Qualifying Medical Conditions for Medical Card in New Jersey
With the expansion of the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, New Jersey allows residents with certain health conditions to access medical cannabis legally. The New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP) is administered by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission and provides guidelines on eligibility, process, and benefits for patients.
Qualifying Medical Conditions
To qualify, a patient must be diagnosed by a New Jersey-registered healthcare practitioner with one or more of the following conditions:
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
- Anxiety
- Cancer
- Chronic pain
- Dysmenorrhea
- Glaucoma
- Inflammatory bowel disease (including Crohn’s disease)
- Intractable skeletal muscular spasticity
- Migraine
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Muscular dystrophy
- Opioid use disorder
- HIV/AIDS
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Seizure disorders, including epilepsy
- Terminal illness with prognosis of less than 12 months to live
- Tourette syndrome
The state’s Cannabis Regulatory Commission may approve additional qualifying conditions as petitions are reviewed.
Reference: Official NJ CRC Medicinal Cannabis Program
Eligibility Requirements
- Be a resident of New Jersey
- Be 18 years or older (minors can qualify with parental consent and caregiver registration)
- Maintain a bona fide relationship with a participating healthcare provider registered with NJMCP
- Be diagnosed and certified by a New Jersey healthcare practitioner registered with the program
Application Process
- Consult a Registered Practitioner:
Schedule an evaluation with a state-registered provider. Telemedicine options are available. - Obtain Certification:
If approved, your provider submits your reference ID and registry information. - Prepare Documentation:
Have proof of NJ residency, identity, and a full-face photo ready. - Register Online:
Visit the NJMCP portal and submit your application using your physician-provided details. - Choose Your Card:
As of 2025, digital patient cards are free; a physical card has a $10 fee. - Approval & Purchasing:
Once approved, patients may purchase up to 3 ounces per month from state-licensed Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs).
Helpful Benefits
- Medical cardholders are exempt from the 6.625% recreational cannabis sales tax
- Higher purchase and possession limits than recreational users
- Legal protections in employment and housing not extended to recreational users
- Priority dispensary access and high-potency products