Draft medical marijuana regulations are on time but unacceptable

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 7, 2010
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
Chris Goldstein media@cmmnj.org

Draft medical marijuana regulations are on time but unacceptable

We are grateful to the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for publishing the draft regulations to enact the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana law in a timely manner.

However, the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey has serious concerns that these regulations go far beyond the intent of the law. In fact, we find that the bulk of the regulatory details are outside of the legislative intent.

Many of the new restrictions created by DHSS are based in politics, not in science.

The current draft regulations, if adopted, would create an unworkable program for qualifying residents.

CMMNJ strongly compels DHSS to reconsider the draft Medical Marijuana Program regulations in their entirety.

“Rather than create a reasonable set of regulations, the Christie Administration is playing politics with the lives of New Jersey’s most severely ill residents. Instead of opening a pathway to safe marijuana access these draft regulations only create more barriers,” said Chris Goldstein CMMNJ spokesperson.

“Patients in New Jersey now have a legal right to medical marijuana. These draft regulations are deeply flawed and do not reflect the vision that patients, advocates and the legislation have for compassionate access.”

CMMNJ will issue a detailed analysis of the regulations.

DHSS link: http://www.state.nj.us/health/draft_mm.pdf

NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM

Potential medical marijuana patients and advocates in New Jersey are available for comment. Please contact Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein.

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
Chris Goldstein media@cmmnj.org