N.J. cannabis patients demand action as recreational market thrives
New Jersey’s cannabis market is charging customers less and bringing in more revenue, but frustrated medical patients feel like they’re being left behind.
Cannabis is predicted to be a billion dollar industry this year, and initial sales have been brisk, according to Cannabis Regulatory Commission executive director Jeff Brown. Sales increased by 35% in January and 42% in February compared to last year.
At the same time, adult use prices have dropped by nearly $2 per gram to $12.22 and medical prices have dropped by nearly $1 to 10.48 per gram.
But at a string of protests at the Statehouse and emotional testimony at the most recent Cannabis Regulatory Commission meeting, medical patients said they are frustrated that state law prohibits them from growing their own. Senate President Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, has thus far declined to push for ending the ban.
In addition, medical patients say they are not getting enough access to the market amid complaints about poor quality such as moldy weed — conditions that have prompted the commission to fine large cannabis companies. They want the commission to do more in when it comes to testing protocols for the product.
“You regulate our quality of life and our chances of survival, I just ask that you prioritize accordingly,” medical patient Andrea Raible told the commission at its monthly meeting Wednesday.
CRC commissioner Charles Barker tried to push through a last minute motion that would put in place stricter testing standards. It fell short after Brown said his staff was close to making formal recommendations for stricter testing that could include reducing the batch size of cannabis tested to potentially catch more contaminants.
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