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New Jersey Adds Opioid Addiction to Illnesses Covered in Medical Marijuana Program
New Jersey has joined neighboring states that have added opioid addiction to the list of illnesses for which individuals can enter the state's medical marijuana program. Gov. Phil Murphy made the announcement this week, The News & Observer (Raleigh, N.C.) reported.
The announcement came against the backdrop of the release of new data showing that drug overdose deaths continue to rise in New Jersey, with the number in 2018 increasing around 15% from the 2017 total.
New York and Pennsylvania also have taken the controversial step to allow individuals with opioid addiction to receive medical marijuana.
Murphy also announced this week that New Jersey is removing Medicaid prior-authorization requirements for medication-assisted treatment for opioid addiction, the newspaper reported.
