Statement by NJCIA President Hugh O’Beirne re: Governor Murphy’s Executive Order Expanding New Jersey’s Medical Marijuana Program

Trenton, New Jersey – “We are thrilled that Governor Murphy, just a week into his new term as Governor, has taken this very important first step to bring the much needed reform to New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.

New Jersey’s existing medical marijuana program is problematic and ineffective for a number of reasons:

–       Creates a very limited number of qualifying patient conditions.

–       Currently has an overly burdensome regulatory process and associated administrative fees that discourage both doctor and patient participation.

–       Currently has an arbitrary and unnecessary limit on the amount of dispensaries permitted to operate in the state.

–       Places illogical limits on the types of medical cannabis strains permitted to be sold in each dispensary.

We enthusiastically support Governor Murphy’s executive order and will work with his administration to eliminate these restrictive and unnecessary regulations. Our collective goal is simple — to ensure that patients in New Jersey have access to the full spectrum of medical care they need, including regulated, medicinal cannabis.”

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The New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association is the state’s largest nonprofit trade association dedicated to advancing the legalization of cannabis.

NJCIA’s mission is to promote sensible policy, responsible development, and growth of a legalized cannabis-based economy. The NJCIA strives to be the industry leader for all sectors including: industrial hemp, biotechnology, cultivation, manufacturing, finance, retail, security, and consulting services. Further information about the New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association can be found at www.NewJerseyCIA.org