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.
What are the benefits of medical marijuana for each condition?
Chronic Pain and Musculoskeletal Conditions
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces chronic pain intensity and muscle spasticity, offering an alternative to opioids.
Research Evidence: Studies show cannabis effectively manages chronic pain with fewer side effects than traditional pain medications.
Anxiety and PTSD
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces anxiety, nightmares, insomnia, and other trauma-related symptoms.
Research Evidence: Clinical research demonstrates significant improvements in sleep quality, anxiety reduction, and emotional stability.
Migraines
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces migraine frequency and severity, provides rapid relief during attacks.
Research Evidence: Studies show medical cannabis can reduce migraine frequency by up to 50% and provide faster relief than conventional medications.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces seizure frequency and severity.
Research Evidence: FDA-approved CBD (Epidiolex) has demonstrated significant effectiveness in controlling severe seizure disorders.
Cancer and Terminal Illness
Therapeutic Benefits: Alleviates chemotherapy-induced nausea, chronic pain, appetite loss, and provides comfort during treatment.
Research Evidence: Clinical trials confirm cannabinoids effectively reduce nausea and stimulate appetite.
Opioid Use Disorder
Therapeutic Benefits: Helps manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings, may support recovery.
Research Evidence: Studies show cannabis can help patients reduce opioid use and manage chronic pain without opioids.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Therapeutic Benefits: Reduces inflammation, pain, and gastrointestinal discomfort.
Research Evidence: Clinical evidence supports cannabis use in managing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis symptoms.
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
Medical cannabis effects and effectiveness vary among individuals. Potential side effects include dizziness, sedation, cognitive impairment, and risk of dependency. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before beginning treatment.
Reviewed by MMJ.com Medical Advisory Team Last Updated: December 17, 2025