Three Toms River Doctors Approved to Prescribe Medical Marijuana

State officials this week released a list of more than 100 physicians, including three in Ocean County, authorized to recommend medical marijuana to patients.

“The Department is committed to ensuring that medicinal marijuana is safely and securely available to patients as quickly as possible,” Health and Senior Services Commissioner Mary E. O’Dowd said in a statement.

Three physicians in the county – all whose offices are located in Toms River – were authorized.

In the registration process, physicians with verified credentials submit the name, address and condition of the patient they are treating, which generates a secure identification number for the patient, said Department spokeswoman Donna Leusner. Patients have to get an identification card from the state and select a treatment center before a recommendation will be generated by the state for a patient to purchase the marijuana.

“New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program is based on a medical-model which requires physicians and qualified patients to have an ongoing relationship,” Dr. Arturo Brito, deputy commissioner for public health services, said in a statement. “Physicians will have to monitor patients on medicinal marijuana as part of managing their medical condition.”

The Health Department is developing its patient registry, which will open in the next several months.

First opened in October 2010, the physician registry will continue to accept new enrollment online at https://njmmp.nj.gov/njmmp. Doctors were informed their names would be made public so patients can contact them.

“Physicians must have a bona fide and ongoing relationship with qualified patients they are recommending for the program,” said a Health Department news release.

New Jersey’s medical marijuana law was signed more than two years ago by then-Governor Jon Corzine. Advocates have criticized delays in implementing the program and releasing the list of doctors.

Medical marijuana has been said to ease symptoms associated with debilitating medical conditions including cancer, multiple sclerosis, AIDS and muscular dystrophy.

The Ocean County physicians authorized are:

• Dr. Anselm Igbanugo, 54 Bey Lea Road, Toms River
• Dr. James Morales, 1868 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
• Dr. Ashok Patel, 20 Hospital Drive, Suite 12, Toms River