What conditions qualify for medical marijuana in New Jersey?
New Jersey approves medical marijuana for over 20 qualifying conditions including chronic pain, anxiety, PTSD, cancer, migraines, and opioid use disorder. Physicians can also recommend cannabis for any condition they believe would benefit. MMJ.com offers telehealth evaluations for $149.99 with same-day certification and a 100% money-back guarantee.
Get Your New Jersey Medical Marijuana Card
What is the complete list of New Jersey qualifying conditions?
New Jersey's Medical Cannabis Program, managed by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) under the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, recognizes the following qualifying conditions for 2026:
Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions
- Chronic Pain
- Intractable Skeletal-Muscular Spasticity
- Dysmenorrhea (Severe Menstrual Pain)
Neurological Conditions
- Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Tourette's Syndrome
Mental Health Conditions
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Cancer and Terminal Illness
- Cancer (pain, nausea, appetite loss)
- Terminal Illness (prognosis under 12 months)
Gastrointestinal Conditions
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn's Disease, Ulcerative Colitis)
Eye Conditions
- Glaucoma
Headache Disorders
- Migraine
Infectious Diseases
- HIV/AIDS
Substance Use Treatment
- Opioid Use Disorder
Physician Discretion
New Jersey allows physicians to recommend cannabis for any debilitating medical condition they determine would benefit from treatment.
Why get a medical card when New Jersey has recreational marijuana?
New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana in 2021, but medical cards provide significant advantages:
| Benefit | Medical Card | Recreational |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 18+ | 21+ |
| Sales Tax | 0% state tax | 6.625% + local |
| Possession Limit | 3 oz/month | 1 oz at a time |
| Dispensary Priority | Yes | No |
| Product Selection | Medical-specific | Standard |
Save 6.625%+ on Every Purchase: Medical patients pay no sales tax, saving significant money compared to recreational purchases.
How do I qualify for a New Jersey medical marijuana card?
To qualify for medical marijuana in New Jersey, you must:
- Be a New Jersey resident with valid state ID
- Have a qualifying condition diagnosed by a licensed healthcare provider
- Complete a physician evaluation (telehealth evaluations are legal in NJ)
- Register with the CRC through the state's online portal
- Receive your card and begin purchasing at dispensaries
MMJ.com connects you with New Jersey-licensed physicians for a 10-15 minute telehealth evaluation. Most patients receive same-day certification.
How much does a New Jersey medical marijuana card cost?
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Physician Evaluation (MMJ.com) | $149.99 |
| State Registration Fee | $0 (FREE) |
| Total Cost | $149.99 |
New Jersey eliminated the state registration fee—your only cost is the physician evaluation. MMJ.com provides a 100% money-back guarantee if you're not approved.
About the Qualifying Medical Conditions
Below is information about each qualifying condition and the research that informed New Jersey's decision to include it in the state program.
Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Chronic pain, intractable skeletal-muscular spasticity, and dysmenorrhea are approved qualifying conditions under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included these conditions based on systematic reviews examining cannabinoid use among patients with chronic pain conditions. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Anxiety
Anxiety is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey explicitly included anxiety based on research examining cannabinoid use in patients with anxiety disorders. (Bergamaschi et al., Neuropsychopharmacology 2011)
PTSD
PTSD is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients with PTSD. (Roitman et al., J Clin Psychopharmacol 2014)
Migraines
Migraines are an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on research examining cannabis use among migraine patients. (Rhyne et al., Pharmacotherapy 2016)
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Seizure disorders, including epilepsy, are approved qualifying conditions under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included these conditions based on clinical trial research examining CBD in patients with treatment-resistant epilepsy. (Devinsky et al., NEJM 2017)
Multiple Sclerosis and ALS
MS and ALS are approved qualifying conditions under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included these conditions based on clinical research examining cannabinoid use in patients with spasticity and motor symptoms. (Zajicek et al., J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 2012) (Carter et al., Am J Hosp Palliat Care 2010)
Cancer and Terminal Illness
These are approved qualifying conditions under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included these conditions based on research examining cannabinoid use among patients experiencing treatment-related symptoms or end-of-life care needs. (Whiting et al., JAMA 2015)
Opioid Use Disorder
Opioid Use Disorder is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on research examining cannabis as a potential harm reduction strategy. (Lucas et al., Int J Drug Policy 2017)
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's Disease and Ulcerative Colitis, is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on clinical research examining cannabis use in IBD patients. (Naftali et al., Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2013)
Tourette's Syndrome
Tourette's Syndrome is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on research examining THC use in patients with Tourette's. (Muller-Vahl et al., Pharmacopsychiatry 2003)
Muscular Dystrophy
Muscular Dystrophy is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program as determined by the Cannabis Regulatory Commission.
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on early research examining the relationship between cannabinoids and intraocular pressure. (Hepler & Frank, JAMA 1971)
HIV/AIDS
HIV/AIDS is an approved qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program. New Jersey included this condition based on research examining cannabinoid use among HIV/AIDS patients. (Woolridge et al., J Pain Symptom Manage 2005)
Can I grow marijuana at home in New Jersey?
No, home cultivation is not permitted in New Jersey, even for medical marijuana patients. All medical cannabis must be purchased through state-licensed dispensaries (Alternative Treatment Centers).
How do caregivers and pediatric patients qualify?
Caregiver Requirements
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Complete background check
- Register with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission
- Can assist one or more qualified patients
Pediatric Patient Requirements
- Must have a qualifying condition
- Requires certification from two licensed healthcare providers
- Parent or legal guardian must consent and serve as caregiver
- MMJ.com provides specialized guidance for families
How many patients are in New Jersey's medical marijuana program?
As of 2025, New Jersey has approximately 60,000+ active medical marijuana patients. The program continues to grow as more conditions are added and awareness increases.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a medical marijuana card in New Jersey?
The telehealth evaluation takes 10-15 minutes with same-day certification. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission typically processes applications within 30 days, though many patients receive approval within 1-2 weeks.
Can out-of-state patients access New Jersey's medical marijuana program?
No, only New Jersey residents can participate in the state's medical marijuana program. You must have a valid New Jersey state ID or driver's license.
Does anxiety qualify for medical marijuana in New Jersey?
Yes! Anxiety is explicitly listed as a qualifying condition in New Jersey. You can receive a medical marijuana certification specifically for anxiety through an MMJ.com evaluation.
Can I use telehealth for my New Jersey medical marijuana evaluation?
Yes, New Jersey allows telehealth evaluations for medical marijuana certifications. MMJ.com offers secure, HIPAA-compliant video consultations with New Jersey-licensed physicians.
What documents do I need for my evaluation?
You'll need a valid New Jersey ID and any medical records related to your qualifying condition. Medical records are helpful but not always required—your physician can evaluate your symptoms during the consultation.
How long does a New Jersey medical marijuana card last?
New Jersey medical marijuana cards are valid for 1 year from the date of issuance. Begin the renewal process approximately 30 days before expiration.
How much cannabis can I possess with a New Jersey medical card?
Medical patients can purchase up to 3 ounces of cannabis per month from licensed dispensaries (Alternative Treatment Centers).
What is the approval rate for New Jersey medical marijuana evaluations?
MMJ.com maintains a 98% approval rate for qualified patients. If you're not approved, you receive a full refund under our 100% money-back guarantee.
Where can I purchase medical marijuana in New Jersey?
Medical cannabis is available at licensed Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) throughout New Jersey. There are currently over 30 locations statewide.
Medical Disclaimer
This page provides information about New Jersey's qualifying conditions for medical cannabis. The inclusion of a condition in New Jersey's program does not constitute medical advice or a guarantee of therapeutic benefit. Individual results vary. Potential side effects may include dizziness, sedation, and cognitive changes. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025