N.J. to weigh bill requiring comp to cover medical marijuana
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New Jersey lawmakers will consider whether workers compensation insurers in the state will be required to pay for medical marijuana under certain circumstances.
A.B. 1708 on Monday was reported out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee in a 7-4 vote. The bill, introduced in January by Democratic Rep. John Burzichelli, would modify statutory law in the state to require workers compensation insurers or private passenger automobile insurers to cover costs associated with the use of medical marijuana. The bill also stipulates that if payment to a dispensary is not feasible, the insurer can reimburse for the cost of medical marijuana.
However, the legislation does state that an insurer or employer will not be required to comply with the law if the federal government intervenes to enforce the federal Controlled Substances Act.
Similar legislation was introduced by Rep. Burzichelli in 2018 but died in committee.
If signed into law, the legislation would take effect 80 days after enactment.
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