New Jersey's medical marijuana program has tripled the number of patients and nearly doubled the number of participating physicians since Gov. Phil Murphy took office, according to the New Jersey Department of Health.

State officials announced Wednesday that 51,000 patients, 2,000 caregivers and 1,000 doctors are now participating in the program.

The governor attributed the increases to his administration's commitment to a "patient-centered, modernized program."

New Jersey recently expanded its medical marijuana program, including increasing the number of illnesses eligible for cannabis use, boosting the amount that can be dispensed and raising the number of cultivator permits. It was part of a broad new law Murphy signed earlier this month.

A plan to legalize adult-use recreational marijuana stalled in the state Legislature. The issue is now expected to be decided by voters on the 2020 ballot.