How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in New Jersey?

Whether you’re a New Jersey resident considering applying for an MMJ card or if you are a current cardholder looking to move to New Jersey, there are steps you can take to secure your medical marijuana card online. The New Jersey, medical marijuana card process can be done entirely online. 

One will first need to obtain a certification from a licensed physician that they have a qualifying condition. Once certified by a medical professional, patients can go through the application process online, either through the state website or telehealth providers. Read on as we go over the steps to apply, renew, and become a caregiver in New Jersey. 

The United States and Legal Medical Cannabis

In the United States, medical marijuana programs have been legalized in thirty-six states and the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Medical marijuana programs allow patients with specified conditions to own, grow and utilize cannabis products to aid in managing their condition, even if recreational cannabis users are not authorized.

Approved requirements vary by state, and many programs will require patience to apply for a medical cannabis card. This process will typically include a consultation and evaluation by a physician. A primary care provider can often suggest it for medical cannabis patients with long-term or chronic conditions.

Medicinal Cannabis Use

Over fifty peer-reviewed medical studies have been conducted on the potential medicinal benefits of cannabis and its many cannabinoids and terpenes. The consensus that emerged from these studies is that cannabis can provide medical benefits for many different conditions.

While most of these studies have focused on the help of the specific cannabinoid CBD, other major and minor cannabinoids, in conjunction with terpenes, show significant promise in treating both physical and mental ailments.

NJ Patient Eligibility

A New Jersey medical marijuana patient must be 18 or older to visit a medical marijuana dispensary. Only those who can prove NJ residency can apply for a patient id number and a license for the medical marijuana program (valid state-issued driver’s license, Government ID). A New Jersey resident must also have medical history showing a diagnosis that qualifies a doctor to recommend them as a patient that can use a New Jersey medical card.

Qualifying Conditions in New Jersey

Governor Corzine signed the Medical Marijuana Act to legalize medical marijuana for a limited number of conditions and allow the opening of a medical marijuana dispensary.

The Senate Judiciary Committee expanded the Medical Marijuana program and its’ qualifying conditions to allow certain registered patients to buy cannabis from alternative treatment centers.

 These medical conditions include: 

• Addiction substitute therapy for opioid reduction
• Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
• Anxiety
• Cancer (includes associated chronic pain and severe nausea)
• Chronic pain
• Chronic visceral pain
• Crohn’s disease
• Dysmenorrhea (menstrual cramps)
• Epilepsy
• Glaucoma
• HIV/AIDS (includes associated chronic pain and severe nausea)
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Migraines
• Multiple Sclerosis
• Muscular Dystrophy
• Opioid dependency
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
• Seizure and spasticity disorders
• Tourette’s syndrome
• Any terminal illness if a doctor has determined the terminally ill patients will die within a year

Steps to Apply for an NJ Medical Marijuana Card

There are a few steps to get a medical marijuana card in New Jersey with the help of Leafy DOC. First, you’ll select your State to receive the most accurate and up-to-date information about the New Jersey medical marijuana card process.

Skip the wait at the doctor’s office and schedule your evaluation from the comfort and convenience of your home. Submit an intake form with a few personal details and a summary of your medical history; then, we’ll help you book an on-demand telehealth appointment or schedule a convenient time for later.

An online recommendation with Leafy DOC starts at 149 USD for new patients and renewals in New Jersey. There is a money-back guarantee if you are not approved for New Jersey medical use.

Connect with a licensed medical marijuana doctor in minutes and easily chat with your provider on a smartphone, computer, or tablet via phone call or video. Our licensed physicians will evaluate your qualifying condition, address your questions and concerns, and then provide a recommendation for medical cannabis via email within two business days.

Log in to the New Jersey Department of Health website at https://njmmp.nj.gov/njmmp/ and register as a patient using your medical marijuana certification from Leafy DOC and the required documents.

After the State approves your registration into the New Jersey medical marijuana program, they will mail you a patient ID card within fourteen business days. Once you have the MMJ card, you can visit New Jersey dispensaries and purchase medicinal marijuana products.

Can Leafy DOC help?

Absolutely! Not only can Leafy DOC provide a way to see a doctor via telehealth and obtain your medical card, but we also offer access to knowledgeable and helpful customer support and a personalized health coach that can guide you before and after the MMJ card process.

Our mission at Leafy DOC is to provide a seamless customer experience, educate people about cannabis, and ultimately help people get medical cards quickly and efficiently.

Additional MMJ Card Fees in NJ

There is a 50 USD fee payable to New Jersey, which covers the cost of the Medicinal marijuana program application process. Those on state assistance may be able to get their card for a reduced price of 20 USD.

The Renewal Process

It is recommended to renew around a month before the expiration date to have time to complete the renewal appointment and application. New Jersey medical marijuana cards expire one year after the certification date on the physician’s recommendation. New cannabis ID cards are issued upon recertification approval. The renewal fee is 50 USD or 20 USD at the reduced rate.

How to Apply as a Caregiver

A primary caregiver is an adult over 21 legally allowed to purchase, transport, educate, and administer medical cannabis to medical marijuana patients with a valid medical card.

Over thirty states have legalized medical marijuana programs, allowing caregivers to assist qualified patients. In these locations, state legislation provides legal protection for the patient and the caregiver from criminal penalties. 

A patient with medical marijuana certification may elect to have a caregiver go to their alternative therapy center and purchase medical cannabis. Qualified patients can designate up to two caregivers at a time.

Caregivers must submit fingerprints for a criminal background check. Designated caregivers must be 18 years or older, an official resident of New Jersey, and agree to help the qualified patient use marijuana for medicinal purposes. 

According to New Jersey Medical Marijuana Laws, caregiver applications are required to include:

• Recent US passport-approved photo
• Government-issued photo ID
• Registration Fee of 100 USD

Where to Purchase Medical Marijuana in New Jersey

Once registered for the New Jersey Medical Cannabis program and received your ID card, you may wonder, how do I get medical marijuanas in NJ? There are a few ways to obtain legal medical marijuana in New Jersey as a qualified patient. 

Recreational weed is also legal, and eighteen states are scattered across the state. You can purchase cannabis from a medical dispensary with a medical marijuana ID card. These products include flower, edibles, tinctures, concentrates, and more.