The New Jersey Assembly has voted 71 to 2 to approve legislation that would add sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for the state’s medical marijuana program.
The proposal, Assembly Bill 913, now heads to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee for further consideration.
The measure would explicitly authorize the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from sickle cell anemia, a chronic and often excruciating blood disorder that disproportionately affects Black Americans. Supporters say the bill would provide patients with an important alternative treatment option.
New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010, and its list of qualifying conditions currently includes chronic pain, cancer, multiple sclerosis, and PTSD. Although the state has since legalized recreational marijuana, medical patients are exempt from the standard cannabis sales tax and allowed to purchase and possess more marijuana than recreational users. They also often benefit from lower prices and greater product availability.
If enacted, A913 would ensure that sickle cell anemia patients have guaranteed access to the state’s medical marijuana program, expanding the therapeutic options available to those facing ongoing and severe pain.
