The New Jersey Department of Health announced March 23 that it would allow the state’s medical cannabis dispensaries—called Alternative Treatment Centers—to provide curbside service to patients amid coronavirus concerns, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
Prior to the announcement, all transactions had to take place inside the state’s dispensaries, the news outlet reported.
With the new guidance, New Jersey joins other states, such as Illinois and Pennsylvania, that have also relaxed regulations to allow both dispensary employees and customers to maintain social distancing.
To begin curbside sales, New Jersey’s dispensaries must submit a plan outlining their procedures to the Department of Health, The Philadelphia Inquirer reported, and must also notify their local municipal governments and police departments.
The New Jersey Department of Health has relaxed its medical cannabis rules in other areas, as well, to ensure patient access during the COVID-19 outbreak. All caregiver registration fees have been reduced from $100 to $20, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer, and the Department of Health has eliminated its requirement that dispensaries conduct in-person consultations for new patients, allowing the consultations to be completed over the phone.
