marijuana cardholder in New Jersey can buy in just one visit. Hence, a New Jersey medical weed card provides greater convenience, plain and simple.
Marijuana Priority: You Get Express Service
Ensuring a consistent marijuana supply is not guaranteed at all times; it is common for state supplies to experience shortages.
The advantage of possessing a New Jersey medical weed card is that you won't have to be concerned about limited supplies since suppliers and dispensaries prioritize serving cardholders.
Certain dispensaries cater exclusively to medical customers; they will only serve individuals holding a New Jersey medical marijuana card.
If you possess an NJ medical marijuana card, you won't have to face the frequent lines typically encountered at recreational dispensaries.
You Can Buy Marijuana at a Lower Cost
One of the major advantages of obtaining a medical card in New Jersey is the significant amount of money you can save. This is primarily due to the exemption of tax on medical marijuana, which is not the case for recreational cannabis.
When purchasing adult-use cannabis, you'll encounter three different tax charges:
1. Social excise fee, currently set at $1.10 per ounce.
2. 6.625% sales tax.
3. A municipal tax of up to 2%.
Despite having to pay a fee for your medical card and the MMJ doctor's appointment, you'll quickly recover these costs during your initial visits to the dispensary, thanks to the substantial tax savings.
In addition to tax benefits, individuals holding an NJ medical marijuana card can enjoy significant savings through exclusive discounts and loyalty programs.
Dispensaries offer these special perks exclusively to people with a medical marijuana card in New Jersey. This includes membership programs granting access to points and rewards, exclusive deals and offers, as well as insider benefits—all because you possess an NJ medical marijuana card.
You Can Buy Medical Marijuana Outside of New Jersey
Are you familiar with cannabis reciprocity? It refers to a feature in specific medical marijuana programs, which permits individuals with a New Jersey medical card to purchase cannabis in other states.
When you visit a state where medical marijuana is legal, they might offer reciprocity to patients from out-of-state. This means you can utilize your New Jersey medical marijuana card to make purchases of medical marijuana in that state.
Wide Range of Medical Conditions Covered
New Jersey's medical marijuana program covers a broad spectrum of medical conditions, making it more inclusive than many other states. Conditions such as chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, and various debilitating illnesses are among those eligible for medical marijuana treatment. This means that a significant number of patients can explore alternative and potentially effective treatment options through cannabis therapy.
Personalized Treatment Plans
Patients can access licensed cannabis doctors who can create specialized treatment programmes catered to their unique medical need by getting a medical card. These experts have the knowledge to suggest the best strains, dosages, and ways of ingestion in order to maximize medicinal results while minimizing any negative effects. Patients are guaranteed to receive the most effective and suitable care for their diseases with this degree of individualized care.
The Steps to Getting a Medical Card in New Jersey
After learning about the benefits of obtaining a medical card in New Jersey, let's guide you through the process of acquiring an NJ MMJ card.
According to the laws of New Jersey regarding marijuana, the first step to obtaining a medical marijuana card is obtaining a physician certification. This is where KIF can assist you.
When you schedule an appointment with KIF, you will have a virtual consultation with one of their experienced cannabis physicians who hold a valid New Jersey license. During this appointment, conducted over the phone or computer, they will discuss your medical conditions to determine if you meet the qualifying criteria.
Upon approval, the KIF team will then guide you through the state registry process, addressing any questions or concerns you may have.
To register with the state's medical cannabis program, you will need the following documents, in addition to your physician's recommendation:
1. A recent passport photograph
2. A valid government-issued New Jersey ID
3. A recent utility bill (issued no later than 90 days ago)
4. $50 for the state registration fee.
Also Read: Can Non-U.S. Residents Get A Medical Marijuana Card?
Conclusion
Obtaining a medical card in New Jersey opens up a world of possibilities for patients seeking alternative and effective treatments for their medical conditions. From improved access to medical marijuana to personalized care from certified physicians, the benefits are numerous.
