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Yesterday, New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy signed an executive order that could dramatically change the state’s medical marijuana program. His actions have sparked the larger question: How is the governor of New Jersey ending prohibition?
Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order
Murphy’s executive order requires the New Jersey Department of Health to review the state’s current medical marijuana laws. It also calls on state agencies and lawmakers to come up with ways to make medical marijuana more accessible to a larger number of patients. The governor gave state agencies 60 days to accomplish these tasks.
Murphy said his executive order is a response to severe limitations on New Jersey’s medical marijuana program. In particular, he said that current rules don’t give enough patients access to cannabis. Similarly, those who can use medical marijuana face tight limitations on how much they can possess and how they can obtain it.
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010. But the state’s former governor, Chris Christie, is an outspoken opponent of cannabis. While in office, he led efforts to curtail the state’s medical marijuana program. Under rules established by his administration, there are only a small number of health conditions that qualify for medical marijuana. Local media reported that muscle control disorders are the most frequently prescribed condition.
Qualifying patients are not allowed to possess more than two ounces per month. Similarly, the state does not allow home delivery. Many patients and activists—including Governor Murphy—see these rules as too restrictive and limiting.
“The roadblocks put in place by the past administration mean that the law’s spirit has been stifled, Gov. Murphy said at a signing ceremony yesterday.