TRENTON – Ho ho ho, New Jersey cannabis enthusiasts! Santa came early this year and dropped off a “baked” gift at the last public meeting of the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ-CRC). They’ve been puffing on the idea of reducing the registration and renewal fees for medicinal cannabis patients and their caregivers, and guess what? They passed it around, took a deep breath, and said “YES”!

For those on the Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP), which includes over 95,000 patients and caregivers (that’s more than the population of Hoboken, folks!), the cost of registration and renewal will tumble down to just $10 for two years, starting Thursday, December 7, at 5 p.m. sharp. So, mark your calendars, set your alarms, or tie a hemp string around your finger to remember!

Previously, the fees were $50 for most folks, and $20 for seniors and others who qualified for a “happy hour” discount. But now, everyone’s invited to the party! And hold onto your bongs, because in early 2024, the Commission is rolling out free digital ID cards for any patient or caregiver opting for a digital-only patient ID. That’s right, zero, zilch, nada!

“We are always on the lookout for ways to make the Medicinal Cannabis Program as accessible as a 24-hour convenience store,” said NJ-CRC executive director and resident superhero, Jeff Brown. “We understand that many patients face more barriers than a stoner trying to find his car keys. We’re doing everything in our power to weed out as many of these barriers as possible.”

Once the digital ID cards become available in early 2024, free registration and renewal will be open to all MCP participants. The only folks who’ll need to cough up the $10 for registration or renewal, or $5 for a replacement, are those who prefer a physical card. You know, for those who like to feel the weight of their decisions.

For more information about the Medicinal Cannabis Program, check out this link.

Remember, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission is the group that sets and enforces the rules and regulations for the cultivation, testing, selling, and purchasing of cannabis in the state. They’re like the hall monitors of the weed world, making sure everything’s above board and everyone’s playing nice.