New Jersey

What is the cost to get a medical marijuana card in New Jersey

The cost of obtaining a medical marijuana card in NJ starts at $100 for both patients and caregivers. However, seniors, veterans, and individuals receiving government assistance may qualify for a reduced fee of $20.

The medical marijuana card is valid for one year, and after that period, you have the option to renew it by paying a renewal fee.

Additionally, you will need to cover the cost of a consultation with a medical marijuana doctor, which can vary depending on the provider you choose. Bluebird Wellness offers secure online consultations starting at $75.

It’s important to note that health insurance currently does not cover the expenses associated with obtaining your medical marijuana card in NJ.

How long does it take to get your medical card in New Jersey

Obtaining your medical marijuana card in New Jersey is usually a relatively swift process, taking less than two months. At Bluebird Wellness, the initial online consultation takes only 30 minutes, enabling you to promptly proceed with the first part of your application.

After you submit the initial application, the NJMMP program will review it and respond within approximately 30 days. However, if they are processing a large number of applications, the process might be expedited.

Upon approval, you can expect to receive your new medical card through mail within seven to 10 days.

History of Medical Marijuana in New Jersey

Since 2010, medical marijuana has been legal in New Jersey, with patients required to obtain their cannabis from state-licensed treatment centers known as alternative treatment centers instead of traditional dispensaries.

During its initial years, the NJ medical marijuana program was one of the strictest in the country. However, between 2017 and 2019, the New Jersey state government gradually expanded access to medical marijuana. They achieved this by increasing the number of qualifying conditions, allowing more legal cannabis providers, and raising purchase limits, among other measures

In the November 2020 election, New Jersey voters approved a ballot measure to legalize marijuana for recreational use. Despite the legalization, the recreational marijuana program has not yet been established, as it takes time to implement the necessary regulations.

Currently, residents of New Jersey still require a medical marijuana card to purchase cannabis until the recreational program is fully implemented.

Medical Marijuana Possession Limits

Under the current New Jersey cannabis laws, medical marijuana patients or caregivers can buy up to two ounces of cannabis within a 30-day period, as per their provider’s recommendations.

However, the state’s law does not set any possession limits for medical marijuana patients. This means that technically, you can possess more than two ounces at a time as long as you have not surpassed your purchase limits.

As of the end of February, marijuana possession has been decriminalized in New Jersey. This implies that if you are caught with cannabis and do not possess a medical card, you will not face charges for possession.

Cultivating in New Jersey

New Jersey has prohibited medical marijuana patients from cultivating their own cannabis plants. However, with the recent legalization of marijuana in the state, this restriction may undergo revision, potentially allowing medical marijuana patients to grow their own plants in the future.

Caregivers in New Jersey

If you are responsible for someone who meets the medical marijuana conditions in New Jersey but cannot obtain it themselves, you have the option to register as a caregiver to purchase cannabis on their behalf. The caregiver must undergo the same approval process as a patient, which is done on the NJMMP website, the official site of the state of NJ.

First, the patient must receive certification from a medical marijuana doctor, and then the caregiver can proceed with the rest of the application process to obtain the caregiver card

However, caregivers are also required to submit fingerprints and undergo a background check. Like primary patients, caregivers must pay a $100 fee. If necessary, a patient can designate up to two caregivers.

Medical Marijuana Doctors in New Jersey

Obtaining your medical marijuana card requires certification from NJ medical marijuana doctors.

It’s essential to note that not all doctors in New Jersey are authorized to provide medical marijuana certifications, and the number of registered doctors is relatively small compared to other states.

At Bluebird Wellness, we collaborate with registered NJMMP doctors, so you don’t have to search on your own to find a certified doctor.

Dispensaries in New Jersey

The dispensaries in the NJMMP program are referred to as alternative treatment centers and are under state management. Presently, there are numerous dispensaries spread across the state of New Jersey that you can visit.

Over time, New Jersey’s cannabis program has experienced significant growth, and there are now numerous recreational and medical dispensaries open for business, expanding the options available to consumers.

Reciprocity laws in New Jersey

New Jersey has recently introduced reciprocity for individuals with marijuana cards from other states. If you possess a marijuana card from another state, you can use it in NJ for up to six months from the time of your arrival.

Additionally, some states, such as Rhode Island and Nevada, have their own reciprocity laws, which may recognize and accept a New Jersey medical card. However, there are also states that do not accept New Jersey medical cards but allow you to apply for a local medical card, regardless of residency.

At Bluebird Wellness, we simplify the process of applying for your New Jersey medical card online. We provide secure and HIPAA-compliant appointments with registered doctors, which typically take only 30 minutes and start at $75. Our doctors will guide you through the steps of obtaining medicinal weed in NJ and address any inquiries you may have about cannabis dosing, NJMMP strains, and more.

Are edibles legal in New Jersey

Previously, New Jersey did not permit edibles for medical patients, but there has been a recent update to the state’s marijuana laws. Now, edibles are allowed for medical use in New Jersey, and soon, you will be able to purchase edibles with a maximum of 100 mg of THC.

Does New Jersey accept out of state medical marijuana cards

Absolutely! New Jersey now permits out-of-state medical patients to buy and possess cannabis from licensed dispensaries. Regardless of which state your medical card is from, New Jersey recognizes its validity and allows you to make purchases.

For visitors from out of state, you can legally purchase and possess New Jersey MMJ for a period of up to six months during your stay.

Where can I buy medical marijuana in New Jersey

Certainly! New Jersey has now opened its doors to out-of-state medical patients, allowing them to legally purchase and possess cannabis from licensed dispensaries. It doesn’t matter which state your medical card is issued from; New Jersey recognizes its validity, enabling you to make purchases hassle-free.

For those visiting from out of state, you are legally permitted to purchase and possess New Jersey MMJ for a period of up to six months during your stay.

Adults 21 years or older can purchase up to three ounces (85 grams) of cannabis flower and up to 24 grams of concentrated cannabis (oils, tincture, edibles, vapes, etc.) in a single day for delivery in New York.

Under the current law, wherever smoking cigarettes is permitted, you can also smoke a joint. However, it’s important to note that smoking is not allowed in public parks. If caught smoking in restricted areas, you could face a fine of $125. The bill defines “in public” as including streets, sidewalks, parks, and the outdoor patios of restaurants and bars.

New York’s current marijuana laws do not permit medical marijuana reciprocity. Consequently, you cannot use an out-of-state medical card to access medical marijuana in New York.

Individuals who are 21 years of age or older in New York can cultivate cannabis for personal use within their homes. They are allowed to grow up to 6 cannabis plants, with 3 plants being mature and 3 plants being immature. However, it’s important to note that the immediate home cultivation of cannabis is not permitted. Each household is limited to a maximum of twelve plants, consisting of 6 mature plants and 6 immature plants.