A rapid expansion of New Jersey's medical marijuana program may go beyond what lawmakers envision in bill one vote from reaching Gov. Phil Murphy’s desk.
Final legislative approval of medical marijuana expansion is likely June 10. Senate tweaked the bill to further encourage the industry's workers to unionize.
New Jersey current has six medical marijuana ATCs, with six more now seeking permits. The state Health Department says 90 will be needed in three years.
So long as their applications get state and local approvals, dispensaries will open Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Ewing, Paterson, Phillipsburg and Vineland.
The bipartisan legislation would impact minors as well, by removing a requirement they undergo psychiatric evaluations before being cleared for the state's program, and permitting them access to edible pot.
Effectively immediately, doctors in New Jersey can recommend their patients use medical marijuana to treat anxiety, various forms of chronic pain, and migraines.