Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Judge Reed, be lenient with John Wilson--a medical marijuana patient, not a criminal

In addition to sending letters like the one I sent to Judge Reed (below) asking for leniency for John Wilson, please send e-mails to Governor Jon Corzine asking him for an outright pardon for Wilson. It's easy. Just go to: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14300601

December 28, 2009

Hon. Robert B. Reed, J.S.C.
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville NJ 08876

Dear Judge Reed:

I am writing to ask you for leniency when you sentence John Ray Wilson on February 5, 2010.

John Wilson is a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient who was using marijuana to ease the symptoms of his disease. Now he faces many years in a New Jersey state prison for doing so. I believe it is a travesty of justice to imprison any seriously ill patient for using marijuana to relieve suffering. It is especially disturbing when the patient has MS. I don’t know if you ever saw a patient suffer and die from MS, but I certainly have in my 33 years as a registered nurse (RN). It’s not a pretty sight. MS is a terrible disease that strikes otherwise healthy young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. It is chronic (meaning it lasts a lifetime) and progressive (meaning it only gets worse). There is no cure. The progressive course of this disease leads patients first to a wheelchair, and then to a bed where they often choke to death on their own secretions or die of pneumonia. Along the way they are racked with dreadful pain and spasms that traditional medications cannot relieve.

The National MS Society recently confirmed in an Expert Opinion Paper that standard therapies often provide inadequate relief for the symptoms of MS and that marijuana helps with MS symptoms such as pain and spasticity. Moreover, these experts suggested that the neuroprotective effects of marijuana could halt the progression of this disease—stop it from getting worse.* These are compelling reasons for MS sufferers to use marijuana therapeutically.

Marijuana shows such promise as an adjunct in the management of MS, as well as other neurological diseases, that there should be numerous medical studies conducted to aggressively determine the limits of marijuana’s therapeutic potential. Instead, not a single clinical study of marijuana is being done in New Jersey, nor has there ever been such a study in this state. A patient in New Jersey, who is faced with the grim prognosis of MS and the hope that marijuana offers, currently has no choice but to break the law.

The New Jersey legislature stands on the brink of legalizing marijuana for MS patients like John Wilson. Hopefully, the “NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” (S-119 & A-804), will pass into law even before you sentence Mr. Wilson. But if the lawmakers delay, it is inevitable that medical marijuana will eventually be legalized in New Jersey. The science supporting medical marijuana is too compelling to deny, as I’m sure you will agree when you review the references I have provided, below.

Justice, compassion, and even fiscal common sense all support a most lenient sentence for John Wilson. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.

Sincerely yours,


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

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) is an all-volunteer, 501 (c)(3) public charity whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of medical marijuana (cannabinoids). For more information, visit our website at: www.cmmnj.org

* “Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cannabis in Multiple Sclerosis,” Expert Opinion Paper, National Clinical Advisory Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2008.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/treatments/complementary--alternative-medicine/marijuana/download.aspx?id=1023

See also: “Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Cannabis,” Americans for Safe Access, 2008. http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4558

See also: “Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids, A Review of the Recent Scientific Literature, 2000 — 2008,” National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, 2008. http://www.norml.org//index.cfm?Group_ID=7121

Friday, December 18, 2009

John Wilson: Not guilty on most serious marijuana charge

Somerville- The jury returned a not guilty verdict to John Wilson on the first-degree felony charges against him. But the MS patient could still face time in prison after being found guilty of second-degree charges of ‘Manufacturing’ marijuana and third-degree possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms.

If he had been convicted of “operating and maintaining a marijuana production facility” John would have faced a minimum of 15 years in state prison. That could have amounted to a death sentence for the 37 year old because of the degenerative nature of the disease. He had grown seventeen cannabis plants after researching online how to cultivate medical marijuana.

Wilson was allowed to remain with his family on bail until his sentencing hearing on February 5, 2010. At such time, supporters hope, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Act could be a law.

READ MORE

Stay tuned to the CMMNJ blog for updates and further information

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

ALERT: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at trial

Somerville - It was honest and sincere; it was the truth. On the stand in his own defense, John Wilson was allowed to tell the jury that he has Multiple Sclerosis.

“I told them I was not a drug dealer and I was using the marijuana to treat my MS.” John had been asked what he said to the State Police officers who arrived to investigate the 17 cannabis plants spotted by helicopter.

It seems Wilson has been truthful with law enforcement authorities about his intentions regarding the medical use of his marijuana from their first contact with him.

NBC 4 in NY was in the courtroom and correctly called the single-sentence event a "Stunning Reversal at Medical Marijuana Trial."

Here’s how it happened. Because of the Judge’s earlier limitation rulings, Defense Attorney James Wronko and Deputy Attorney General Russ Curley took great care in their lines of questioning when the defendant took the stand. Wilson could not offer anything regarding medical marijuana; that he has Multiple Sclerosis or that cannabis can help treat MS. John's testimony today was grueling with numerous and lengthy sidebars.

Earlier in the day Detective Sergeant William Peacock, head of the NJ State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit, testified that during their search of John’s property he could not recall asking what John intended to do with the cannabis plants. Another State Trooper on the scene testified that he did not recall any conversations either.

Yet since John has been up-front with everyone about how marijuana helps with his Multiple Sclerosis, even the cops who showed up at his doorstep in 2008, he was allowed to say it to the jury as well.

READ MORE

THANK YOU ALL CMMNJ VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HELD SIGNS EVERY DAY!

Tuesday, December 15, 2009

Update: John Wilson trial underway - support needed

Supporters are being asked to have a strong presence inside and outside the courtroom throughout the trial. Please contact Ken Wolski: ohamkrw (at) aol.com or Chris Goldstein: director (at) normlnj.org if you would like to help this effort.

Somerville, NJ- The trial is moving with unexpected speed for John Wilson, a New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis patient who was found to have with 17 cannabis plants outside his home last year. A jury was selected and the trial got underway today at 1:30PM at the Somerset County Courthouse.

The prosecutor and judge have zealously kept out any testimony regarding medical marijuana or even personal use, arguing the reason why the plants were grown is irrelevant.

The state Attorney General’s office has charged him with the first-degree felony of 'Operating a Drug Manufacturing Facility,' a statute originally created to go after cocaine dealers. The Superior Court Judge presiding over the trial has barred John and his defense attorney from mentioning to the jury that John even has MS.

Supporters held signs in front of the courthouse again today, the third public demonstration for John.

State Senators Nicholas Scutari and Raymond Lesniak have asked for NJ Governor Jon Corzine to grant a pardon. They are both co-sponsors of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act and Senator Scutari is himself a municipal prosecutor in Lynden. Their statement requesting the pardon was strongly worded:

“It seems cruel and unusual to treat New Jersey’s sick and dying as if they were drug cartel kingpins. Moreover, it is a complete waste of taxpayer money having to house and treat an MS patient in a jail at the public’s expense,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset. “Specifically, in the case of John Ray Wilson, the State is taking a fiscally irresponsible hard-line approach against a man who’s simply seeking what little relief could be found from the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Governor Corzine should step in immediately and end this perversion of criminal drug statutes in the Garden State.”

“Without compassion and a sense of moral right and wrong, laws are worth less than the paper they’re printed on,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “New Jersey’s tough criminal drug laws were never intended to be used against patients suffering from chronic and terminal medical conditions. The prosecutors and presiding judge have set up a scenario where Mr. Wilson is no different than a common street thug in the eyes of the law.” Read their release in full

Here are some related recent news articles about the trial
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091215/NEWS/912150338/Testimony+continues+Wednesday+in+Franklin+man+s+marijuana+trial

http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=7170696






Breaking: Wilson's jury selected, marijuana trial begins 1:30PM

John Wilson just called from the Somerset County Courthouse. The jury selection was unexpectedly speedy. His trial will begin today at 1:30PM.

Supporters from CMMNJ and NORML-NJ plan to be in front of the courthouse today and throughout the trial. Please attend if you can. The location is 20 N. Bridge St. Somerville, NJ - MAP

Rally for John Wilson a success: Video

Somerville – Volunteers from CMMNJ and NORML-NJ demonstrated in front of the Somerset County Courthouse in support of MS patient John Wilson. Jury selection has begun in his trial where he faces 15-35 years for growing seventeen cannabis plants to treat his MS. Without healthcare it was something that brought him relief.

Although the rally was a success John continues to face an overzealous prosecution and a frightening potential sentence.

CMMNJ has rallied in support of John since his case emerged. When the judge in the trial barred John from ever telling the jury that he has MS the outrage was instant. Two state Senators have now asked for an Executive Pardon.

Thank you to all of the motivated CMMNJ volunteers who attended the rally! CMMNJ Board of Directors in attendance: Ken Wolski, Jim Miller, Ed Hannaman, Jim Bissell and Chris Goldstein. John’s trial is continuing, if you would like to participate in the daily presence at the courthouse, please contact us: ohamkrw@aol.com or media@cmmnj.org

Please send a letter to Governor Corzine and Attorney General Anne Milgram.

Below is video news from WPVI-TV Channel 6 in Philadelphia.







Friday, December 11, 2009

The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) supports the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (S119/A804)

Letter from the NJSNA 12/9/09

The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) supports the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (S119/A804) and we urge the NJ General Assembly to pass this legislation.

A804 will protect patients who use marijuana with a physician’s... prescription under a program run by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. At the same time, this legislation contains, and continues, sufficient safeguards to protect the public against drug abuse. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 13 states and in the majority of these states teen marijuana use has declined, according to government studies. Medical marijuana has not led to broader legalization of drugs anywhere in the country in the 14 years medical marijuana programs have been in place.

In 2002, NJSNA adopted a resolution at its annual membership meeting that recognized the therapeutic value and safety of medically recommended marijuana. At that time, NJSNA urged the Governor and the State Legislature to move expeditiously to make medical marijuana legally available to New Jersey residents who could benefit from it.NJSNA has repeatedly testified in support of medical marijuana since the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was first introduced in 2005.NJSNA represents over 110,000 Registered Professional Nurses in the State.

In 2004, the American Nurses Association (ANA) adopted a Position Statement on “Providing Patients Safe Access to Marijuana/Cannabis.” The ANA supports the right of patients to have safe access to therapeutic marijuana/cannabis under appropriate supervision of the prescriber and the education of registered nurses regarding current,
evidence based therapeutic use of marijuana/cannabis. The ANA represents 2.7 million RN's in the U.S.

NJSNA would appreciate your support for this important treatment for patients in need of it.

Should you wish to discuss this matter further, you may contact Dr. Barbara Wright, NJSNA Interim CEO {contact info}.

Sincerely,

Barbara Goldberg-Chamberlain,
PhD, RN, APN, CCRN, WCC

President- New Jersey State Nurses Association
The Voice for Nurses in New Jersey!

www.NJSNA.org


Sunday, December 6, 2009

Mary's Story

Below is Mary's story. Mary is in treatment for Ovarian Cancer in California and she wrote about how marijuana is helping her with her medical issues.

Mary was opposed to marijuana use until her own life was affected by it.

Currently, Mary is forbidden to vacation or visit friends in New Jersey, since the medicine she uses is illegal here.

Ken


Mary's Story

If someone viewed my life over the past year they’d most likely exclaim: “Wow- lots of intense medical challenges,” and that is true. But more importantly for me, it has been a year of both spiritual and emotional growth. Specifically dropping judgments and seeing the blessings in my life.



One judgment that I had was about marijuana users of any kind. I had always felt that people who smoked marijuana were kind of losers, “coping out.” And that the people using the system here in CA, were mostly junkies. Like they had some major character defect (that clearly I was without). And I’d have to say that the unknown made me fearful.



Then I had found myself having chemotherapy for ovarian cancer. My husband had suggested I try it after witnessing my nausea, even after a week where it was supposed to have passed. I’d also had trouble sleeping for months prior and did not want to take addictive pills. People ask: “Aren’t there medicines for nausea?” Well yes, however, medicines have major possible side effects and mine were also both exorbitantly expensive and hard to get on my health plan. We did not need any more stress. There was enough happening.



My judgment is gone completely now, for I am sleeping and eating and I cannot believe the difference it has made. It is so very important to sleep while on chemo- one’s body is working so hard to detox the metals- and rest is a vital part of recovery. And I have to say it has struck me glaringly how deeply rooted my judgment was in my need to be in control, fear of the unknown and being arrested (My Father was a policeman). These are things I need not worry about now. And we were so grateful that we did not have to go out on the street to get it. That brought much great relief to us both-- no fear of harmful extra substances or shenanigans.



Oh by the way- Both my Western MD and my Tibetan MD were champions of the cause. My Tibetan doc said: “We had marijuana farms in Tibet and were given the herb seed as children- it is good for your brain. It is only an herb. I do not understand the perception here- alcohol is so much more damaging to the liver and organs. Anything of course should be taken in moderation.” Smart men and very fortunate me. Thank you also wise and compassionate State of California. I wish this option for all states- no one should have to suffer unnecessarily. In fact marijuana has assisted beautifully in my recovery. I guess maybe it takes having a similar experience to be convinced?

Thursday, December 3, 2009

No Vote on NJ A804 Medical Marijuana in December

Alas, no Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa or even Festivus for the Rest of Us for medical marijuana patients in New Jersey.

The last Assembly voting session of the year has been posted and the A804 Medical Marijuana Bill was not scheduled for the December 7th vote.

We believe the Assembly is still amending the bill, hopefully bringing it more in line with the less restrictive Senate version.

There are two Assembly voting opportunities left in this lame duck legislative session - January 7 and 11th, 2010. Senate sessions follow both, allowing the Senate to approve the changes in the bill over the version they passed early this year. Governor Corzine will still be able to sign it before his term ends.

Not that I'd try to pressure our Legislature about this missed opportunity or anything, but between December 7 and January 7 another 1200 New Jerseyans will die of cancer; 12,000 MS patients will still be denied an effective treatment; and innumerable others will continue to suffer another month. Just saying.

Let's all keep our fingers crossed for NJ Medical Marijuana patients!

-Peter

New Jersey Medical Marijuana Legislation Update: Poised to Pass?

Senton Hall Law, by Kate Greenwood

Supporters are hopeful that before Governor-Elect Chris Christie takes office next month, the New Jersey legislature will pass — and current Governor Jon Corzine will sign — medical marijuana legislation. In February 2009, the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,” which would allow patients suffering from “debilitating medical conditions” to treat their symptoms with marijuana without fear of state criminal reprisals, passed the state Senate.

In June 2009, Seton Hall Law’s Center for Health & Pharmaceutical Law & Policy issued a position paper calling on the full legislature to pass the Act, arguing that it would “allow New Jersey residents with debilitating medical conditions access to marijuana to ease their suffering without creating an undue risk of abuse or diversion.”

http://www.healthreformwatch.com/2009/12/02/new-jersey-medical-marijuana-legislation-update-poised-to-pass/

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

CMMNJ December 2009 Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Township Library
Tuesday, December 8, 2009; 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

7:00 PM: Call meeting to order. Approve minutes. Discuss:

 NJ Assembly expected to vote on the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act on January 7 or 11, 2010. Amendments to the bill are expected to be worked on 12/7/09. Tell your legislators that you want the Senate version of the bill to pass into law. See CMMNJ’s recent blog for talking points—but tell your story in your own words. NJ State Nurses Assn. & others are supporting the bill. See: Courier Post column from 11/30.

 Support multiple sclerosis (MS) patient John Wilson, who faces 20 years in prison for growing marijuana to treat his MS. Wilson was forbidden by the judge to even mention his medical condition during the upcoming trial, scheduled to start 12/14. Join the rally 12/14/09 at the Somerville Court House. State Senators urge Gov. Corzine to pardon him. Send your own e-mail to the governor. DOJ memo: Federal prosecution of medical marijuana patients to end. See News 4 New York story (11/30). See Wall Street Journal article from 12/1/09.

 The American Medical Association (AMA) voted 11/10 to reverse its long-held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value. GUSCIORA APPLAUDS AMA POLICY SHIFT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA.

 CMMNJ’s only scheduled event in December: Mon., 12/14, 8:30 AM – 12 Noon John Wilson Rally at Somerset Co. Court House, Somerville, NJ to support John Wilson, followed by a fundraiser luncheon at the nearby East Star Buffet.

 CMMNJ recently appeared at: 11/7, Skidfest, U. of Delaware, Newark, DE; 11/8, Larry Kane's "Voice of Reason;" 11/16 – 19, League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City; 11/21, Medical Marijuana Info Seminar, Collingswood Public Library; 12/2, PA House of Reps. Medical Marijuana Hearing, Harrisburg, PA.

 See Ken’s Facebook page & Facebook Friends of CMMNJ!

 Treasury report: Current balances: Checking: $3846.01; PayPal: $695.51. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) organization, to fund public education about medical marijuana. Donations may be made securely through Paypal or checks made out to “CMMNJ” and sent to the address below. Get a free t-shirt for a donation above $15—specify size. Thank you for your support.

Scheduled meetings are Dec. 8, 2009 & Jan. 12, 2010. CMMNJ meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Lawrence Twp. Library from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. All are welcome. Snacks are served. The library is at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., Tel. #609.882.9246. (Meeting at the library does not imply their endorsement of our issue.) For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618 (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

Somerville Rally & Fundraiser for NJ MS Patient

NJ MS Patient’s Trial Begins; Somerville Rally & Fundraiser Planned

WHO: CMMNJ and NORML NJ members will demonstrate support for NJ MS Patient John Wilson
WHAT: At a free, public rally followed by a fundraiser luncheon
WHEN: Monday, December 14, 2009 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon; Luncheon at noon
WHERE: Somerset County Court House, 20 N. Bridge St., Somerville, New Jersey; Lunch at East Star Buffet
WHY: Wilson faces 20 years in prison for using marijuana to treat his MS; cannot tell jury he has MS

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey and NORML NJ will hold a rally on the sidewalk in front of the Somerset County Court House, 20 North Bridge St., Somerville, NJ on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 noon in support of multiple sclerosis (MS) patient John Ray Wilson. Jury selection is scheduled to begin at that time. Wilson faces 20 years in prison for growing 17 marijuana plants that he used to treat his MS. Wilson was told by Superior Court Judge Robert Reed during a pre-trial hearing that he may not let the jury know that he has MS, or that his use of marijuana was an attempt to treat his disease. This ruling effectively removes Wilson’s only defense for his actions. Wilson is self-employed, has no health insurance and faces mounting legal bills. A fundraiser luncheon will be held for him immediately following the rally at the nearby East Star Asian Buffet, 69 Main St., Somerville. Tickets are $20 apiece for the all-you-can-eat buffet with $10 of each ticket going to Wilson’s legal defense fund. See Ken Wolski, Jim Miller or Chris Goldstein to reserve a place at the buffet.

The National MS Society recently confirmed in an Expert Opinion Paper that standard therapies often provide inadequate relief for the symptoms of MS such as pain and spasticity, and that marijuana helps with these symptoms and could limit disease progression. “To know that a safe and inexpensive herb like marijuana is able to relieve the pain and spasticity of MS and to actually arrest the progression of this incurable disease is a compelling reason to use it therapeutically,” said Ken Wolski, RN, Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey. “We want to demonstrate our outrage that Wilson faces many years in prison for this, and that he cannot even explain to the jury why he was using marijuana,” Wolski said. “We also want to help defray some of his mounting legal expenses.”

The "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,” which was approved by the New Jersey Senate, awaits a vote in the Assembly. This bill would allow patients to use a small amount of marijuana when a licensed physician recommends it for the symptoms of a number of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis. Governor Jon Corzine has said that he would sign the bill into law when it gets to his desk.

CMM-NJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of safe and legal access to medical marijuana. For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA,
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Carroll backs proposed medical marijuana law

Mount Olive Chronicle
By PHIL GARBER, Managing Editor
Published: Nov 20th, 6:55 AM
Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, R-Morris, remembers when a family member was suffering from debilitating nausea and extreme pain for months after her surgery for ovarian cancer.

Carroll knew that something as simple as marijuana could significantly limit his relative’s discomfort. He also knew it was illegal to use marijuana for any reason, including medical reasons.

The Assemblyman said the experience three years ago reinforced his belief that it is wrong to bar people like his relative from smoking marijuana if it could ease their suffering. It wasn’t long thereafter that Carroll joined in co-sponsoring an Assembly bill to legalize use of marijuana for medical reasons.http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2009/11/23/mt_olive_chronicle/news/doc4b047582b3a6a683697979.txt


Saturday, November 14, 2009

GUSCIORA APPLAUDS AMA POLICY SHIFT ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton) cheered the American Medical Association's (AMA) decision to change its long held policy regarding the classification of marijuana as a drug with no accepted medical use. The AMA recently adopted a resolution that recommends the federal government review the status of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance.

"I commend The American Medical Association for having the courage to request that the status of marijuana be re-evaluated in order to enable advanced clinical research, development of cannabis-based medicines and alternate delivery methods," remarked Gusciora.

Rest of article at: http://www.politickernj.com/mdeloreto/34946/gusciora-applauds-ama-policy-shift-medical-marijuana


Wednesday, November 11, 2009

BREAKING: AMA Agrees: Marijuana is Medicine

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For more info, contact: Ken @ (609) 394-2137

AMA Agrees: Marijuana is Medicine


WHO The American Medical Association (AMA)

WHAT: Recognizes Medical Benefits of Marijuana, Urges Further Research

WHEN: November 10th, 2009

WHERE: Houston, Texas during AMA’s annual Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates

WHY: Marijuana has both already-demonstrated and future-promising medical utility


Largest and oldest U.S. physician-based group reverses long-held position on medical marijuana


Houston, TX -- The American Medical Association (AMA) voted today to reverse its long-held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, "Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes," which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and called for further research. The CSAPH report concluded that, "short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis." Furthermore, the report urges that "the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and alternate delivery methods."

The change of position by the largest physician-based group in the country was precipitated in part by a resolution adopted in June of 2008 by the Medical Student Section (MSS) of the AMA in support of the reclassification of marijuana's status as a Schedule I substance. In the past year, the AMA has considered three resolutions dealing with medical marijuana, which also helped to influence the report and its recommendations. The AMA vote on the report took place in Houston, Texas during the organization's annual Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates. The last AMA position, adopted 8 years ago, called for maintaining marijuana as a Schedule I substance, with no medical value.

"It's been 72 years since the AMA has officially recognized that marijuana has both already-demonstrated and future-promising medical utility," said Sunil Aggarwal, Ph.D., the medical student who spearheaded the passage of the June 2008 resolution by the MSS and was one of the CSAPH report's designated expert reviewers. "The AMA has written an extensive, well-documented, evidence-based report that they are seeking to publish in a peer-reviewed journal that will help to educate the medical community about the scientific basis of botanical cannabis-based medicines." Aggarwal is also on the Medical & Scientific Advisory Board of Americans for Safe Access (ASA), the largest medical marijuana advocacy organization in the U.S.

The AMA's about face on medical marijuana follows an announcement by the Obama Administration in October discouraging U.S. Attorneys from taking enforcement actions in medical marijuana states. In February 2008, a similar resolution was adopted by the American College of Physicians (ACP), the country's second largest physician group and the largest organization of doctors of internal medicine. The ACP resolution called for an evidence-based review of marijuana's status as a Schedule I controlled substance to determine whether it should be reclassified to a different schedule. "The two largest physician groups in the U.S. have established medical marijuana as a health care issue that must be addressed," said ASA Government Affairs Director Caren Woodson. "Both organizations have underscored the need for change by placing patients above politics."

Though the CSAPH report has not been officially released to the public, AMA documentation indicates that it: "(1) provides a brief historical perspective on the use of cannabis as medicine; (2) examines the current federal and state-based legal envelope relevant to the medical use of cannabis; (3) provides a brief overview of our current understanding of the pharmacology and physiology of the endocannabinoid system; (4) reviews clinical trials on the relative safety and efficacy of smoked cannabis and botanical-based products; and (5) places this information in perspective with respect to the current drug regulatory framework."

Further information:
Executive Summary of AMA Report:
http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/AMA_Report_Executive_Summary.pdf
Recommendations of AMA Report: http://AmericansForSafeAccess.org/downloads/AMA_Report_Recommendations.pdf
American College of Physicians resolution: http://www.acponline.org/advocacy/where_we_stand/other_issues/medmarijuana.pdf

# # #

CMM-NJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of safe and legal access to medical marijuana. For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA,

Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137
ohamkrw@aol.com

Friday, November 6, 2009

Action Alert: Ask Gov. For A Medical Marijuana Pardon!

alert7New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis patient John Wilson faces up to 20 years in prison for using medical marijuana. New Jersey lawmakers are demanding Democrat Gov. John Corzine to pardon Wilson, who faces trial next month. While pardons are typically requested after a conviction, it is within the governor's power act at any time.

Please contact Gov. Corzine and the state Attorney General's office and demand justice for John Wilson. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to Gov. Corzine and the AG's office when you enter your contact information.

CLICK HERE TO SEND A LETTER NOW!

For more information about this campaign, please contact NORML New Jersey or the Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey.

CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting: November Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Lawrence Township Library

Tuesday, November 10, 2009; 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM

7:00 PM: Call meeting to order. Approve minutes.

Discuss:

- New governor in NJ, but will the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act pass into law before he takes office? The bill is due for a vote by the Assembly this fall. Tell your legislators that you want the Senate version of the bill to pass into law. This version does not contain the very restrictive changes to the bill that was released by the Assembly Health Committee. See CMMNJ’s recent blog for talking points—but tell your story in your own words. See what a conservative Republican lawmaker in NJ thinks about medical marijuana.

- Support multiple sclerosis (MS) patient John Wilson, who faces 20 years in prison for growing marijuana to treat his MS. Wilson was forbidden by the judge to even mention his medical condition during the upcoming trial, scheduled to start 12/14. Join the rally 12/14/09 at the Somerville Court House. State Senators urge Gov. Corzine to pardon him. Send your own e-mail to the governor. DOJ memo: Federal prosecution of medical marijuana patients to end.

- CMMNJ is scheduled to appear at the following upcoming events:

· Sat., 11/7, noon to 9PM, Skidfest, U. of Delaware, Newark, DE.

· Sun., 11/8, 9:30 PM & Wed., 11/11, 5:30 PM, Larry Kane's "Voice of Reason" on the Comcast Network.

· November 16 – 19, League of Municipalities Conference in Atlantic City

· Sat., 11/21, 12:30 - 2:30 PM, Medical Marijuana Info Seminar, Collingswood Public Library

· Mon., 12/14, 9:00 AM Rally at Somerset Co. Court House, Somerville, NJ to support John Wilson.

- CMMNJ recently appeared at the following events: 10/10, Ewing Community Fest, TCNJ; 10/17 Medical Marijuana Information Seminar, Collingswood Public Library; 10/19, Ocean Co. Community College Medical Marijuana Debate; 10/20, NORML NJ Open Mtng., Wash. Twp, NJ.

- See Ken’s Facebook page & Facebook Friends of CMMNJ!

- Treasury report: Current balances: Checking: $4456.89; PayPal: $561.26. Please consider a tax-deductible donation to CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) organization, to fund public education about medical marijuana. Donations may be made securely through Paypal or checks made out to “CMMNJ” and sent to the address below. Get a free t-shirt for a donation above $15—specify size. Thank you for your support.

Scheduled meetings are Nov. 10, Dec. 8, 2009 & Jan. 12, 2010. CMMNJ meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month at the Lawrence Twp. Library from 7:00 PM until 9:00 PM. All are welcome. Snacks are served. The library is at 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., Tel. #609.882.9246. (Meeting at the library does not imply their endorsement of our issue.) For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
844 Spruce St., Trenton, NJ 08648 (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw(at)aol.com

Do you agree that the prosecution of John Wilson is "inappropriate and inhumane" and "a complete waste of taxpayer money”? Send an e-mail to the New Jersey Governor and Attorney General with just a few clicks of your mouse. You can also customize your letter, like I did below. See how easy it is at:

http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14300601



November 5, 2009

Dear Governor Corzine,

As a registered nurse with 33 years of experience in New Jersey, I am
joining members of the New Jersey State Senate who have called for the
pardon of multiple sclerosis patient John Wilson. Wilson faces up to 20
years in prison because he used marijuana to alleviate his pain and
suffering. Senators have publicly denounced the prosecution of Wilson to
be "inappropriate and inhumane" and "a complete waste of taxpayer money."
I can't agree more.

There is no justice in the state's prosecution of John Wilson. I wish to
add my voice to those calling for Wilson's pardon.

New Jersey stands on the threshold of becoming the 14th state to allow for
the legal use of marijuana under a doctor's supervision. The "New Jersey
Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act," which the Senate approved in
February 2009, only awaits a floor vote by Assembly before becoming law.
This bill will protect patients like Wilson who use marijuana
therapeutically. Even the federal government's attitude about medical
marijuana is changing. U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder has instructed
federal authorities recently not to arrest or prosecute medical marijuana
patients or caregivers in the 13 states with medical marijuana laws, as
long as they are in compliance with state law.

Wilson's jury trial starts December 14, 2009 and the judge has ruled that
Wilson will not be permitted to tell the jury that he suffers from
multiple sclerosis and that his use of marijuana was for medical purposes
only. Senator Nick Scutari said that Wilson's trial will likely be a relic
of "New Jersey's outdated, socially irresponsible and fiscally
reprehensible approach in treating patients using medical marijuana like
hardened criminals."

It is time to stop this senseless prosecution and pardon John Wilson.

Sincerely,

Ken Wolski, RN

cc: Attorney General Milgram

Monday, November 2, 2009

Wilson Trial Support Rallys Planned

Wilson Trial Support Rallys

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon, the criminal trial against John Ray Wilson is moving ahead.

John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment. He now faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants.
Read more about John's case here

In August CMNNJ rallied at the Somerset County Courthouse.

Volunteers plan on having a supporting presence at the courthouse through all phases of John's trial.

The next date is December 14, 2009. Read More

John's case has garnered national attention for the aggressiveness of the prosecution. New Jersey's Office of the Attorney General is pursuing the case.

Senators push for pardon of Franklin man with MS charged with growing marijuana
A state appeals court rejected the attempt by his attorney, James Wronko of Somerville, to challenge that ruling while the case is ongoing. It could be the subject of a future appeal, he said.The two legislators are not only seeking the pardon but also pushing a bill titled "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act." The bill would decriminalize possession and use of marijuana by state registered patients with debilitating illnesses. It would also establish treatment centers where patients can purchase the drug.

It passed the Senate in a 22-16 vote in February and awaits a vote in the Assembly.

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey stood outside the Somerset County Courthouse Friday morning as Wilson was appearing before Reed in a pre-trial conference. The members held signs advocating that marijuana for medicinal purposes be legalized.

Toms River resident Jim Miller, who co-founded the organization, became involved when his late wife Cheryl faced arrest for using marijuana to relieve her pain, said the organization will be stationed outside the courthouse when Wilson goes on trial in December.

Next to Miller on the sidewalk was an empty wheelchair that held his wife's picture.

"This entire block is going to be lined" with demonstrators during the trial, he said. "It would be nice if the governor steps in," he said. READ IN FULL

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Photo: MS Patient John Ray Wilson Trial

Here is John with CMMNJ co-founder Jim Miller at the courthouse on Friday 10/30 2009. Thanks to K. Long for the pic!

CMMNJ is continuing our support of John Ray Wilson, who faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants. John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment.

Donate to the Wilson family directly here.

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon the criminal trial against John is moving ahead.

Read more about John's case here

In August CMMNJ rallied at the Somerset County Courthouse. Our volunteers plan on having a supporting presence at the courthouse through all phases of the trial.

The next date is December 14, 2009. Read More

More Debate Video

More of the video form the 10/19 debate at the Ocean County College.

The full debate is online at http://www.youtube.com/user/NJmedicalmarijuana

Should Health Insurance Cover Medical Marijuana?

10/30/2009 by Chris Goldstein

On October 19th the Ocean County College in Tom's River, NJ hosted a debate on medical marijuana. A professor of Social Science, Brad Young, moderated. The opposition was Terrence Farley, a former county prosecutor and the now head of the NJ Narcotics Task Force Commanders Assn. Farley is a vehement prohibitionist and we've sparred over this topic on television programs before.

I represented the Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey www.cmmnj.org

Neither of us saw the questions prior to the debate and this question was particularly interesting. As an added bonus you get to see me address some of the reefer madness we encounter locally.

Essentially, "Should medical marijuana be covered by health insurance."

Looking to see what started my rebuttal ? - watch the Previous Debate Segment.

So I pose the question to you all- Should medical cannabis be covered by health insurance?

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

Saturday, October 31, 2009

John Wilson Trial Date Set

CMMNJ's Jim Miller was at the Somerset County Courthouse on 10/30 for John Wilson's court hearing.

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon the criminal trial against John is moving ahead.

CMMNJ is planning to have a supporting presence at the courthouse during all phases of the trial. The tentative dates are 12/14 for jury selection and 12/21 for opening arguments.

Jim was quoted and photographed in the following news article

Senators Push for Pardon of Franklin Man with MS Charged with Growing Medical Marijuana - MyCentralJersey.com
A four-year plea deal is on the table. But Lesniak said even that could ensure that Wilson would die behind bars.

Prosecuting people like Wilson "wasn't the intent of the legislation," of the drug manufacturing statute, Lesniak said. "It was designed to go after drug kingpins. This is hardly the case."

Wilson is facing two other charges, a second-degree manufacturing charge and a third-degree possession offense. The second-degree charge can bring five to 10 years in prison; a third-degree offense, three to five years.

Lesniak said they have not sought an outright pardon since Wilson must face consequences if found guilty. Community service would be a more appropriate sentence, Lesniak said. READ FULL ARTICLE

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

NJ State Senators Ask For Pardon of Medical Marijuana User

In a major development in New Jersey today, two of the Senators sponsoring The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act asked for the Governor to pardon John Ray Wilson!

The full press release is below.

Chris Goldstein
CMMNJ

News From

NJ Senate Democrats

Visit us on the World Wide Web at: www.njsendems.com

FOR RELEASE: Immediate CONTACT: Jason Butkowski
October 26, 2009 Tel: (609) 292-5215
Fax: (609) 633-7254

SCUTARI AND LESNIAK ASK FOR PARDON OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA USER

Lawmakers Say Imprisonment of Somerset County Man Suffering with MS is
Inhumane, Illegal and Inconsistent with Direction of State’s Drug Policies

TRENTON – Calling the prosecution of a self-medicating Somerset County
man with multiple sclerosis (MS) a “severe, inappropriate,
discompassionate and inhumane application of the letter of the law,”
Senators Nicholas P. Scutari and Raymond J. Lesniak today urged Governor
Jon Corzine to pardon Franklin Township resident John Ray Wilson, and
called on the Assembly to quickly move legislation to decriminalize the
medicinal use of marijuana by New Jerseyans with chronic and terminal
illnesses.

“It seems cruel and unusual to treat New Jersey’s sick and dying as if
they were drug cartel kingpins. Moreover, it is a complete waste of
taxpayer money having to house and treat an MS patient in a jail at the
public’s expense,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset.
“Specifically, in the case of John Ray Wilson, the State is taking a
fiscally irresponsible hard-line approach against a man who’s simply
seeking what little relief could be found from the debilitating effects
of multiple sclerosis. Governor Corzine should step in immediately and
end this perversion of criminal drug statutes in the Garden State.”

“Without compassion and a sense of moral right and wrong, laws are worth
less than the paper they’re printed on,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union.
“New Jersey’s tough criminal drug laws were never intended to be used
against patients suffering from chronic and terminal medical conditions.
The prosecutors and presiding judge have set up a scenario where Mr.
Wilson is no different than a common street thug in the eyes of the law.”

In August of 2008, a training fly-over by a New Jersey National Guard
helicopter spotted 17 marijuana plants in the backyard of John Ray
Wilson’s Franklin Township home. Wilson, now 36 years old, was diagnosed
with MS in 2002 and at the time, had no health insurance coverage or
means to pay for the pharmaceutical drugs needed to keep the symptoms of
his disease in check. According to his lawyer, Wilson turned to natural
substances to relieve his suffering, including bee-sting therapy and
marijuana purchased illegally.

Unable to afford purchasing expensive pharmaceutical drugs to ease his
pain, Wilson attempted to grow marijuana for his own personal, medical
use in the backyard of his home. Now, he’s being charged with multiple
counts of possession and manufacturing of illegal drugs, the most severe
of which – first degree maintaining or operating a drug-production
facility – carries a sentence of up to 20 years in prison, and
disqualifies him for the Pre-Trial Intervention (PTI) program, an
alternative to incarceration for non-violent offenders. State
prosecutors have offered a plea agreement of four years imprisonment, but
the Union County lawmakers called on Governor Corzine to pardon Wilson of
the drug-production facility charge in order to make him eligible to
participate in PTI and avoid a prison sentence.

“It is legally inappropriate, humanly cruel and fiscally wasteful to
impose any kind of prison term for Mr. Wilson,” said Senator Lesniak.
“If anything, this is precisely the sort of case that should have been
diverted to Pre-Trial Intervention. A lengthy prison sentence for John
Ray Wilson would most likely guarantee that he will die behind bars, and
the court should have pursued other options if it was truly concerned
with justice.”

Last week, Superior Court Judge Robert Reed ruled that Wilson’s medical
condition, and the fact that he had been taking marijuana to treat his
condition, could not be revealed to the jury during the course of the
trial. The trial, which will be given a starting date on Friday in
Superior Court in Somerville, NJ, will likely be a “relict of New
Jersey’s outdated, inconsiderate, socially irresponsible and fiscally
reprehensible zero-tolerance approach in treating patients using medical
marijuana to relieve their suffering like hardened criminals,” according
to Senator Scutari.

“Not only is the prosecutor over-reaching and overzealously pursuing the
letter of the law, but the judge is enabling this kind of witch hunt,”
said Senator Scutari. “It seems patently unfair and unjust to force John
Ray Wilson into jail without taking serious consideration of his medical
condition. The court should have also taken into account the extenuating
circumstances involving new Federal guidelines on medical marijuana and
the progress of in-State legislation decriminalizing marijuana possession
and use by New Jerseyans with debilitating medical conditions.”

In addition to asking Governor Corzine to issue clemency for John Ray
Wilson, both lawmakers agreed that the Assembly must quickly move S-119,
sponsored by Senator Scutari and co-sponsored by Senator Lesniak, when
the Legislature reconvenes this fall. Entitled the “New Jersey
Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,” the bill would decriminalize
the possession and use of marijuana by State-registered patients with
“debilitating medical conditions,” as identified by a New Jersey-licensed
physician. The bill would also require the State Department of Health
and Senior Services to oversee the establishment and administration of
alternative treatment centers, where qualified, registered patients would
be able to obtain medical marijuana and any related supplies and
educational materials.

“The only way we’re going see less of these cases come before the court
is if the ‘New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act’ becomes
the law of the land,” said Senator Lesniak. “This has been an issue that
has taken years to resolve in New Jersey, and legislative approval and
enactment into law are long past overdue. It’s time that the Assembly
post this bill for a vote, so we can focus our attention on putting real
criminals behind bars, and not piling on the suffering for terminal
patients simply seeking a little relief from the symptoms of their
diseases.”

“For the men and women in New Jersey who have no where else to turn to
effectively manage their debilitating illnesses, the ‘Compassionate Use
Medical Marijuana Act’ would give them an alternative, and protect them
from overly harsh and unnecessary drug crime prosecution,” said Senator
Scutari. “If we had just passed this legislation years ago, we wouldn’t
even be having a discussion about John Ray Wilson, and he’d be able to
get access to drugs to manage the pain and spasticity of MS without fear
of persecution. On behalf of John Ray Wilson and the thousands of State
residents suffering from long-term, chronic and terminal illnesses, I
call on the Assembly to send the medical marijuana legislation to the
Governor to finally be signed into law.”

The “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” was approved by
the Senate in February by a vote of 22-16, and was advanced out of the
Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee in June by a vote of 8-1,
with 2 abstentions. It is currently pending before the full Assembly
before going to Governor Corzine to be signed into law.
###


Jason Butkowski
Deputy Communications Director for Technology
New Jersey Senate Democratic Office
P: (609) 292-5215
F: (609) 633-7254
www.njsendems.com

Sunday, October 25, 2009

ASA: Behind the DOJ Memo

10/25/09 by Chris Goldstein

Scoop: Staffers at Americans for Safe Access met with Department of Justice officials before the memo on medical marijuana was released last week.

My role with several marijuana reform non-profits in New Jersey and Pennsylvania requires interaction with the national reform groups. One that has represented patients with great passion and success is Americans for Safe Access.

They have aggressively pursued issues related to medical marijuana laws and then the rights of patients under those laws. ASA has chapters in several states with main offices in California and Washington DC.

On Wednesday I called ASA's DC office to check in about some literature for events. Their Director of Government Affairs is Caren Woodson. She's an experienced beltway player who has led protests on the street and meetings on The Hill. We've interviewed many times for podcasts and radio and have been working together as advocates this year.

After talking business I asked her what she thought of the Department of Justice memo. Caren's usual, very professional tone changed and there was excitement in her voice: She and Steph Sherer, ASA's Director, had been invited for a meeting with DOJ officials the week before. This was the only known meeting of advocates with the DOJ on this issue.

That morning I had just happened to have wrapped up a telephone radio interview with an author of a book on public education. I asked Caren for an interview right away. The recording took 12 minutes and it aired that night on KSFR 101.1FM with my show Active Voice Radio.

LISTEN- MP3 of Caren Woodson's 10/21/09 interview

In the past, ASA was protesting in front of the Department of Justice: Loudly and very visibly protesting at that. Now they are invited in for meetings. There was no stronger indicator this week of this tangible shift in federal policy on medical cannabis.

The impact of the DOJ memo is already being felt locally in NJ/PA. Two major editorials were published in the immediate wake of the news. The NJ General Assembly is expected to see The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in a floor vote this fall.PA should have the first public legislative hearings on the issue soon.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Easing Their Pain
The Obama administration's new policy on medical marijuana should make it easier for New Jersey and Pennsylvania to legalize its use for seriously ill patients. The Justice Department has removed a major legal hurdle by issuing a memo directing federal prosecutors in states that allow medical marijuana not to target patients or their sanctioned suppliers when the drug is purchased for legitimate purposes. Read Full Editorial
Times of Trenton: It's About Time
New Jersey legislators, poised to vote on the issue, may be encouraged by the federal change of heart. It reflects the opinion of a majority of Americans -- and 82 percent of N.J. residents -- who favor dispensing marijuana to patients. With the new federal policy in place, there is no reason for New Jersey to any longer delay legalizing medical marijuana. Read Full Editorial

NJ residents who support medical marijuana can CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS IN NJ

More information about medical cannabis in NJ can be found at the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey www.cmmnj.org

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Philadelphia Inquirer Medical Marijuana Editorial

Editorial: Easing their pain

The Obama administration's new policy on medical marijuana should make it easier for New Jersey and Pennsylvania to legalize its use for seriously ill patients.

The Justice Department has removed a major legal hurdle by issuing a memo directing federal prosecutors in states that allow medical marijuana not to target patients or their sanctioned suppliers when the drug is purchased for legitimate purposes.

The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration's mixed signals, and makes more sense.

Federal agents are still empowered to go after people whose marijuana distribution and nonmedical use is not permitted under state law, and those who use the sale of medical marijuana as a cover for other crimes.

With that cleared up, New Jersey and Pennsylvania should join the 14 other states that allow some use of marijuana for medical purposes.


Rest of the editorial at: http://www.philly.com/inquirer/opinion/20091024_Editorial__Easing_their_pain.html


Monday, October 19, 2009

BREAKING: DOJ Memo - New Medical Marijuana Guidelines

Chris Goldstein 10/19/09

This is truly an historic day for the issue of safe cannabis access in America. It is the first order issued by any White House Administration in support of patient’s rights and upholding the existing programs in place through ballot initiative or legislation. The wording also seems to follow some of the existing language in the de-prioritization ordinances in place around the nation.

New Jersey is the next state that has a serious chance to have a medical marijuana program. State legislation is in the final phase right now and needs your support. More information about medical marijuana in NJ

www.cmmnj.org

The full memo was released today at:

http://blogs.usdoj.gov/blog/archives/192

MEMORANDUM FOR SELECTED UNITED STATES ATTORNEYS

FROM: David W. Ogden, Deputy Attorney General

SUBJECT: Investigations and Prosecutions in States Authorizing the Medical Use of Marijuana

This memorandum provides clarification and guidance to federal prosecutors in States that have enacted laws authorizing the medical use of marijuana. These laws vary in their substantive provisions and in the extent of state regulatory oversight, both among the enacting States and among local jurisdictions within those States. Rather than developing different guidelines for every possible variant of state and local law, this memorandum provides uniform guidance to focus federal investigations and prosecutions in these States on core federal enforcement priorities.

The Department of Justice is committed to the enforcement of the Controlled Substances Act in all States. Congress has determined that marijuana is a dangerous drug, and the illegal distribution and sale of marijuana is a serious crime and provides a significant source of revenue to large-scale criminal enterprises, gangs, and cartels. One timely example underscores the importance of our efforts to prosecute significant marijuana traffickers: marijuana distribution in the United States remains the single largest source of revenue for the Mexican cartels.

The Department is also committed to making efficient and rational use of its limited investigative and prosecutorial resources. In general, United States Attorneys are vested with “plenary authority with regard to federal criminal matters” within their districts. USAM 9-2.001. In exercising this authority, United States Attorneys are “invested by statute and delegation from the Attorney General with the broadest discretion in the exercise of such authority.” Id. This authority should, of course, be exercised consistent with Department priorities and guidance.

The prosecution of significant traffickers of illegal drugs, including marijuana, and the disruption of illegal drug manufacturing and trafficking networks continues to be a core priority in the Department’s efforts against narcotics and dangerous drugs, and the Department’s investigative and prosecutorial resources should be directed towards these objectives. As a general matter, pursuit of these priorities should not focus federal resources in your States on individuals whose actions are in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state laws providing for the medical use of marijuana. For example, prosecution of individuals with cancer or other serious illnesses who use marijuana as part of a recommended treatment regimen consistent with applicable state law, or those caregivers in clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law who provide such individuals with marijuana, is unlikely to be an efficient use of limited federal resources. On the other hand, prosecution of commercial enterprises that unlawfully market and sell marijuana for profit continues to be an enforcement priority of the Department. To be sure, claims of compliance with state or local law may mask operations inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of those laws, and federal law enforcement should not be deterred by such assertions when otherwise pursuing the Department’s core enforcement priorities.

Typically, when any of the following characteristics is present, the conduct will not be in clear and unambiguous compliance with applicable state law and may indicate illegal drug trafficking activity of potential federal interest:

  • unlawful possession or unlawful use of firearms;
  • violence;
  • sales to minors;
  • financial and marketing activities inconsistent with the terms, conditions, or purposes of state law, including evidence of money laundering activity and/or financial gains or excessive amounts of cash inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;
  • amounts of marijuana inconsistent with purported compliance with state or local law;
  • illegal possession or sale of other controlled substances; or
  • ties to other criminal enterprises.

Of course, no State can authorize violations of federal law, and the list of factors above is not intended to describe exhaustively when a federal prosecution may be warranted. Accordingly, in prosecutions under the Controlled Substances Act, federal prosecutors are not expected to charge, prove, or otherwise establish any state law violations. Indeed, this memorandum does not alter in any way the Department’s authority to enforce federal law, including laws prohibiting the manufacture, production, distribution, possession, or use of marijuana on federal property. This guidance regarding resource allocation does not “legalize” marijuana or provide a legal defense to a violation of federal law, nor is it intended to create any privileges, benefits, or rights, substantive or procedural, enforceable by any individual, party or witness in any administrative, civil, or criminal matter. Nor does clear and unambiguous compliance with state law or the absence of one or all of the above factors create a legal defense to a violation of the Controlled Substances Act. Rather, this memorandum is intended solely as a guide to the exercise of investigative and prosecutorial discretion.

Finally, nothing herein precludes investigation or prosecution where there is a reasonable basis to believe that compliance with state law is being invoked as a pretext for the production or distribution of marijuana for purposes not authorized by state law. Nor does this guidance preclude investigation or prosecution, even when there is clear and unambiguous compliance with existing state law, in particular circumstances where investigation or prosecution otherwise serves important federal interests.

Your offices should continue to review marijuana cases for prosecution on a case-by-case basis, consistent with the guidance on resource allocation and federal priorities set forth herein, the consideration of requests for federal assistance from state and local law enforcement authorities, and the Principles of Federal Prosecution.

cc: All United States Attorneys

Lanny A. Breuer
Assistant Attorney General Criminal Division

B. Todd Jones
United States Attorney
District of Minnesota
Chair, Attorney General’s Advisory Committee

Michele M. Leonhart
Acting Administrator
Drug Enforcement Administration

H. Marshall Jarrett
Director
Executive Office for United States Attorneys

Kevin L. Perkins
Assistant Director
Criminal Investigative Division
Federal Bureau of Investigation

BREAKING: President Obama - New Medical Marijuana Policy

Chris Goldstein 10/18/09

Breaking news tonight from the AP reports a new federal set of guidelines on medical marijuana.

AP Newsbreak: New medical marijuana policy issued

WASHINGTON — The Obama administration will not seek to arrest medical marijuana users and suppliers as long as they conform to state laws, under new policy guidelines to be sent to federal prosecutors Monday.

Two Justice Department officials described the new policy to The Associated Press, saying prosecutors will be told it is not a good use of their time to arrest people who use or provide medical marijuana in strict compliance with state laws.

The new policy is a significant departure from the Bush administration, which insisted it would continue to enforce federal anti-pot laws regardless of state codes.

READ MORE: New medical marijuana policy issued

New Jersey is the next state that has a serious chance to have a medical marijuana program. State legislation is in the final phase right now and needs your support. More information about medical marijuana in NJ

www.cmmnj.org

Thursday, October 15, 2009

Assemblyman, doctors support medical marijuana

Assemblyman Carroll backs medical pot law
By PHIL GARBER, Staff Writer, Randolph Reporter
Published: Oct. 9, 2009
http://www.recordernewspapers.com/articles/2009/10/09/randolph_reporter/news/doc4acbd2a44cc79654822137.txt

Assemblyman Michael Patrick Carroll, R-Morris, remembers when a family member was suffering from debilitating nausea and extreme pain for months after her surgery for ovarian cancer.

Carroll knew that something as simple as marijuana could significantly limit his relative’s discomfort. He also knew it was illegal to use marijuana for any reason, including medical reasons.

The Assemblyman said the experience three years ago reinforced his belief that it is wrong to bar people like his relative from smoking marijuana if it could ease their suffering. It wasn't long thereafter that Carroll joined in co-sponsoring an Assembly bill to legalize use of marijuana for medical reasons.

Various studies have shown that marijuana can lessen debilitating pain and nausea commonly experienced by people with cancer, HIV/AIDS and other chronic and crippling diseases. Officials in New Jersey have been considering medical marijuana legislation for at lest five years but Carroll said on Sunday that this year the proposal may finally become law.

A Senate version of the medical marijuana bill, S-119, has passed while the Assembly version, A-804, is awaiting action. Gov. Jon Corzine has said he will sign the bill if it is passed by the Legislature. New Jersey would then be the 14th state to allow medical use of marijuana.

The bill is sponsored by Assemblyman Reed Gusciora, D-Mercer, and Carroll is the only Republican among a number of co-sponsors.

"I'm a great believer that physicians should be freed from the restrictions drawn by people who are not physicians," Carroll said on Sunday in a program at the Skylands Unitarian Universalist fellowship in Mansfield Township.

The Unitarian fellowship draws its membership largely from Long Valley, Budd Lake and sections of Warren County.

"The government should not stand between a patient and his doctor," said Carroll, who is considered one of the state's most conservative legislators. "I see people in wheelchairs who say marijuana is their only way to get help."

Carroll represents the 25th legislative district which includes Mendham Township, Mine Hill, Boonton and Boonton Township, Denville, Dover, Jefferson, Morris Township, Morristown, Mount Arlington, Randolph, Rockaway, Rockaway Township, Roxbury, Victory Gardens and Wharton.

Personal Experiences

The legislator said another personal situation further spurred him to support the legalization of pot for medical reasons. He said his grandmother had been diagnosed with lung cancer and that doctors had given her six months to live.

"Six years later, she was still trucking on but she suffered from horrible pain," Carroll said.

The doctors prescribed a derivative of heroin and cocaine to help ease the pain. It was an irony that did not get past Carroll.

"But marijuana is considered a problem?" he said.

Carroll said he has had his own painful, medical ailments which further illustrated why a prohibition on the use of medical marijuana makes no sense.

He said he was suffering from a recurrence of gout and found it very painful to walk. A physician prescribed large doses of Motrin but it was not helpful. Another doctor prescribed Vicodin and Percoset and the two powerful pain relievers worked.

Both drugs also are considered widely abused by young people and opponents of the medical marijuana law say it would make it even easier for youths to abuse pot.

"I have six kids who could get in the medicine cabinet," Carroll said. "The potential for abuse exists but it doesn't mean marijuana should be illegal."

Opponents of legalizing pot for medical reasons often claim that the doses can't be determined or managed because pot is smoked and not taken as an easily-monitored liquid or solid. Opponents also say that there is no scientific data showing marijuana reduces pain but that it only makes the person feel euphoric.

Carroll said the arguments are empty when compared with his own and medical observations.

"Based on my observations, if a doctor says it's effective, we should pay attention," Carroll said. "I can't get exorcised that some MS (multiple sclerosis) patient might also get high."

He said the only scientific studies show that THC, a component of marijuana, is effective in reducing eye pressure for glaucoma sufferers. But he said it doesn't really matter whether the use of marijuana provides relief because it attacks the cause or because of the euphoric effect.

Others argue that pot smoking can damage the lungs, a claim that makes little sense to someone who has a terminal illness and is in great pain, Carroll said.

Opponents also cite the experience in California where medical pot has been legalized and the state has "essentially permitted head shops" to open, he said.

Those opposing the bill argue that it is just a foot in the door toward eventual legalization of marijuana for recreational use. They say that legalizing pot for medicinal use will only make it easier to obtain for recreational use.

"I find it impossible to believe that it may be easier to get if you legalized it," said Carroll who said marijuana is the largest cash crop in the nation, because it is illegal and in demand.

Carroll said legalization of pot for medical reasons will eventually lead to consideration of further legalizing recreational marijuana. And he has no problem with such an eventuality. He said the discussion should focus on the society's failure to control illicit drug use, the disproportionate costs of law enforcement and the courts to punish people for possession of marijuana.

"Any rational dispassionate society will entertain that discussion," he said. "It's the first step toward a realization that there is no such thing as an evil plant."

A key to the success of a medical marijuana bill would be the federal government's agreement not to raid and prosecute those who grow marijuana for medical reasons, he said.

Carroll predicted the bill will eventually be passed but that won't likely be up for a vote until after the November elections. He said in legislative districts with close contests, it will undoubtedly either become a "demagogic" issue or the candidates will not discuss it at all.

"In close elections, the instantaneous desire is to hide your head and lay low," he said.

The Senate bill, S-119, would provide registry cards, authorized by the state Department of Health and Senior Services, to anyone diagnosed by a physician as having a "debilitating medical condition." The conditions are defined as cancer, glaucoma, HIV/AIDS or other chronic debilitating diseases or medical conditions that produce or the treatment produces wasting syndrome, severe or chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures or severe and persistent muscle spasms. The state could include other medical conditions if officials saw fit.

A patient or caregiver with a registry card could collectively possess no more than six marijuana plants and one ounce of usable marijuana.

Assembly bill, A-804, is more restrictive. It would allow marijuana use for seizure disorders including epilepsy, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity or glaucoma that is resistant to conventional therapy; HIV/AIDS or cancer patients experiencing severe or chronic pain, severe nausea or vomiting, cachexia or wasting syndrome; amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or terminal cancer; and any other condition approved by the state.

The Assembly bill also would prohibit patients and caregivers from growing marijuana. Qualified patients would have to acquire the marijuana from alternative treatment centers as established by the state.

Copyright © 2009 - Recorder Community Newspapers


Dear Esteemed Assemblman,

I am a physician practicing in New Jersey since 1982. I'm writing to ask you to help me, and other like minded physicians, to help in the care of certain seriously ill patients in New Jersey.

On June 4, members of the Assembly Committee on Health and Senior Services approved substitute language for Assembly Bill 804, New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.

However, as amended by the Committee, the appropriate indications for medical marijuana was severely limited by not including the control of refractory pain and neuropathic pain. I also object to language that indicates that medical cannabis should essentially be a treatment of last resort.

I believe there is growing evidence-based findings that marijuana has a role in compassionate pain control. Medical pain management is a complex matter and the care is best individually tailored to the specific patient based on many factors. Having medical marijuana as an option, and not necessarily as the last resort option, would be a welcome 'tool' in the armaments of the prescriptive medical doctor. I also would note that marijuana may be the drug of choice in refractory anorexia from any cause. There is probably no drug alternative to this condition. Lastly, as a physician, I object to the position of having non-physicians dictate to me and my patients what can or cannot be used in a given circumstance. Legitimize the medical use of marijuana, or not, but please don't intrude into how I, or my fellow physicians prescribe it for patients.

Yet, I understand the concern and controversy that surrounds the legislature's courageous decision to allow the compassionate medical use of marijuana. And no drug is without potential side effects, nor do I decry the monitoring of its use to keep it a legitimate option rather than an abusable one. I often prescribe opiates for pain management, and the use is carefully controlled. Likewise I occasionally prescribe to treat opiate addiction; so the potential for abuse, misuse and diversion is not lost on me. I agree with restricting the supply only to a system that allows checks and controls on appropriate/inappropriate use.

As substituted, most patients diagnosed with severe chronic or neuropathic pain would no longer receive legal protection under the law.

And that is why I am urging you to SUPPORT THE SENATE VERSION of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, which does not contain the assembly health committee’s substitution restricting the use of medical marijuana to a very, very limited number of patients.

Jeffrey S. Pollack M.D.
Mays Landing, NJ


Marianne Bays, Ph.D.
Montclair, NJ 07043
drbays@aol.com

September 28, 2009

Assemblyman Herb Conaway, Jr.
Delran Professional Center
Suite 125
8008 Rt. 130 North
Delran, NJ 08075

Dear Assemblyman Conaway:

On June 4, 2009, the New Jersey legislature took another step towards providing its citizens with safe access to medical marijuana. I am writing to communicate my passionate support for this initiative and my personal request that you continue to help to move NJ’s compassionate use medical marijuana bill forward during the current legislative session.

Who am I? I am a 57 year old life long resident of New Jersey; and a corporate management consultant, professionally. I have family and friends who suffer needlessly under current state and federal law prohibiting them from obtaining the medicine they need, or putting them at risk of arrest if they ignore current law. I am a member of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey because of this. I have been tracking the NJ State Legislature’s actions on medical marijuana very closely this year and have studied the course of similar legislation nationally. I listened on-line to the NJ Assembly Committee on Health and Senior Services hearing on A804 on June 4 and have a high positive regard for the capable manner in which you managed the public discussions on this bill.

The substitute text adopted by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee in A804 reflects an understandably cautious approach to the change in NJ’s existing law. Controls are needed. I believe that the added provision for a formal one-year later evaluation of the enacted bill is excellent. In fact, I think that annual review should be an on-going responsibility of the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. However, I believe that the restrictions in the amended bill go too far and that the result is not what was intended or what we need.

A truly “compassionate use” medical marijuana bill would recognize that patients are already unreasonably suffering under existing law and would immediately decriminalize possession and use of medical doses of marijuana as prescribed by patients’ physicians.

• It would not push out the effective date of the legislation for 15 months (12 months after enactment, for no good reason, and then 90 days for administrative implementation).

• It would not presume to substitute political judgment for medical, by qualifying the situation under which a patient with a covered illness might have medical marijuana (e.g., only when the illness is “resistant to conventional medical therapy”). There are well documented cases where side effects of conventional therapy are negative, degrading the quality of life for patients, and other cases where conventional therapy is simply too expensive. Where medical marijuana is in any way better than conventional therapy for a patient, his or her physician should be able to qualify the patient for its use.

• It would not arbitrarily restrict the amount of usable marijuana available to a patient during a month to one ounce. Marijuana’s efficacy as medical treatment for an illness depends upon its potency and particular biochemical make up as well as the specific ailment(s) it is being used to treat. Different plants and curing methods yield different results and different disabilities require different dosages. While a one ounce sale and possession restriction at any given point in time is reasonable, expecting that “one size will fit all” in dosage is not. This rule will simply force patients who need more to continue to obtain their medical marijuana illegally.

• It would recognize that those with covered illnesses are often among the poorest and least mobile of our citizens and would provide them with a simple home growing alternative. The restriction against home growing will work to prevent NJ patients from obtaining the medicine they need at the lowest cost possible.

• It would not burden patients with the additional doctor and travel costs that would result from a required quarterly renewal of registry identification cards. Once annual renewal should be sufficient. It would also instruct the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services to find ways to streamline the issuance of registry identification cards to patients. A possible thirty-five day wait for needed medication would not be considered acceptable in treatment of illness in any other case, would it?

When I read through proposed legislation and listen to debates about medical marijuana, I have a mind set that I think you, as a legislator, would also find useful in evaluating proposals for providing safe access to medical marijuana for qualified patients. I ask myself: Does this help Sandy, and what about hospice patients?

Sandy is a friend who has suffered from multiple sclerosis for thirty years. She can no longer work; she is living at the poverty level on disability benefits. She has chronic pain and degenerating mobility. She walks slowly and painfully with a cane. She can no longer climb more than a few stairs. Most outings require use of a wheelchair. Additionally, her dependence on steroids has taken its toll, leaving her with a very fragile immune system, so that she suffers from infections of all sorts constantly. Sandy cannot afford a car and her condition has ruined her night vision, so that she is limited to day time driving if someone is kind enough to loan her a car. She is dependant on friends to get her where she needs to go.

Without medical marijuana, Sandy would be unable to coordinate her muscles, overcoming her pain and spasms sufficiently to enable her to walk. She would suffer from chronic nausea from traditional anti-spasm medicines, and would find it even more difficult to sleep than she already does. Her only alternative for pain management would be morphine, which she can obtain easily, but which is much harder on her body and negatively affects her ability to perform life functions.

At prevailing street prices, Sandy cannot afford the amount of medical marijuana she needs. One and a half to two ounces per month would meet her current needs. She tells me that other medical marijuana patients that she knows consume even more than this amount to alleviate their pain – “up to 10 joints a day”. Sandy would, with education and resources from an “Alternative Treatment Center” have the capability to grow her own medical marijuana. The revised bill does not give her that option, however.

And, what about hospice patients?

They’re likely to be even less mobile. And, they may need family or friends to even figure out how to obtain and use medical marijuana. How is this system of application, review and approval going to help hospice patients? Clearly, these are cases where the patient is unlikely to be able to obtain authorization or medicine without assistance.

However, the substitution bill approved by the Committee on June 2nd, envisions the use of another “designated individual” to obtain medical marijuana for a patient as an “emergency” measure only. How could anything about getting medicine to alleviate a dying patient’s pain ever be considered anything but an “emergency” by loved ones and the patients themselves?

The envisioned lengthy application review and approval process and special exception needed to authorize someone other than the qualifying patient to obtain the medicine both place unnecessary obstacles in the way of getting medical marijuana to patients who need it. With the way this bill has been redrawn, these patients will be dead before they can obtain authorization to acquire and use medical marijuana.

I understand that there will never be a “perfect” compassionate use medical marijuana law in NJ; one that everyone agrees upon. I urge you to support basic legislation this year that immediately:

• Decriminalizes doctor approved use of medical marijuana for patients that are likely to benefit from its use

• Sets only broad limits on the quantities of medical marijuana that may be legally sold to or possessed by a patient at any given point in time

• Establishes a no more than 90 day planning period for enactment of this law

• Establishes a process that streamlines the certification of licenses for patients who obtain doctors recommendations (and for patients’ caregivers where a doctor certifies that the patient will need assistance)

• Provides for establishment of licensed Alternative Treatment Centers to legally grow and dispense medical marijuana to qualified patients

• Permits licensed patients to grow their own cannabis plants as an alternative to purchasing from a licensed Alternative Treatment Center

Thank you for your consideration.

Yours truly,

Marianne Bays

P.S. There is one other aspect of the amended A804 that troubles me. It seems to suggest that the NJ State Legislature expects the Department of Health and Senior Services to be able to regulate/administer some aspects of the growing and dispensing of cannabis to patients that are well outside of the purview of this agency. Basic knowledge of what strains of cannabis are most effective for what different conditions already exists in the medical marijuana community. More knowledge and more strains will continue to develop as time passes. Medical and bio-chemistry professionals should be relied upon for this knowledge; involvement by state administrators makes no sense.