TRENTON – To ensure qualifying patients acquire medicinal marijuana safely and reduce trips to Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) during the state’s COVID-19 response and beyond, the New Jersey Department of Health June 25 issued a waiver that allows ATCs to provide home delivery of medical cannabis to patients and designated caregivers.
According to a release, this marks a significant first step in implementing the full home delivery provisions found in Jake Honig’s Law, which was signed by Gov. Phil Murphy last summer.
Deliveries will be conducted by ATC employees who have undergone a criminal background check, and delivery vehicles will need to be equipped with security measures, including GPS tracking and a secure lockbox.
“The department continues to prioritize patient access during this unprecedented pandemic,” stated Health Commissioner Judith Persichilli. “This new waiver will allow ATCs, once they have submitted a plan to the Department for approval, to deliver across the state.”
ATCs will also be responsible for providing their drivers with adequate personal protective equipment and training on how to conduct deliveries while minimizing the spread of COVID-19.
The waiver is the latest in a series of policies put in place by the department to ease barriers to accessing dispensaries for patients and caregivers. In March, the department reduced all caregiver fees to $20, allowed telephonic consultations, increased options for discounts, and authorized curbside dispensing.
The department also recently announced the opening of two new dispensaries, Zen Leaf, in Elizabeth, and Columbia Care, in Vineland. In total, there are 11 operating dispensaries statewide.
There are currently 78,698 patients and 3,104 caregivers registered with the program.
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