A New Jersey lawmaker on Friday filed a bill that would require workers compensation carriers to pay for medical marijuana.
A.B. 4505, introduced by Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli, D- Cumberland/Gloucester/Salem, would amend the state’s medical marijuana statute, affecting how the drug is covered under liability stemming from personal-injury protection insurance policies and that of workers compensation.
The proposal “provides that… automobile insurance benefits and workers’ compensation benefits must include coverage for costs associated with the medical use of marijuana provided that the insured or the employee is a qualifying patient authorized for medical marijuana pursuant to the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,” according to a draft of the legislation.
The bill clarifies the requirement that “at least one other medication or treatment has been attempted and found to be unsuccessful in treating the debilitating medical condition that qualified the patient for the medical use of marijuana.”
A New Jersey bill that would establish a system of portable benefits, including workers compensation, for gig economy workers has been approved in two committees of the New Jersey General Assembly.