This post was originally published on this site.
The top cannabis official in Gov. Phil Murphy’s administration is leaving for a new post in the New Jersey Department of Health.
Jeff Brown, who currently serves as the Cannabis Regulatory Commission’s executive director, has been named the department’s deputy commissioner for health systems, Murphy announced Tuesday.
Christopher Riggs, who succeeded Kelly Anderson-Thomas as deputy director when she was named deputy commissioner for public health services, will take over as acting director later this month. Riggs was previously the CRC’s general counsel.
“Since its establishment, Jeff and Christopher have capably guided the Cannabis Regulatory Commission,” Murphy said in a statement. “I look forward to working with them both in their new capacities within the Administration.”
The CRC’s chair and top regulator, Dianna Houenou, praised Riggs appointment.
“Chris has proven to be a diligent and thoughtful leader since joining us in the early days of the Commission,” she said. “I am confident he will continue to excel in this new role.”
Brown replaces Robin Ford and previously served as an assistant commissioner at the DOH. Brown also oversaw the earlier iterations of the cannabis market and its medicinal program.
After New Jersey legalized recreational weed for adults, the number of medical cannabis patients has declined — a trend that has happened in multiple states. Meanwhile, medical patients have called on the Legislature to legalize home cultivation of cannabis.
New Jersey has some of the highest cannabis prices in the country.
Brown has said in previous interviews that what doctors are charging for consultations for medical cannabis patients is also an impediment. Doctors are required to certify someone as a medical cannabis patient and they can charge upwards to $100-$200 several times per year. Many of the registered doctors with the state are no longer taking new patients.
Brown is headed to another agency that oversees payments and inspections for vulnerable patients. The Health Systems branch of the health department is responsible for inspecting Medicaid health facilities, licensing and hospital financial reporting.
It’s also in charge of the state’s Charity Care program which functions as a form of hospital payment assistance.
Riggs, who will succeed Brown, takes over the agency as the fate of a cannabis regulator that oversees the agency, Charles Barker, remains unknown. The commission has five regulators with staggered terms that expire in differing years.
Barker, known for his outspoken criticism of the market had his term 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 lobbying arm for cannabis congratulated Brown.
“He faced the difficult job of creating a brand new agency and jumpstarting a new industry in New Jersey,” said NJCBA president Scott Rudder. “This was no easy task but he faced every obstacle admirably while always willing to listen to differing ideas. I’m excited for him in his new role and certain he will do an amazing job.”
Jelani Gibson is a cannabis and politics reporter for NJ.com. He can be reached at jgibson@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on X @jelanigibson1 and on LinkedIn.