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The top cannabis official in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration will take a new position at the New Jersey Department of Health.
Jeff Brown, currently executive director of the Cannabis Control Commission, has been appointed deputy commissioner for health systems at the department, Murphy announced Tuesday.
Christopher Riggs, who replaced Kelly Anderson-Thomas when she was appointed deputy director of the Department of Public Health, will become acting director later this month. Mr. Riggs previously served as CRC’s general counsel.
“Since its inception, Jeff and Christopher have effectively led the Cannabis Control Commission,” Murphy said in a statement. “I look forward to working with them both in their new positions within the Administration.”
Deanna Hoeno, CRC chair and top regulator, praised Riggs’ appointment.
“Chris has proven to be a hard-working and thoughtful leader since joining us in the early days of the committee,” she said. “I am confident that he will continue to excel in this new role.”
Brown replaces Robin Ford, who previously served as assistant secretary at DOH. Brown also oversaw the early stages of the cannabis market and its pharmaceutical program.
The number of medical marijuana patients has declined since New Jersey legalized recreational marijuana for adults, a trend that is occurring in multiple states. Meanwhile, medical patients are calling on Congress to legalize home cultivation of marijuana.
New Jersey has some of the highest cannabis prices in the country.
Brown said in a previous interview that the amount doctors are charging to see medical marijuana patients is also an obstacle. A doctor must certify someone as a medical marijuana patient, which can result in charges exceeding $100 to $200 several times a year. Many state-registered doctors have stopped accepting new patients.
Brown is headed to another agency that oversees payments and testing for vulnerable patients. The Health Department’s Health Systems Division is responsible for the inspection, licensing, and hospital financial reporting of Medicaid health facilities.
It is also responsible for the state’s charity care program, which serves as a form of payment assistance for hospitals.
Mr. Brown’s successor, Mr. Riggs, will take over the agency as the fate of Charles Barker, the cannabis regulator who oversees the department, remains uncertain. The commission has five regulators, each with a term expiring in a different year.
Barker, known for his outspoken criticism of the market, was due to expire in April. The governor’s office can only reappoint him with the consent of the Senate.
The New Jersey Cannabusiness Association, the state’s largest cannabis lobbying group, congratulated Brown.
“He was faced with the difficult task of establishing an entirely new agency and activating a new industry in New Jersey,” said NJCBA President Scott Rudder. “This was not an easy job, but he rose to every obstacle brilliantly, always listening to different ideas. I am excited about his new role and will do a great job.” I am sure.”
jelani gibson I’m a cannabis and politics reporter. NJ.com. You can contact him at: jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @jelanigibson1 And even more linkedin.
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