How to Apply for a Medical Marijuana Card in New Jersey Online

Reviewed by Dr. Shatha Atiya, PsyD. Updated October 11, 2024

Application   |   How to Get Medical Card   |   About Medical Marijuana in New Jersey   |   Rules   |   Key Takeaways   |   FAQs   |   Resources

Welcome to the best guide on applying for a medical marijuana card in New Jersey online!

By the end of this page, you will have the answers to these questions:

  • How do I apply for an NJ medical card online?
  • What should I know about the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP)?
  • What are the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program rules?

All the information on this page comes from the official New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory website. So, you can trust you are reading an accurate and up-to-date resource. Let’s get started.

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Guide to Applying for an NJ Medical Card Online

Here is what you need to do to start your New Jersey medical card application:

1. Get a recommendation for medical marijuana from a licensed cannabis physician in NJ.

2. Register with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program. (Formerly the NJMMP.)

A licensed physician in the state must approve you for medical cannabis before you can apply for your med card. After getting certified, you will get a patient registry ID and reference number that will enable you to register with the state program.

This guide should make your NJ medical card application as easy as possible. And ahead are instructions for caregivers and parents/guardians applying on behalf of minors.

Step 1: Get Certified by a Medical Marijuana Doctor in NJ

Quick Med Cards makes this process easy. How? You can get your cannabis certification from the comfort of your home over a brief but comprehensive video call. Follow the steps below to get your medical marijuana certification from a qualified physician in NJ near you.

1. Sign up with Quick Med Cards.

2. Book your online appointment.

3. Video call with our doctor.

4. Get your recommendation.

Step 2: Get Your Documents Ready

Make sure you submit all required paperwork during your online application on the NJMCP portal to avoid delays. You’ll need the following documents:

1. The patient registry ID and reference number on your marijuana certification.

2. Name and address of an Alternative Treatment Center (NJ dispensary) of your choice.

3. A recent, full-face, front-facing photograph.

4. Proof of New Jersey residency.

5. Proof of identity.

Step 3: Register with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program

Next is registering with the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP). With your documents in order, visit the NJMCP portal (once the NJMMP portal) and create your account. Usually, this part of the NJ medical card application takes less than two minutes.

1. Visit the NJMCP portal.

2. Select Adult Patient Registration under the Patients/Caregivers tab.

3. Fill out your patient registry ID and reference number. Most importantly, enter the information exactly as it appears on your cannabis certification.

4. Check your email for your verification code.

5. Log into your account and change your password.

Step 4: Submit Your New Jersey Medical Card Application

In order to be a registered medical marijuana patient in New Jersey, you must complete and submit Your NJ medical card application. Luckily, our doctor takes care of most of the work after your visit. Our NJ medical marijuana doctor will initiate your med card application. So, completing it on the state portal is short and straightforward. 

Your NJ medical card application is complete once you do the steps below:

1. Confirm the information our physician entered.

2. Choose your Alternative Treatment Center. (You can change this at any point.)

3. Upload the required documents.

Now the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program will review your application.

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Application Approval from the New Jersey Medical Cannabis Program

Paying for your New Jersey Medical Marijuana Card

Log in to your account and pay for the NJ MMJ card once the state approves your application. After the department confirms your payment, it will print and mail your NJ med card to the address in your application.

Note: The Digital Medicinal Cannabis Patient Card is free. However, the physical card costs $10. 

Get your Medical Marijuana Card in the Mail.

The approval process may take up to 30 days. But expect to get your NJ medical marijuana card in the mail within 7 to 10 days after making your payment.

Other Types of Medical Marijuana Applications in New Jersey

We’ve covered how to apply for a medical marijuana card online as an adult living in New Jersey. But other groups can apply for access to medical cannabis as well. For example, out-of-state patients, minors, and caregivers.

Applying as a Minor Patient

Patients under 18 years old may qualify for medical marijuana in New Jersey. But the minor patient application is different in the following ways:

  • Minor patients do not create a user account with the NJMCP themselves. That is the responsibility of their parent or legal guardian.
  • Minors do not receive a medical marijuana card.
  • Parents or legal guardians must upload the minor’s photo during the application.
  • Only the child’s parent or legal guardian can register as their caregiver.
  • Parents and legal guardians do not pay any fees as caregivers for their minors.
  • A cannabis doctor in NJ must certify the minor for MMJ before the application.

Applying as a Caregiver in New Jersey

To become a caregiver, your patient must add you as one during or after their medical marijuana card application.

Patients with New Jersey medical marijuana cards may designate at most two caregivers. Often, patients choose caregivers if they cannot go to an alternative treatment center and buy cannabis on their own. So, authorized caregivers can purchase marijuana from NJ dispensaries.

Once your patient initiates your caregiver application, you must register with the NJMCP. Then apply for your caregiver card.

If you want to become a caregiver in New Jersey, you must meet the following requirements:

  • You must be a resident of New Jersey.
  • You must be at least 18 years old.
  • Get a background check if you are not an immediate family member of the patient.

Also, keep the following in mind if you intend to become a caregiver in New Jersey:

  • The caregiver card costs $10. However, parents and guardians of minor patients are exempt from paying caregiver fees.
  • Your caregiver ID will expire when your patient’s medical card does if they add you as their caregiver after they get their MMJ card.

With that out of the way, this is how you apply as a caregiver in New Jersey:

1. Your patient must add you as a caregiver under the Caregiver tab on their NJMCP account.

2. Now you (the caregiver) must visit the NJMCP portal.

3. Select the Patients/Caregivers tab and click Adult Patient Registration.

4. Select Caregiver Registration and enter the required information, for example, your first and last name, date of birth, and sex. Then click Search. This step will fail if your patient didn’t add you as their caregiver earlier.

5. Next, create your account and log in.

6. Confirm that the details your patient entered are accurate. Then move ahead by filling out the information denoted by the red asterisk. You will also be asked to upload the required documents.

Now you need to wait for the NJMCP to review your application. Once you have been approved as a caregiver, you need to:

7. Pay for your caregiver card.

8. Receive your caregiver card in the mail.

How to Apply for a Temporary Medical Card (for out-of-state patients)

Does New Jersey accept out-of-state MMJ Cards?

Yes. The state of New Jersey accepts out-of-state MMJ cards. As a result, you can access medicinal cannabis in NJ if you have a valid med card from your home state. 

But first, you must apply for a temporary New Jersey medical card before you can lawfully buy, possess, and use cannabis as a visiting patient.

To get the temporary med card, you must consult with a registered medical marijuana doctor in NJ. Afterward, you must provide a copy of your out-of-state MMJ card and photo ID during your registration. If approved, your temporary medical card will be valid for six months. It is worth noting that the out-of-state MMJ card is not renewable.

About the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP)

New Jersey legalized medical marijuana in 2010 through the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA). But like many first-time marijuana programs, it was highly restrictive. And many patients could not benefit from cannabis therapy.

So, in 2019, through the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act, NJ legislators expanded the once-restrictive New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP). Following the expansion, NJ could have more medical cannabis providers. Additionally, the legislation established the Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), which took over the NJMMP from the Department of Health (DOH).

The CRC did away with many restrictive measures that held the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program back. As a result, more patients can access medical cannabis in New Jersey. Additionally, the sales tax levied on medical cannabis was scraped to make MMJ affordable to cardholders.

The New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program (NJMMP) has recently rebranded. It is now called the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP). Essentially, the program facilitates patient access to safe medical marijuana in the state.

In 2022, New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana through the Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act. As a result, residents of NJ aged 21 years and older can buy marijuana for recreational use. Besides overseeing the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP), the CRC also establishes rules and regulations governing the sale and purchase of recreational cannabis.

NJMMP Rules

The NJMMP rules, by design, are meant to protect the health and safety of medical marijuana patients in New Jersey. And you can avoid potential legal problems and health risks by following them. Some of the main NJMMP rules include

  • Patients and caregivers should always carry proper identification and their med cards.
  • Medical marijuana should remain in its original labeled packaging.
  • It is best to use medical marijuana only at home.
  • Do not share your medical marijuana.
  • Do not smoke medicinal cannabis on federal lands or in federal buildings.
  • It is illegal to smoke in a private vehicle in motion.
  • New Jersey medical marijuana rules prohibit home cultivation. You cannot grow marijuana at home, even with a valid medical card.
  • Operating vehicles and heavy machinery while under the influence of cannabis is illegal.
  • It is illegal to cross state lines with medical marijuana.
  • Return unwanted medical cannabis to an alternative treatment center (ATC).

You can smoke medical marijuana in designated smoking areas. But, the New Jersey Smoke-Free Air Act restricts smoking in most public spaces.

Cannabis Limits in New Jersey

New Jersey med card holders (patients and caregivers) can buy at most 3 ounces of medical cannabis every 30 days. But the certifying physician determines the dosage based on the patient’s need. Terminally ill patients, however, are exempt from the maximum limits.

Recreational users cannot buy more than one ounce of marijuana per transaction.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cannabis Regulatory Commission oversees the state’s medical marijuana program.
  • An NJ medical cannabis doctor must issue you with a marijuana recommendation, and you must complete an application on the NJMCP portal to get a medical marijuana card.
  • Eligible minors may qualify for medical cannabis in NJ if their parents/legal guardians consent to the treatment and serve as their caregivers.
  • The minimum age for caregivers in NJ is 18.
  • Out-of-state patients can apply for a temporary medical card to access medicinal cannabis in New Jersey.
  • Digital NJ medical marijuana cards are free. Physical medical cards cost $10.
  • Your NJ medical card lets you buy at most 3 ounces of MMJ every 30 days.

Got Questions About Applying for a Medical Card in New Jersey?

Do you still have questions about applying for the New Jersey medical card? The answers below may help.

Why do I need a medical card if recreational cannabis is already available in NJ?

Getting a medical card in NJ is still beneficial despite the availability of recreational cannabis.

For example:

  • There is a 0% sales tax on medical cannabis. As a result, MMJ is much cheaper than recreational marijuana.
  • Secondly, an NJ medical card gives you larger buying limits than recreational users.
  • Thirdly, NJ dispensaries prioritize medical cannabis sales over recreational. As a result, with a med card, you will never fail to get a supply of your medicine in the event of a shortage.

Is there medical cannabis sales tax?

There is no sales tax on medical cannabis in New Jersey.

As a result, it is cheaper than recreational cannabis, which is subject to the state’s 6.625% sales tax. The lack of a sales tax on medicinal cannabis is significant because it can help make treatment more affordable for patients. Consequently, patients can use these savings to offset the costs of other medical expenses. For example, a cancer patient who uses medicinal cannabis to manage pain may be able to use the savings to pay for transportation to and from treatments. Ultimately, the lack of a sales tax on medicinal cannabis provides a financial benefit to patients that can help make treatment more affordable.

Are edibles legal in New Jersey?

Yes. Edibles are legal in New Jersey.

However, this doesn’t include traditional food edibles like brownies and infused chocolates. Instead, lozenges, pills, tablets, capsules, and chewable forms of marijuana are available. Additionally, patients can buy dried flower, concentrated oils, and tinctures. Other forms of MMJ available in NJ include syrups, transdermal, and sublingual cannabis.

How do I contact the NJMMP?

You can contact the New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (formerly called the NJMMP) through the email: medcannabis@crc.nj.gov or phone: 609-292-0424.

Do I need a medical card to buy at a dispensary in New Jersey?

No. You can buy marijuana from dispensaries in NJ without a medical card.

Since New Jersey legalized recreational cannabis in 2020, adults aged 21 and over can go to any dispensary and buy marijuana. Still, if you intend to use marijuana for medical purposes, getting an NJ med card is worth it. With a medical card, you can buy cheaper and more potent strains of cannabis. Additionally, you stand to gain from the many benefits of a medical card. For instance, NJ dispensaries prioritize medical users over recreational users.

Does New Jersey accept out-of-state medical cards?

Yes. The state of New Jersey accepts out-of-state medical cards.

However, visiting patients cannot use them to buy cannabis from NJ dispensaries. Instead, they must submit a copy of their valid out-of-state medical card when they apply for the temporary medical card.

The temporary medical card lets out-of-state med card holders buy, possess, and use medicinal cannabis during their stay in New Jersey. It is valid for six months, and visiting patients must consult with an NJ medical marijuana doctor before they can apply for one.

Can you go to any dispensary with a medical card in NJ?

Yes. You can go to any dispensary in NJ with your medical card and buy cannabis.

Although your NJ medical marijuana application will need you to enter a specific alternative treatment center (ATC), this is just part of the process. And you are not confined to the dispensary you entered in your application.

How long does it take to get approved for the NJMMP?

The NJMCP (formerly NJMMP) will contact you via email within 30 days after you submit your application.

Sometimes the approval time is shorter. Some patients receive their approval email a week after their application. Afterward, expect your New Jersey medical marijuana card in the mail within 7 – 10 business days after approval.

How much is a medical marijuana card in NJ?

The standard fee for the physical New Jersey medical marijuana card is $10. However, the digital medical card is free from March 1, 2024. And it is valid for two years.

Besides the state registration fee for the medical card, you also pay a consultation fee to get the approval of a healthcare physician in NJ. Usually, it costs around $200, but with Quick Med Cards, you pay the cheapest fee for a med card in NJ.

Does Medicaid cover medical marijuana in NJ?

No. Like most healthcare insurance plans; Medicaid does not cover the cost of medical marijuana in NJ.

Can I smoke in a park in NJ?

No. New Jersey’s Smoke-Free Air Act prohibits smoking in most public spaces.

As a result, it would be against the law to smoke medical marijuana in a park even if you have a valid MMJ card. To be on the safe side of the law, stick to consuming your cannabis at home.

How much does medical marijuana cost in NJ?

The cost of medical marijuana in NJ depends on the form of cannabis you buy and the dispensary you get your medicine.

On average, the starting price of an eighth ounce (3.5g) of flower is $34, and a quarter ounce (7g) is $40. The cost for other forms of medical marijuana starts from:

  • Pre-rolls $35
  • Vaporizers $32
  • Edibles $24
  • Topicals $45
  • Concentrates $60
  • Tinctures $55

How do I get an MMP card in NJ?

You can get an MMP card in NJ if you are a patient ailing from a qualifying medical condition and a registered healthcare physician in NJ has certified you for medicinal cannabis.

Most importantly, you must be a resident of New Jersey. If you want an MMP card as a caregiver, your patient must designate you as one. And you must submit your fingerprints for a criminal background check if you are not directly related to the qualified patient. Also, members of out-of-state medical marijuana programs may get a temporary MMP card to use during their stay in NJ.

What is the NJ MMP?

The NJMMP was the previous name of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.

Today, the program goes by New Jersey Medicinal Cannabis Program (NJMCP). It ensures patients get access to safe and effective cannabis. Additionally, it conducts licensing responsibilities related to medical marijuana. The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJMCP) oversees the running of the NJMCP.