New Jersey Governor signs executive order on Medical Marijuana

Posted by Sagar Satapathy on January 29, 2018.

In a major development, New Jersey Governor Philip D Murphy has signed an executive order expanding access to medical marijuana for patients who qualify for it under state law.

The Democrat, who took office last week, signed the executive order on Tuesday.

“The Department of Health and the Board of Medical Examiners shall undertake a review of all aspects of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, with a focus on ways to expand access to marijuana for medical purposes,” the order stated. “This review shall conclude within 60 days of this Order.”

Murphy pointed out the fault of the administration of former Republican Gov. Chris Christie for making it difficult for residents to use the state’s marijuana program.

“The roadblocks put in place by the past administration mean that the law's spirit has been stifled," the Governor said in a signing ceremony in Trenton.

“Our law is eight years old,” Murphy added. “Since it took effect, significant medical research has been conducted. Our goal is to modernize the program in New Jersey, bring it up to current standards, and put patients first.”

Out of nine million residents in New Jersey, only 15,000 are currently participating in the State’s medical marijuana program, though it was enacted in 2010.

New Jersey is among the 29 states that allow marijuana to be prescribed for medical conditions such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma and multiple sclerosis among others, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

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