New Jersey has made a historic move in healthcare by becoming the first state to offer medical cannabis as part of its government health plans. Starting in 2025, Trenton city employees and members of the Orange and Teaneck boards of education will have access to discounts at participating dispensaries and telehealth consultations through Bennabis Health.
Historic Step in Medical Cannabis Accessibility
This collaboration marks a significant milestone, with Bennabis Health, a company known for facilitating discounts between dispensaries and medical cannabis patients, playing a pivotal role. It’s the first time in U.S. history that an employer outside the cannabis industry has offered cannabis as an employee benefit, according to Don Parisi, Bennabis Health’s co-founder and president.
New Jersey’s move is seen as a step toward integrating medical cannabis into mainstream healthcare, making it as accessible as other medical treatments. The initiative is in collaboration with Aetna, the insurance provider, and Leafwell, a telehealth company that helps patients get registered and educated on cannabis.
Financial Relief for Patients
Patients in Trenton and other participating communities will be able to sign up for the Bennabis program and receive at least 15% off the regular price of medicinal cannabis. Prices for medical cannabis in New Jersey have historically been among the highest in the country, with an eighth of an ounce of cannabis flower ranging from $36 to $70. The discount, combined with telehealth consultations, aims to make medical cannabis more affordable and accessible.
Supporting Veterans and Medical Cannabis Patients
In addition to easing financial burdens, the program also acknowledges the growing body of research supporting the benefits of medical cannabis for a variety of health conditions, such as chronic pain, muscle spasms, and anxiety. Trenton Mayor Reed Gusciora, a key proponent of New Jersey’s medical marijuana law, expressed support for the plan, highlighting its potential to alleviate the financial strain on patients while enhancing their overall healthcare experience.
The Impact on Dispensaries and Patients
So far, participating dispensaries include Camden Apothecary in Camden, The Cannabist in Deptford, Vineland, and Maplewood, among others. As the program grows, more dispensaries are expected to join.
This initiative is seen as an important step for New Jersey, where the number of medical cannabis patients has declined following the legalization of recreational marijuana in 2022. The state saw medical cannabis patient numbers drop from 128,548 to 70,544 since recreational sales began.
A Model for National Expansion
National advocates, including Steph Sherer, the founder of Americans for Safe Access, have praised the Bennabis initiative. She likened the move to similar discount models seen in chiropractic care or acupuncture, helping to ensure that patients—especially those with chronic conditions—can access their medication at a reduced cost.
With New Jersey leading the way, this groundbreaking model could potentially pave the path for other states to incorporate medical cannabis benefits into their government healthcare plans, providing crucial support for patients in need.
