City of Asbury Park
County of Monmouth
State of New Jersey
IN SUPPORT OF LEGALIZING, TAXING AND REGULATING
MARIJUANA FOR ADULTS
WHEREAS, New Jersey law currently makes possession by adults of small amounts of marijuana illegal; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City of Asbury Park (the “City”), someone is arrested for marijuana possession in the State of New Jersey (the “State”) every 24 minutes, totaling more than 21,000 possession arrests each year; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, the State spent over an estimated one billion dollars in the last decade on enforcement of marijuana possession laws; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City believe that the existing laws concerning small amounts of marijuana waste the enforcement resources of police, prosecutors and courts that could be better spent on keeping the City safe from serious crime; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, minorities in the State are nearly three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than Caucasians, despite similar rates of marijuana use; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, an arrest for a single marijuana cigarette in the State can lead to up to six months in jail, loss of a job, a driver’s license suspension, up to $1,225 in fees and fines, immigration consequences, loss of student financial aid, and eviction; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, despite the prohibition of marijuana and the approximately 800,000 marijuana possession arrests that occur in the United States each year, federal government data estimates that 111 million Americans have tried marijuana and more than 30 million Americans use marijuana each year; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, in 2014 the New Jersey State Municipal Prosecutors Association, whose members are primarily responsible for prosecuting marijuana possession arrests, voted to publicly support the legalization of marijuana, subject to reasonable regulations; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, the editorial boards of the New York Times, Star-Ledger, Times of Trenton, and Daily Targum have endorsed the legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana; and
WHEREAS, based upon information available to the City, the State could potentially receive hundreds of millions of dollars per year in new revenue from the taxation of regulated marijuana sales; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City believe that tax revenue can be used to reinvest in our communities, schools, drug prevention and education programs, re-entry and job training programs and in programs to strengthen community-police relations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City believe that regulating marijuana in a State-controlled system will limit access to marijuana to adults aged 21 and over in licensed locations; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City believe that regulation will ensure strict controls over marijuana advertising, labeling, and quality, preventing access to youth and controlling quality and potency; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City recognize that driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal in the State, and regulating marijuana will not change that; and
WHEREAS, the Mayor and Council of the City are aware that marijuana has been legalized, taxed, and regulated in the States of Colorado, Washington, Alaska, and Oregon, as well as in Washington D.C.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE AND IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the Mayor and Council of the City of Asbury Park, in the County of Monmouth and State of New Jersey, as follows:
1. That the Mayor and Council of the City hereby support fair and effective criminal justice and drug policies; and
2. That the Mayor and Council of the City hereby urge the New Jersey State Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign, legislation to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults; and
3. That a certified copy of this Resolution shall be provided to each of the following:
a. Members of the New Jersey General Assembly;
b. Members of the New Jersey State Senate;
c. Office of the Governor;
d. Anthony Nuccio, Acting City Manager;
e. Deputy Police Chief Anthony Salerno;
f. Frederick C. Raffetto, Esq., Municipal Attorney.
I, CINDY A. DYE, City Clerk of the City of Asbury Park, Monmouth County, New Jersey, DO HEREBY CERTIFY the foregoing to be a true and exact copy of RESOLUTION NO. 2015-XX, which was finally adopted by the City Council at a meeting held on the 8th day of July, 2015.
CERTIFIED BY ME THIS _______ DAY OF _____________, 2015.
______________________________
CINDY A. DYE
CITY CLERK
Record of Council Vote on Final Passage
COUNCIL PERSON AYE NAY N.V. (Not Voting Abstain)
Mayor John Moor AYE
Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn AYE
Council Member Yvonne Clayton AYE
Council Member Jesse Kendle AYE
Council Member Joe Woerner AYE
Indicates vote N.V.-
Monday, July 27, 2015
Monday, July 6, 2015
CMMNJ Agenda for July 14, 2015 Public Meeting; June Minutes & Media Update
Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3
Tuesday, July 14, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM
Approve June 2015 minutes. Discuss:
Asbury Park Resolution in support of legalizing marijuana up for a vote on 7/8/15, 7 pm at One Municipal Plaza, Asbury Park, 07712
A4587—Requires schools and developmental disability facilities to adopt policies permitting the use of medical marijuana for qualifying patients. Introduced on 6/22/15, passed the Assembly on 6/25; passed the Senate on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie.
NJ State Senate support sought for bills that were OK’d by the Assembly: A-3726/S2898 - Authorizes medical marijuana for qualifying patients with PTSD; A-4286/S2899 - OKs transfer of excess medical marijuana between ATCs; ACR224/SCR166 - Certain medical marijuana regulations are inconsistent with legislative intent.
“CMMNJ TV”—taping canceled 6/30: Next taping: July 23, 2015, noon to 4 pm.
Weekly Statehouse Podcasts: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” for details.
CMMNJ Patient Handbook 2015--$10 donation suggested—OK to put handbooks in ATCs?
Upcoming Events:
Smoke Down Prohibition 2.0: The Return, Friday, 7/10/15 at 4 pm in Love Park, Philly.
Slightly Stoopid, Stone Pony, Asbury Park, 7/11/15—Eric & Amanda volunteered.
Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; jury selection delayed to 8/3/15; jury nullification attempt.
Fundraiser for CMMNJ?
Recent events:
Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE hearing 6/25/15.
Asbury Park officials agree to pass resolution urging state lawmakers to legalize marijuana.
Treasury report: Checking: $2277; PayPal: $3758.
CMMNJ's meetings are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., 08648. All are welcome. (Meeting at the library does not imply Mercer County’s endorsement of our issue.)
More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
http://www.cmmnj.org
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/?fref=ts
CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.
Monthly Public Meeting Minutes
June 9, 2015
The NJ Senate Health Committee is scheduled to hold a hearing and take testimony on the following bills on Monday, 6/15/15 at 1:00 pm in Committee Room #1 in the Statehouse Annex.
CMMNJ encourages public testimony in support of these bills:
S2898 - Authorizes medical marijuana for qualifying patients with PTSD.
S2899 - OKs transfer of excess medical marijuana between ATCs.
(Note: the bills were pulled from the committee's agenda at the last minute on 6/15.)
“CMMNJ TV”—episode taped 5/27, next taping: 6/30, noon to 4 pm. Guests?
June Thursday demonstrations at the Statehouse continue 6/11, 18 & 25, 11 am to 2 pm.
News: Gov. Christie vows to eliminate legalized marijuana if elected president.
U.S. House votes to stop DEA & DOJ from interfering with state medical marijuana laws, 6/3.
HUD’s policy “guidelines” for medical marijuana patients—evict them even if no conviction!
Former head of NJ’s MMP, John O’Brien, is now compliance officer at Pallia Tech in NY.
National Geographic and Time both have very positive cover stories on marijuana.
CMMNJ Patient Handbook available--$10 donation suggested. Handbooks should be in ATCs—letter sent to DOH asking permission for this today.
Upcoming Events:
Smoke Down Prohibition 2.0: The Return, Friday, 7/10/15 at 4 pm in Love Park, Philly.
Slightly Stoopid, Stone Pony, Asbury Park, 7/11/15—Eric & Amanda volunteered.
Oaksterdam Certification Class, Washington, D.C., 6/27 & 6/28 ($600 for 13 hours).
Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE.
Fundraiser for CMMNJ? CMMNJ needs to participate in more community events to raise funds and to collect more email addresses.
Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; 8/3/15; jury nullification attempt
Recent events:
"Patients Out of Time" conference, W. Palm Beach, Florida, 5/21-23/15.
NJWeedman’s appellate court oral arguments, 5/27, Hughes Justice Complex. Trenton.
NJ United for Marijuana Reform Conference Call, 5/7/15. https://www.njumr.org
Treasury report: Checking: $2401; PayPal: $3749.
More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
http://www.cmmnj.org
Recent Media Coverage and Blogs
http://www.assemblydems.com/Article.asp?ArticleID=9935
Asbury Park backs legalization of marijuana
http://www.app.com/story/news/local/eatontown-asbury-park/asbury-park/2015/06/29/asbury-park-backs-legalization-marijuana/29491579/?fb_ref=Default
Good Housekeeping: Medical Marijuana Saved Our Daughter's Life
http://www.goodhousekeeping.com/health/a33066/genny-barbour-medical-marijuana/
Marijuana saved this mother's life
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hyRgN8pQXk
PalliaTech hires former New Jersey pot czar as compliance chief
http://www.newsday.com/business/palliatech-hires-former-new-jersey-pot-czar-john-o-brien-as-compliance-chief-1.10499446
N.J. medical marijuana activists annoyed
as dormant nonprofit pushes for N.Y. dispensary
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/nj_medical_marijuana_activists_annoyed_as_dormant.html
Medical Marijuana Feeds Familiar Hopes of Renewal Around New York State
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/02/nyregion/medical-marijuana-feeds-familiar-hopes-of-renewal-around-new-york-state.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150604&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0
Would you break the law to help a sick relative if medical marijuana is not approved? PennLive poll
http://www.pennlive.com/opinion/2015/06/breaking_the_law_to_help_a_sic.html#incart_story_package
Legalized marijuana would be eliminated under a Christie presidency
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/recreational_marijuana_would_get_turned_off_under.html
7 States Where Medical Marijuana Is Legal But Barely Accessible
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/7-states-where-medical-marijuana-is-legal-but-barely-accessible-20150609#ixzz3cg9pyklH
PTSD sufferers should have medical pot access, says NJ lawmaker
http://nj1015.com/ptsd-sufferers-should-have-medical-pot-access-says-nj-lawmaker/
Companies Can Fire Workers for Marijuana Use, Colorado Court Rules
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/16/us/companies-can-fire-workers-for-marijuana-use-colorado-court-rules.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150615&eml_thmb=1&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0
'NJ Weedman's Joint' opens in Trenton with $4.20 specials
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2015/06/nj_weedmans_joint_opens_in_trenton_with_420_specia.html
NJ Weedman opens Trenton restaurant
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/NJ_Weedman_opens_Trenton_restaurant.html
Medical marijuana laws don't influence teens to light up, study says
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/medical_marijuana_laws_dont_influence_teens_to_lig.html
Study: medical marijuana laws don't influence teens to smoke
http://www.phillyvoice.com/study-medical-marijuana-laws-nfluence-teens/
NJ's medical marijuana patients in danger of losing jobs
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/new-jersey/83123-njs-medicial-marijuana-patients-in-danger-of-losing-jobs
Parents: Let our teen take medical marijuana
http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/south-jersey/2015/06/16/maple-shade-parents-suing-medical-marijuana/28804985/
Poll: Should N.J. tax and legalize marijuana use by people 21 and older?
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/poll_should_nj_tax_and_legalize_marijuana_use_by_p.html
Study: Scant evidence that medical pot helps many illnesses
http://www.my9nj.com/story/29387273/study-scant-evidence-that-medical-pot-helps-many-illnesses
The American Legion: The Cannabis Question
http://www.legion.org/magazine/228290/cannabis-question
Bill permitting edible medical marijuana in N.J. schools up for final vote
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/bill_permitting_edible_medical_marijuana_in_nj_sch.html
Allowing kids to get medical marijuana in NJ schools now up to Christie
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/83620-allowing-kids-to-be-given-medical-marijuana-in-nj-schools-now-up-to-chrisitie
N.J. lawmakers send bill to Christie allowing students to use medical marijuana in school
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/06/nj_lawmakers_approve_bill_allowing_students_consum.html
Dr. Jahan Marcu, The Biochemical System Controlling the Effects of Cannabis: An Introduction
http://www.safeaccessnow.org/the_biochemical_system_controlling_the_effects_of_cannabis_an_introduction
Dr. David Allen the discovery of the Endocannabinoid System - 420InSight
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0eDy5zdAt9o
'Weedman' case proves religious discrimination in Burlington County
http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/opinion/letters/weedman-case-proves-religious-discrimination-in-burlington-county/article_83776f68-b607-53c4-a28d-04f35963f491.html
and:
https://www.facebook.com/notes/ken-wolski/njweedman-proves-religious-discrimination-in-burlco/10153379365674808
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