The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
“Because no one should suffer needlessly…”
www.cmmnj.org
CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org
One year year ago today: 'New Jersey passes medical marijuana law'
On January 11, 2010 the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was passed by the Legislature and later signed by then-governor Jon Corzine. It marked the 14th US state to create legal access to cannabis for seriously ill residents.
Lawmakers and advocates expected the program to be running by the fall of 2010 but the new governor, Chris Christie, has put up significant hurdles in the regulatory process.
Currently there is no medical marijuana program running in New Jersey. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) launched a controversial physician registry for doctors to begin recommending cannabis to their patents.
DHSS representatives said in a phone call today that 69 doctors in 18 counties had registered so far, but the system to allow the registry of patients has not been brought online.
New Jersey passed a uniquely strict law: Qualifying patients will only be allowed 2 ounces of marijuana per month and there are no provisions for home cultivation.
There is an ongoing debate over the regulations for the Alternative Treatment Centers and the medical cannabis. Governor Christie has proposed a 10% cap on THC content and limiting cultivation to three marijuana strains along with many additional new restrictions.
Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) is the lead sponsor of the law and released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act:
“A year after passage of our medical marijuana law, patients with chronic and terminal illnesses are still awaiting relief. While I believe it is critical to get this program off the ground, implementing it within the guidelines of existing regulations will render it useless.
To that end, I am committed to moving forward with overturning unworkable regulations put forward by the administration to ensure that sick and dying patients get relief. However, I am still hopeful that we will not need to see this process through.
I have pledged to work with the governor on a medical marijuana program that follows the legislative intent of the law, and fulfills our promise to provide compassionate care to patients who need it the most. I remain hopeful that we will reach a true compromise.”
Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) commented today:
“It was a great victory last year for patients who are suffering every minute of every day and need safe and legal access to marijuana therapy.
Unfortunately, not a single ID card has yet been issued to a qualifying resident and there is no medical marijuana even growing at this time. The regulations proposed by the Department of Health and Senior Services to enact this law have done nothing but obstruct its implementation."
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey is working with patients, caregivers and advocates to ensure that our state government will create a program that brings affordable, medical-grade marijuana to all qualified patients in a timely and secure manner.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/11/2011
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
“Because no one should suffer needlessly…”
www.cmmnj.org
CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org
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