Wednesday, November 24, 2021

NJSNA Supports Insurance Bills for Medical Cannabis


NJSNA Supports Insurance Bills for Medical Cannabis

Judith Schmidt, the Chief Executive Officer of the New Jersey State Nurses Association/Institute for Nursing (NJSNA/IFN) said today that the NJSNA Board supports the following bills to provide insurance coverage for medical cannabis: 

S3799/A5760: Medical cannabis costs to be reimbursed by Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971; and, 

A1708/S3406: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis. 

These bills are currently advancing through Senate and Assembly committees. 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 support these inroads into insurance coverage, so that the poor can also have access to the therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

When passed into law, these bills will reduce healthcare costs in the state. Cannabis stabilizes multiple conditions in individuals. Greater access to cannabis therapy will result in fewer hospitalizations, fewer surgical procedures, and fewer emergency room visits. Please join with the NJSNA/IFN in support of these bills.

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

November 24, 2021