Marijuana Dispensaries Could Double In NJ After Murphy Request

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The number of medical marijuana dispensaries could double in New Jersey, after Gov. Phil Murphy issued a request for six applications. There are currently six open and operating in the state.

The state wants to add two in each region (northern, central, and southern) to meet the growing demand for medical marijuana, Murphy said on Monday. Since more conditions became eligible for medical marijuana in January, the number of patients registered ballooned from around 18,000 to more than 25,000 as more became eligible.

“We look forward to the opening of six new dispensaries so we can ensure that all qualifying patients who want access to medicinal marijuana can have it,’’ said Governor Phil Murphy. “Due to the steps that Commissioner Elnahal and I have taken since January, we have seen the addition of 10,000 new patients. Accordingly, we have to expand the number of businesses who are growing product and serving patients.”

Adding more dispensaries is part of the Murphy administrations efforts to make the program more accessible, officials said.

“As we strive to make the program more responsive to the needs of patients, caregivers and Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), we recognize the need to grow the industry and create more options for patients,” said Health Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, M.D.

The applications for the new dispensaries were posted online on Monday (you can view the application here). All applications must submit a business plan, including a five-year budget and revenue projections, and will need to receive approval from the town they plan on operating in. Businesses that already own a dispensary will not be able to apply for a second location through this process.

Murphy enacted major reforms to the medical marijuana program shortly after he took office in January, including lowering program registration fees, adding more eligible conditions, and no longer requiring doctors to list their names in a public registry.

There are currently six dispensaries in the state, including a recently opened location in Secaucus.

Read More:

• Rush For Medical Marijuana In NJ After New Conditions Approved
• New Jersey Medical Marijuana: Panel OKs 5 New Conditions
• Gov. Phil Murphy Just Made It Easier To Get Marijuana In NJ

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