NJ OAG: Compassionate treatment of patients who grow marijuana at home

219 Woodside Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618

January 24, 2025

Office of the Attorney General
25 Market Street, PO Box 081
Trenton, NJ 08625-0081 

Subject: Compassionate treatment of patients who grow marijuana at home 

Dear Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin: 

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey was instrumental in getting the Compassionate Use Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed in 2010. The original CUMMA allowed patients to grow marijuana plants, but this was removed from the bill just before it was signed into law. 

Many New Jersey medical cannabis patients either cannot afford the cannabis in the state’s Alternative Treatment Centers, or they need strains that are not available there. There are currently bills in the legislature that would allow home cultivation of cannabis plants for medical patients (S1393 and S1985). However, these bills have not even had informational hearings. 

Over three years ago, Senate President Nicholas Scutari said, “I do see that (homegrow) will happen. I’m not against marijuana being grown at home. But we’ve got to let the industry get off the ground.”* In 2024, the legal cannabis industry in New Jersey sold over $1 billion in product. 

Earlier this month, Sen. Scutari said, “I don’t think anybody’s been arrested for growing plants at home right now."**  But it is still a felony offense to do so without a license. 

Please recognize that for some medical marijuana patients, homegrow is  a necessity. It is a matter of survival for them, and it serves no public policy to prosecute such patients. New Jersey law enforcement officers should be advised not to arrest patients who have a modest homegrow, for example, in a plot that is less than, or equal to, 10 feet by 10 feet in area.

It is essential to avoid burdening patients with a criminal record for an offense that will not exist in the foreseeable future. Thank you for your consideration of patients already suffering.

Sincerely,

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
609.394.2137, ohamkrw@aol.com

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwqKNvOmoq0

**https://link.nj.com/view/5eebc80a183a5b26f15d2821mpvqv.2r/6279de81

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for February 11, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for February 11, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 842 3542 0151   Passcode: 529650 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84235420151?pwd=qf61kWMsUFnjRbpACljcwYEIw32Bgd.1

One tap mobile: +1 305.224.1968; ID: 842 3542 0151# Passcode: *529650# 

Agenda:  

NJ Governor's race: Cannabis missing at first forum; Six Democrats took part: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Miki Sherrill, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, NJEA's Sean Spiller, and former NJ Senate President Steve Sweeny. The next debate is on 2/4 for the current Republican candidates. 

NJ Office of the Attorney General: Your correspondence will be reviewed by the Office of Constituent Services. If you have not received a reply within 10 business days, to speak to an OCS representative, please call 609-984-5828:

“Please recognize that for some medical marijuana patients, homegrow is a necessity. It is a matter of survival for them, and it serves no public policy to prosecute such patients. New Jersey law enforcement officers should be advised not to arrest patients who have a modest homegrow, for example, in a plot that is less than, or equal to, 10 feet by 10 feet in area. It is essential to avoid burdening patients with a criminal record for an offense that will not exist in the foreseeable future.”

Legacy to Legal Cannabis Pathways Explored at Heady NJ Forum. 

Guy Lardieri is hosting a series of talks on Psychedelics. His premiere podcast on TalkRadioNYC was 2/4/25 with Denise Rue - MA, MFA, MSW - Founder, New Jersey Psychedelics Therapy Association. See: The Happy Spot - A Therapist Insights and Perspective on Psychedelics

Chris Goldstein's survey of dispensary menus shows NJ's products are far more expensive than in Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. . 

Cannabis Research Institute, William Paterson University Webinars.

Love and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis: The Last Option No One Mentions: Ben Caplan, MD

Breakwater Treatment and Wellness, based in Cranbury, wants to begin selling legal weed to adult-use customers at their satellite dispensary in Roselle Park.

“Now that the state’s legal cannabis industry (is) doing $1 billion in yearly sales, it is time for Murphy to enhance his legacy by asking state Senate President Nick Scutari to advance S-1393, (the) bill to authorize home cultivation of medical-use cannabis.” LTE  Neil Vincent Scheck, Belmar

Let Advanced Practice Nurses Recommend Medical Cannabis: NORML Petition (please sign)

End the Blockade on NJ Senate bill S1393: Homegrow petition (please sign) 

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next meeting: Thursday, March 6, 2025 will be virtual.

Growth, Equity, and Impact: NJ-CRC 2024 Year in Review

Current job opportunities with the NJ-CRC: Investigator Trainee.

There are reports that patients are waiting 1-2 months simply for the issuance of the digital patient ID card. Also there is the lack of clarity regarding patients with out-of-state medical ID cards. Is there any more info on this?

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2nd, from everyone else.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of HHS, says he will defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling if confirmed.

The new head of the DEA, Derek Maltz, who retired from the agency in 2014 after 28 years of service, claims that cannabis is a gateway drug and the rescheduling push is politically motivated. DEA has 10,000 employees.

Administrative hearings on the rescheduling proposal that were scheduled to begin on 1/21/25 have been delayed at least three months, with a DEA judge granting an appeal from pro-reform witnesses amid allegations of improper communications between DEA and rescheduling opponents.

Sen. Warren (D-MA) is urging Elon Musk, chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to target “unnecessary” federal enforcement against marijuana consumers and businesses as a key to reduce spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year by the federal government.

60 Minutes joined nine veterans to the west coast of Mexico for a psychedelic journey they hoped would finally help ease their pain.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: 

NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis.

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics:

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

Educational event, Hub 13, Feb. 8th, 5 to 8 pm (afterparty 8-11) panels (financial literacy and home grow), seed/clone prep demonstrations, food drive, seed swap, favorite strain competition (legal/seeds), raffles, masseuse, dab bar (HFX featuring MPX), food available by Manja la Ganja.

Earth Day event/press conference at the Statehouse, 4/22/25(?). 4/20/25=Easter.

2025 LGBTQ+ Pride, Asbury Park, Sun., June 1st, Noon-7pm.  Volunteers?

Health Summit, public cannabis education, S. Jersey, 8/2-3/25. Elucidation 

Patients Out of Time: From Prohibition to Recognition, Charlottesville, VA, 9/14-16

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,550; PayPal: $888. 

January 13, 2025

Jesse Marie Villars 
Baked by the River
8 Church Street
Lambertville, NJ 08530

Dear Jessie:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ), I would like to personally thank you for your very generous donation of $484. This includes $242 in donations raised from hemp bracelets in your store, and a $242 donation matched by Baked by the River. As CMMNJ is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your donation is income tax deductible. All funds donated to CMMNJ are used to provide education about the medical benefits of marijuana/cannabis.

Your donation will aid CMMNJ in working towards our post-legalization goals, including:

• Home cultivation rights;
• Establishing insurance coverage for medical cannabis; and,
• Providing medical cannabis to qualified hospitalized and institutionalized residents.

With your support, we are confident that CMMNJ will achieve its mission of having safe and legal access to medical cannabis for all New Jersey residents who can benefit from this therapeutic agent. Greater access to cannabis will make New Jersey a healthier, wealthier, and safer state.

Thanks again, Jessie!

Fundraising ideas are always welcome. Hemp wristbands available!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

CMMNJ Zoom Meeting Agenda for January 14, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for January 14, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 818 4041 1047  Passcode: 944156 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81840411047?pwd=KbB46gRiMzoAzsorniBJsvQV8JgJNV.1

One tap mobile: +1 (305) 224-1968 ID: 818 4041 1047# Passcode: 944156#  

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbCapu7d55

Agenda:  

Got 10 Minutes? Help Shape the Future of Medical Cannabis Access! Are you satisfied with current cannabis laws and access? Or frustrated? Americans for Safe Access (ASA) fights for safe and legal access but can’t do it without your insights.

NJ Home Grow Coalition was named Reformer of the Year! Help us legalize home grow - NJhomegrow.com, Cannademix, Trichome Analytical (Cannabis Testing Laboratory), NORML

U.S. appeals court: a NJ law barring employment discrimination against cannabis users does not allow for private lawsuits, and tossed out a proposed class action against Walmart… a significant setback for both cannabis and employment law.

The federal government has awarded Rutgers University more than half a million dollars to study the effects of medical cannabis for 5 years. Researchers will examine the risk for Cannabis Use Disorder. 

NJ marijuana sales have exceeded $1 billion for 2024, the CRC said. Combined recreational and medical marijuana purchases reached $1,004,826,946—marking a 25 percent increase over 2023’s total.

The Top International Cannabis Stories From 2024

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next meeting: Thursday, February 6, 11 a.m. 

Location: 44 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton NJ. Watch on YouTube. 

Register to speak by February 4th at 5 p.m. Submit comments in writing to the CRC here by February 7th at 5 p.m.

The NJCRC set the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) at $2.50 for an ounce of cannabis, up from $1.24, starting on January 1. The fee goes into a fund dedicated to social equity programs and reinvesting in communities harmed by marijuana criminalization. A portion also goes to programs to divert youth from cannabis use.

The CRC December 12th meeting on YouTube.

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2nd, from everyone else.

NJ Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) wanted to eliminate patient-only hours at Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), and the CRC agreed. 

There are 383 adult-use cannabis companies operating now. The patient count is down to 66,378.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney scheduled testimony in the cannabis rescheduling process, now set to begin on January 21:

1/21/2025 Government

1/22/2025 Hemp for Victory (HFV)

1/23/2025 Cannabis Bioscience International Holdings (CBIH)

1/28/2025 Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman (OCO)

1/29/2025 National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)

1/30/2025 Village Farms International (VFI)

2/4/2025 The Commonwealth Project (TCP)

2/5/2025 Veterans Initiative 22 (VI22)2/6/2025 Dr. Ari Kirshenbaum

Americans for Safe Access will hold a virtual hearing with respect to the proposed rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR) is challenging DEA’s denial of its participation in the proceedings and is asking the DEA judge to stay the hearings.

The Journal of the American Medical Association finds that psilocybin-assisted therapy “resulted in a significant, sustained reduction of symptoms of depression.”

Editorial: Harm reduction must replace punitive drug policies: The Lancet Global Health; The Global Commission on Drug Policy called for a re-evaluation of the global drug response. 

It will now be up to the First Circuit to decide whether broad federal cannabis prohibition is constitutional.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills:
Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical 

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis..

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics.

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

Special Zoom Webinar: “Shaping Federal Cannabis/Cannabinoid Policy Under Fire” by Steph Sherer (Americans for Safe Access) Jan 9, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Register.

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,708. PayPal; $414.

Fundraising ideas are always welcome. Hemp wristbands available!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

Repeal Day Remarks, Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE 2024

 

Repeal Day Remarks

Rodney Square, Wilmington, DE 2024

Celebrating the 91st Anniversary of the Repeal of Alcohol Prohibition, with

Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network

President Biden, approximately 400,000 Americans are currently incarcerated for drug offenses. But drug use and drug abuse are health issues and social issues that cannot be solved by a criminal justice approach. The criminal justice approach only makes things worse.

I have worked in the healthcare industry for 51 years including 48 years as a registered nurse (RN). I’ve worked in a wide variety of clinical settings, including 22 years with the New Jersey Department of Corrections (NJ DOC). When I started with the NJ DOC in 1984, there were 9,000 inmates. When I retired in 2006, there were 27,000 inmates. And 86% of those inmates were Black or Hispanic, about the same rate that were poor, inner-city residents.

I saw the effects of this mass incarceration on the inmates, their families, and their communities.

For the inmates, the average length of stay was four years. When they were released, they had problems with employment, education, and housing. They had a high recidivism rate.

The families of inmates were disrupted. They had a low socioeconomic status, and poor education.

The inner-city communities where most inmates were from, were characterized by poverty and violence. It was Ground Zero of the War on Drugs.

The War on Drugs is the most wasteful, disgraceful, and counterproductive policy this country has ever had. The domestic and foreign components of the War on Drugs combine the worst aspects of alcohol prohibition and the Vietnam War. Alternatives to the War on Drugs—legalizing drugs--must be explored and applied.

But people insist we must keep drugs illegal, “for the children.”

I’ve seen the  effects of our current policy on the children of the inmates. Children of inmates are robbed of the loving guidance and support of a parent. Having a parent in jail is an Adverse Childhood Experience (ACE). These children face other ACEs, like living with poverty, violence, and food insecurity. This results in children of inmates who have a low socioeconomic status, a greater involvement with the criminal justice system, and a greater likelihood of substance abuse. 

Our War on Drugs is literally creating future generations who are doomed to lives of poverty, violence, and substance abuse.

For the past 21 years I have been executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ). CMMNJ has been instrumental in getting a medical marijuana bill passed into law in 2010.

In 2020 the ballot question to legalize marijuana in New Jersey passed with 67% of the vote. All 21 counties in New Jersey voted to legalize marijuana.

New Jersey voters saw the sickest and most vulnerable members of their community using medical marijuana and getting stronger and better. They now had an alternative medicine that helped them without harsh side effects. Voters could tell that the dangers previously associated with marijuana were exaggerated.

When we legalized marijuana in New Jersey we ended over 30,000 arrests each year for marijuana offenses. Some of those resources are now improving the lives of the community members who were devastated by the War on Drugs.

We now have a $1Billion legal marijuana industry in New Jersey, with social equity at its core. There are tax benefits and other benefits to local communities.

And what is true of the benefits of creating a legal marijuana industry is true for other drugs as well.

Only 10% of drug users ever become addicted to drugs. The other 90% use drugs to improve their lives in some way. Stop arresting, and wasting resources, incarcerating drug users. Develop programs to help them when their drug use becomes problematic.

Arresting a heroin user or a cocaine user does nothing but increase the dependence of that person on drugs. Their substance abuse problem is now compounded by a conviction. The former inmate is less able to find gainful employment, housing, or even a stable family life.

So, President Biden, I am calling on you to recognize these facts.  Please use your clemency power to commute sentences, pardon convictions, and release people incarcerated for non-violent drug offenses. Let them start to rebuild their lives.

CMMNJ Agenda for December 10, 2024

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for December 10, 2024 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 834 8049 9229  Passcode: 373124 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83480499229?pwd=aMvVtxLA7ddtVyhUXw6bEmeiw95KqM.1

One tap mobile: (646) 931-3860 ID: 83480499229# Passcode: 373124#  

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kekahWAPfQ

Agenda:  New Jersey Issues:

Trenton, NJ Mayor Reed Gusciora is offering to make cannabis accessible as an employee benefit. He said: We’re excited to provide insurance coverage for medical marijuana. It will alleviate the financial burden on patients and enhance their healthcare.

The 8th annual Thanksgiving Give Away & Sativa Cross podcast, with CMMNJ, at the Statehouse Annex on Nov. 28th, 9:00 till 1:00 pm helped many Trenton residents.

Gregory Oakes, 65 of Toms River, NJ, passed away on November 29, 2024. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey, 219 Woodside Ave, Trenton, NJ 08618.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next CRC meeting: Thursday, December 12, 11 a.m.

Location: 44 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton NJ. Watch on YouTube. 

Register to speak by December 10thth at 5 p.m. Submit comments in writing to the CRC here by December 13th at 5 p.m.

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now; CMMNJblogspot.com

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) staged the first part (two hours long) of a hearing on the proposed federal rule to move marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act. DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II plans to continue the hearing mid-January 2025. 

A lawsuit was filed against the DEA for allegedly violating federal public records laws, requesting the agency to disclose communications with a prohibitionist group, Smart Approaches to Marijuana (SAM) during marijuana rescheduling.

The DEA indicated it may call into question a two-part test used by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to determine that marijuana has “currently accepted medical use.”

Federal Appeals Court Schedules Oral Arguments for December 5 In Case Seeking To Overturn U.S. Marijuana Prohibition. Some groups argue that the government’s ongoing prohibition on marijuana is unconstitutional and “Congress has abandoned its goal of eradicating marijuana and has, in fact, expressly exempted it from federal enforcement in certain circumstances.” 

Studies at Thomas Jefferson University are exploring the potential of cannabis, particularly cannabidiol, in managing ADHD, focusing on its interactions with the body’s endocannabinoid system.

The Yale Center for the Science of Cannabis and Cannabinoids is awarding over $600,000 in grants to 14 Yale School of Medicine researchers to conduct cannabis research into the impact of cannabinoids on neurodevelopment and mental health.

Federal and local drug task forces have arrested doctors whom they accuse of overprescribing opioids. This has led to physicians who either undertreat pain or choose to abandon their long-term pain patients. Opioid prescribing has dropped below 1992 levels, while overdose deaths have skyrocketed.

The Entourage Effect in Cannabis Medicinal Products: A Comprehensive Review

Hemp Extract in the Treatment of Gastrointestinal Distress and Dyspepsia 

Psychedelic play shows therapy’s benefits; demonstration offered public officials what treatment would be if NJ agrees

The FDA approved a clinical trial to assess the safety and efficacy of using marijuana to treat military veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Bracing for the Dr. Oz effect on health care

Update from Doctors for Drug Policy Reform

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills:
Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical 

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis..

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics.

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

Repeal Day Rally - March to End Prohibition...Again. Join Delaware Cannabis Advocacy Network to commemorate the 91st anniversary of the Repeal of Alcohol Prohibition and call for an end to Cannabis prohibition. 3pm Saturday, December 7th, Rodney Square - Wilmington, Delaware.

Free expungements clinic on December 7th in East Orange City Hall, 10 am to 1 pm. Sponsored by @risedispensariesnewjersey

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,881; Fundraising ideas are always welcome.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for November 12, 2024

  

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for November 12, 2024  at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 896 6228 3034    Passcode: 373075 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89662283034?pwd=f3WDrlxBbEcOs9ZWA4HZsfkD5mOUs0.1

One tap mobile: (305) 224-1968, ID: 896 6228 3034#, Passcode: *373075# 

Find your local number 

Agenda: 

National Election Day, November Bummer:

Massachusetts residents voted down a Ballot Question 4 that would have enacted a new law governing five psychedelic drugs: psilocybin and psilocin, mescaline, dimethyltryptamine (DMT) and ibogaine.

Florida Voters Reject Marijuana Legalization Ballot Measure While the measure got a clear majority of votes, it failed to achieve the 60 percent vote threshold needed to pass a constitutional amendment under state law.

North Dakota Voters Defeat Marijuana Legalization At The Ballot. ND voters also rejected a cannabis legalization proposal two years ago.

South Dakota Voters Reject Marijuana Legalization Ballot Initiative After Third Attempt From Advocates

Nebraska Voters Approve Medical Marijuana Legalization measures even as the two initiatives sit in legal limbo amid court challenges from opponents.

Arkansas voters won’t get to weigh in on a ballot initiative to expand medical marijuana after the state Supreme Court ruled the measure didn't fully explain what it would do, tossing out the initiative just two weeks before the election.

Where President-Elect Trump Stands on Marijuana Legalization

New Jersey Issues:

Stockton University in S. Jersey is the first NJ college to have a cannabis undergraduate degree, the B.S. in Hemp and Cannabis Business Management.

NE CANN Panel: Why Home Growing is Still a FELONY?! Part 1; 

Why Home Growing is Still a FELONY?! Part 2

Bud Bandit has gone from underground legacy to legal THCA smoke shop. Now, they want to open an adult-use cannabis dispensary in Trenton. “I had to go to (Trenton officials) to show them samples (and) lab reports.” Bud Bandit has an NJCRC conditional dispensary license still needs the city of Trenton OK.

Adults with chronic pain are significantly more supportive of expanding cannabis access than the physicians who treat them, according to Rutgers Health.  The study found broad support for education for doctors prescribing medical cannabis.

Most U.S. military veterans who have used psychedelics reported in a recent study that they pursued the substances for healing or spiritual exploration, and over 80% said they benefited from the experience. 

The NJ General Assembly unanimously passed Bill A3881 in September, to prohibit the dissemination of criminal history information for individuals with expunged records, including marijuana offenses. The Senate version, Bill S2513, passed the SLP Committee 10/21/2024 - Yes: 5; No: 0.

The long-awaited New Jersey Cannabis Training Academy (NJ-CTA) for entrepreneurs and professionals was launched with a ribbon-cutting ceremony in Trenton. The NJ Cannabis Training Academy has 5 levels of classes that are available online now. The first three levels are available to the public.

Marijuana Use Is Tied To ‘Higher Prevalence Of Physical Activity,’ Contrary To ‘Lazy Stoner’ Stereotypes, New Study Shows

NJ Gov. Murphy signed Bill A 4461 to limit the manufacture and sale of hemp products to those licensed by the NJ CRC, but the hemp industry scored a significant victory when a NJ judge ruled that the state cannot enforce parts of a new law that treat out-of-state hemp products differently. The ruling came two days before an Oct. 12 deadline for businesses to remove hemp products such as CBD lotions, hemp-based drinks and delta-8 gummies from their shelves. The judge ruled that New Jersey cannot label a product as “intoxicating” and restrict its sale if it complies with the laws in the state where it was made.

The UFCW’s CannUnion Kickback party in West Berlin in South Jersey drew cannabis consumers, entrepreneurs, and activists for panels on psychedelics in mental health and homegrow legalization.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next CRC meeting: Thursday, December 12, 11 a.m.

Location: 44 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton NJ. Watch on YouTube. 

Register to speak by December 10thth at 5 p.m. Submit comments in writing to the CRC here by December 13th at 5 p.m.

CRC Delays Vote On Increasing Marijuana Social Equity Excise Fees (SEEF), that goes into effect on 1/1/25. The SEEF is $1.24 an ounce and it brought in $2.6 million in 2024, though no money has been spent so far. The SEEF can run up to $30 per ounce when the average price of cannabis (currently $330.68 an ounce) is between $250 and $350. “By extending the timeline to set the SEEF for 2025, we’re ensuring that our decision reflects an intentional and thoughtful commitment to community reinvestment and sustainable growth for New Jersey’s cannabis industry,” said CRC Chair Dianna Houenou.

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now; CMMNJblogspot.com

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

The U.S. DEA has contacted 25 “designated participants” to testify at a Dec. 2 hearing about marijuana rescheduling from Schedule 1 to Schedule 3 before DEA Chief Administrative Law Judge John Mulrooney II. Designated Participants must “come prepared with January-February 2025 availability dates.” 

Federal Appeals Court Schedules Oral Arguments for December 5 In Case Seeking To Overturn U.S. Marijuana Prohibition. Some groups argue that the government’s ongoing prohibition on marijuana is unconstitutional and “Congress has abandoned its goal of eradicating marijuana and has, in fact, expressly exempted it from federal enforcement in certain circumstances.” 

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills:
Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical 

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis.

Upcoming Events: 

Shore Grow, CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY, NOV 10th 12- 4 pm, 1710 Rt. 35, Oakhurst, NJ 07755. Door prizes, Raffles, Music, and Food!

The 8th annual Thanksgiving Give Away & Sativa Cross podcast, with CMMNJ, at the Statehouse Annex on Nov. 28th, 9:00 till 1:00 pm. Please donate items for the poor.

Treasury report: 

Checking: $10,081; Fundraising ideas are always welcome.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now

I am glad to hear that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's "Permitting and Licensing Committee" is leading policy discussions on implementing Institutional Caregivers. 

However, I disagree with the committee's finding that legal issues need to be resolved before further steps are taken.

Institutional Caregiver policy development and stakeholder engagement should currently be in process in anticipation of the resolution of legal concerns.

The federal Justice Department and its component agencies have been barred from interfering in state-legal medical marijuana programs under a congressional appropriations rider that’s been annually renewed for a decade. There are no legal issues that will not be overcome to permit Institutional Caregivers in healthcare facilities.

Institutional Caregivers will be allowed to come into healthcare facilities and administer to patients the medicinal cannabis that has been recommended for them by licensed physicians, and purchased from Alternative Treatment Centers in New Jersey. 

This will be the law in New Jersey. For healthcare facilities to forbid implementation of Institutional Caregivers will place them out of compliance with the law, needlessly jeopardizing the health and safety of patients who are in their care.

Policy development among healthcare facilities should be on-going. These policies must include documentation of medicinal cannabis that is administered to the patient, along with the inclusion on the Patient Care Plan of the patient’s status in the Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP).

How can a facility be allowed to deprive a patient of a duly approved medicine they are already using? Healthcare facilities should be more concerned about the legal consequences of doing harm to patients by forbidding access to medication that has stabilized their conditions. Any other concerns about cannabis can be dealt with by having patients sign “Hold Harmless” agreements.

Moreover, the use of cannabis in healthcare facilities is an established fact in the U.S.

In 2021, California passed Ryan’s Law, which allows terminally ill patients who have a valid medical cannabis card, to use medical cannabis in a healthcare facility, even though cannabis is an illegal Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law.

The population of patients in New Jersey’s MCP is continually diminishing. This is partly because some of the sickest patients in the state--those currently in healthcare facilities-- are not allowed access to medical cannabis.

Institutional Caregivers will greatly expand the number of patients served, expand the success of this program, and improve patient care.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
ohamkrw@aol.com

Oct. 30, 2024