NJ Medical marijuana advocates meet with state officials

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/12/2010
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org

NJ Medical marijuana advocates meet with state officials

The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) announced on their website that meetings will begin with public stakeholders in the new medical marijuana program.

Last week, The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) was invited to discuss the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.

DHSS officials have asked that the specific details of the meeting remain confidential.

CMMNJ spokesperson Chris Goldstein said, “Advocates were able to participate in a healthy exchange of ideas about the program for the first time.”

Until now, DHSS has been keeping the process of creating the medical marijuana program internal to the various state agencies.

Goldstein added, “Our representatives at the meeting felt assured that DHSS is making progress and are sincerely working to make quality medical cannabis accessible to qualifying residents.”

The Legislature granted a 90-day extension to put the law into practice. Full implementation of the medical marijuana law is currently mandated by January 2011.

CMMNJ is holding a Medical Marijuana Stakeholders Meeting in conjunction with Americans for Safe Access in Trenton on August 21, 2010.

Medical marijuana patients, their families, advocates, potential Alternative Treatment Center owners and health care professionals are encouraged to attend the meeting.

More about the Stakeholders Meeting at http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-jersey-will-host-medical-marijuana.html

CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org

Read the full text of NJ's medical marijuana law http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM