A new bill filed today in the New Jersey Senate would establish a state-run subsidy program designed to lower the cost of medical marijuana for low-income patients enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare.
Senate Bill 1792 was introduced by State Senator Troy Singleton (D) and State Senator Joseph Vitale (D) and has been referred to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee. The legislation directs the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission to create and administer a subsidy covering up to 20% of the purchase price of medical marijuana and related products for qualifying patients.
Under the proposal, the subsidy would apply only to registered medical marijuana patients who are currently enrolled in the state’s medical marijuana program and who receive benefits through Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare. The discount would be applied at the point of sale at licensed medical marijuana dispensaries, reducing the amount paid by the patient at checkout. The commission would then reimburse dispensaries for the subsidized portion using funds appropriated for the program.
The bill specifies that the subsidy would apply solely to purchases made directly by qualifying patients. Medical marijuana obtained by caregivers on behalf of patients would not be eligible for the discount. It also makes clear that the subsidy would not apply to adult-use marijuana purchases, even if the individual is otherwise enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare.
Senate Bill 1792 outlines that the Cannabis Regulatory Commission would be responsible for establishing income verification procedures, overseeing reimbursement to dispensaries, and coordinating with other state agencies to ensure proper administration of the program. Reimbursements would be issued within 90 days of a qualifying transaction, subject to available funding.
Supporters of the bill argue that cost remains a significant barrier for many patients who rely on medical marijuana as part of their treatment, particularly those living on fixed or limited incomes. By reducing out-of-pocket expenses, proponents say the measure would improve access to medical marijuana for some of the state’s most economically vulnerable residents.
The bill will now be considered by the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee as the 2026 legislative session gets underway.
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