Legal landscape note: This article was originally published in 2016 and describes the law as it stood at that time. New Jersey law changes frequently -- contact us to discuss how the current law applies to your situation.
Overview
In August 2016, the New Jersey Legislature gave final approval to Bill A457, expanding the Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act -- then known as the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act -- to include post-traumatic stress disorder ("PTSD") as a qualifying condition. The Senate passed the measure 28 to 9, following the Assembly's June 16, 2016 approval by a vote of 53 to 13.
This legislative action mattered for military veterans across Burlington, Ocean, and Monmouth counties who had long advocated for cannabis access to treat combat-related trauma. At the time, an estimated 22 veterans per day died by suicide nationwide, and advocates argued that medical marijuana offered a treatment avenue when conventional therapies fell short.
The Legislative History
The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was originally signed into law by Governor Jon Corzine on January 19, 2010 -- his final day in office. See N.J.S.A. 24:6I-1 et seq. As originally enacted, the Act limited access to patients with specific debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, multiple sclerosis, and other severe physical ailments. Mental health conditions were not initially included.
Assemblyman Vince Mazzeo (D-Atlantic) served as lead sponsor of the PTSD expansion, arguing that marijuana provided "another avenue for many people to get relief." Assemblyman Tim Eustace (D-Bergen) similarly emphasized that PTSD "holds the promise of providing significant relief" for patients resistant to traditional pharmaceutical and therapeutic interventions.
Governor Christie's Position
Governor Chris Christie had historically opposed marijuana legalization in any form, including recreational use. However, by August 2016, he appeared disinclined to veto the PTSD expansion -- particularly because both chambers had secured veto-proof majorities. The political calculus suggested that an override was likely if the Governor attempted to block the bill.
What PTSD Patients Needed to Know
Even after legislative approval, patients needed to navigate the registration process through the New Jersey Department of Health. Qualifying for the program required certification from a physician registered with the state's Medical Marijuana Program, followed by enrollment in the statewide registry and issuance of a patient identification card.
The expansion did not legalize marijuana for general use. Possession without proper registration remained a criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a). Patients using medical marijuana also faced restrictions on operating motor vehicles and employment-related limitations in certain safety-sensitive industries.
Key Takeaways
- Bill A457 added PTSD as a qualifying condition under New Jersey's medical marijuana program
- The bill passed with veto-proof majorities in both legislative chambers
- The original Compassionate Use Act was signed January 19, 2010 under Governor Corzine
- Patients still needed physician certification and state registry enrollment
- Unregistered possession of marijuana remained a criminal offense under N.J.S.A. 2C:35-10(a)
Reviewed by Britt J. Simon, Esq., Managing Partner -- Simon Law Group, LLC -- May 2026
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