Menstrual Cramps May Qualify For Medical Marijuana In NJ

New Jersey lawmakers are introducing legislation that would add menstrual cramps to the list of qualifying conditions for medical marijuana patients.

The bill would add dysmenorrhea - or "abdominal cramping due to uterine contractions" - to the list of conditions for which a doctor may authorize medical marijuana use, provided that the patient "is not responsive to conventional medical therapy."

NJ Assembly member Tim Eustace said

By denying women in New Jersey access to a means of treating dysmenorrhea, our state fails to acknowledge the serious impact it can have on their wellness and productivity ... Furthermore, from an economic standpoint, New Jersey is missing out on millions of dollars in tax revenue due to the restrictive nature of its medical marijuana law. While this will affect women directly, the financial benefit ultimately will be positive for everyone in the state.”