Senate Health Committee Testimony in Support of S313: insurance coverage for medical marijuana

Testimony to the Senate Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee

In support of S313: Authorizes insurance coverage for medical marijuana

March 10, 2022

Insurance coverage for medical cannabis will have profoundly positive effects. It will greatly increase the number of patients who can use this therapeutic modality, it will lower healthcare costs in the state, and it will produce a healthier New Jersey.

New Jersey has some of the most expensive medical cannabis in the country, with an ounce of premium buds costing between $400-$500. This makes the medical benefits of cannabis unavailable to many residents who have been impoverished by their illnesses or injuries. We urge New Jersey legislators to pass S313, so that the poor can also have access to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

When passed into law, this bill will reduce healthcare costs in the state. Cannabis stabilizes multiple conditions in individuals. Greater access to cannabis therapy will result in fewer emergency room visits, fewer hospitalizations, and fewer surgical procedures. A study released in February 2020 showed a 6.7% decline in workers compensation claim activity where states have approved medical marijuana.

Fears of the federal government’s involvement in this issue are unfounded. Congress has forbidden the Department of Justice to interfere with state medical marijuana laws. Please pass S313 into law so that more state residents here can enjoy the multiple benefits of cannabis therapy. Thank you.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

Attachments (3): Resume of Ken Wolski, RN

“Medical marijuana should be covered by health insurance. What’s the hold up?” K. Wolski, 2021.

“Study links lower comp frequency to medical marijuana laws,” Louise Esola, Feb. 10, 2020

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) non-profit educational organization whose mission is to educate the public about medical marijuana.