The New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners has temporarily suspended the license of a Bergen County physician, Alfred D. Kulik, following allegations that he disregarded established requirements for medical cannabis authorization for both adult and pediatric patients. The action, announced on May 13, 2026, stems from a March complaint filed by New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport, highlighting increased regulatory scrutiny within the state’s Medical Cannabis Program.
The temporary suspension was granted by the Board of Medical Examiners at the request of Attorney General Davenport, as reported by NorthJersey.com. Dr. Kulik, a Fort Lee practitioner and registered participant in New Jersey’s Medical Cannabis Program, is alleged to have authorized medical cannabis for approximately 95% of his patients. The complaint further states that 10% of these patients are under the age of 18, with most being between 6 and 12 years old.
According to the March complaint, Dr. Kulik “never refuses” to authorize medical cannabis for any patient, including children, even when pediatricians have been unwilling to do so. Attorney General Davenport stated, “Indiscriminate medical marijuana authorization can lead to serious health problems, especially for kids and young adults. We have safeguards built into our medical marijuana laws for a reason, and compliance is mandatory, not optional.” She added that suspending the doctor’s license ensures no patient contact while the serious allegations are heard, emphasizing the state’s commitment to patient safety within the program.
The Board of Medical Examiners’ suspension order noted that Dr. Kulik “has totally disregarded essentially all the Board’s requirements that apply to the authorization of medical marijuana.” State regulations, as outlined in the Attorney General’s news release, mandate that a physician must:
Dr. Kulik’s testimony, as cited in the Attorney General’s news release, indicated several deviations from these protocols. He reportedly testified that he often authorizes medical cannabis after only the first patient visit and described the physical examination of his patients as “meaningless.” Furthermore, he stated that he does not consistently consult with other physicians treating the patient’s underlying conditions, does not take responsibility for the patient’s condition, nor does he work as part of a treatment team. He also reportedly does not review prescribing records or blood work to determine the safety and appropriateness of medical cannabis authorization. These alleged practices directly contravene the established standards for responsible prescribing.
The temporary suspension of Dr. Kulik’s license to practice medicine and surgery will remain in effect pending the outcome of a formal hearing and further action by the Board of Medical Examiners. This enforcement action underscores the rigorous regulatory environment surrounding medical cannabis authorization and prescribing in New Jersey. It highlights the importance of strict adherence to established medical and legal guidelines by practitioners within state-regulated medical cannabis programs, particularly concerning vulnerable patient populations such as minors.
For operators and healthcare professionals involved in the medical cannabis sector, this case serves as a reminder of the necessity of maintaining robust patient assessment, comprehensive medical record-keeping, and inter-physician consultation practices. Compliance with these protocols is crucial for supporting patient safety, upholding the integrity of medical cannabis programs, and avoiding regulatory penalties. The ongoing proceedings will likely provide further clarity on the Board’s interpretation and enforcement of these critical prescribing standards.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Hemp Gazette does not provide medical recommendations, diagnoses, or treatment plans. Always consult a qualified healthcare practitioner before making any decisions regarding your health or any medical condition. Statements concerning the therapeutic uses of hemp, cannabis, or cannabinoid-derived products have not been evaluated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Medicinal cannabis products in Australia are accessed via prescription pathways under TGA regulation.
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