CMMNJ: 2015

Tuesday, December 22, 2015

CMMNJ Public Meeting Minutes from December 2015

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes
December 8, 2015

November 2015 minutes approved.
December meeting was podcast by Sativa Cross.
See:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMNI_LGKC9E

Historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16/15, with NJUMR Press Conference, and Die In at the State House, Trenton.

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Barbour lawsuit continues in order to have nurses administer it.

Upcoming Events:
Jon Peditto sentencing 12/23, Toms River--faces 10 year minimum. (Late note: Peditto sentencing was postponed to January 2016.)
Obama: Fire DEA head for calling medical marijuana a joke--over 100,000 agree.
California judge to DEA: Stop interfering with state medical marijuana laws!
Food & clothing drive, "NJ Weedman's Joint" 322 E. State St., Trenton, until 12/19.
Ken to ask Asm. Gusciora if S2898 (PTSD bill) can get a hearing in Senate Health Committee.
2016 CMMNJ meetings will be in Room #2 at the Lawrence Library--no mtngs. April or July of 2016.

Recent events:
“CMMNJ TV” taping 12/1/15 at Princeton Community TV Studio--interviews with Ari Rosmarin from NJ ACLU and Dr. David Nathan from NJUMR.
"Ethical Decisions & Medical Marijuana" TREC Conference, Burlco College, 11/10/15 (2 CEU's).
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12 & 11/15.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts--party marking suspension of regular podcasts on 11/19 after 34 straight weeks (4/2/15 to 11/19/15), rain or shine.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Compassionate Sciences ATC is offering 20% discount (1/4 oz. for $65).
Legalization Resolution tabled by Trenton City Council on 11/5/15; Voorhees, Camden?

Treasury report: Checking: $2527; PayPal: $3626. Check for $155 sent to Jim Miller for podcast expenses. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd 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.

Friday, November 27, 2015

CMMNJ December 2015 Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3
Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve November 2015 minutes. Discuss:

Historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16/15, with NJUMR Press Conference, and Die In at the State House, Trenton.

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Barbour lawsuit continues to have nurses administer it.

Upcoming Events: Jon Peditto sentencing 12/23, Toms River--faces 10 year minimum.
Obama: Fire DEA head for calling medical marijuana a joke--over 100,000 agree.
Food & clothing drive, "NJ Weedman's Joint" 322 E. State St., Trenton, until 12/19.

Recent events: “CMMNJ TV” taping 12/1/15 at Princeton Community TV Studio.
"Ethical Decisions & Medical Marijuana" TREC Conference, Burlco College, 11/10/15.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12, 11/15 & 11/29.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts--party marking suspension of regular podcasts 11/19.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Legalization Resolution tabled by Trenton City Council on 11/5/15; Voorhees, Camden?

Treasury report: Checking: $2527; PayPal: $3626. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd 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
November 10, 2015

Nov. 2015--CMMNJ celebrates 10 years of meeting at the Lawrence Library!

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Barbour lawsuit continues to have nurses administer it.

CMMNJ poll of legislators' opinion on marijuana reform--no replies.

Upcoming Events: This Veteran's Day, Don't Thank Us, HELP US!
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12, 11/15 & 11/29.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts 11am-2pm: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly--retail value $200.
TREC Conference Burlington County Conference, 11/10/15.

Recent events: ACLU NJ Annual Meeting, Princeton, NJ 10/20/15.
Jon Peditto Guilty! Faces 10 year mandatory minimum 12/23; no mercy in Toms River.
Philadelphia Veterans Protest with Mike Whiter, Independence Hall, noon, 11/8/15.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Bob Kane and the Irish legislature's support for harm reduction.
Paul Abramson, Mid-Atlantic rep of MJBA trade assn. gave an update on his company.
Trenton Resolution to legalize marijuana tabled by City Council on 11/5/15.
“CMMNJ TV” October taping cancelled--no guests. December 1 taping scheduled.

Treasury report: Checking: $2506; PayPal: $3626. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.

More info:
Ken Wolski, RN
(609) 394-2137
ohamkrw@aol.com
http://www.cmmnj.org

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

Mounting Pressure on DEA Head to Resign for Calling Medical Marijuana “A Joke”
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2015/50045/mounting-pressure-on-dea-head-to-resign-for-calling-medical-marijuana-a-joke/

Congressman Calls For DEA Chief's Removal After He Calls Medical Marijuana A 'Joke'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/earl-blumenauer-dea-chief_564ca653e4b06037734be861

Drug War Statistics
http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-war-statistics

New Jersey Teen with Epilepsy and Autism Wins Right to Take Medical Marijuana at School
http://www.people.com/article/new-jersey-teen-genny-barbour-wins-fight-medical-marijuana-school

Marijuana Mercy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVzbgzGcSVE

Testimony to the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults
http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2015/11/testimony-to-nj-senate-judiciary.html

CMMNJ BY SativaCross.com 11/16 PART TWO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zosX9ezhR2M

Pro Cannabis Senator Won't Back Down from Battle with Chris Christie
https://www.civilized.life/new-jersey-senate-hearing-on-legalization-1462215467.html

Should N.J. legalize marijuana? See what top lawmakers say
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/11/should_nj_legalize_marijuana_top_lawmakers_are_split.html

Overheard at This Week’s Marijuana Hearing
http://politickernj.com/2015/11/overheard-at-this-weeks-marijuana-hearing/

NJ Lawmakers Consider Marijuana Legalization
http://www.njlawjournal.com/id=1202742569099/NJ-Lawmakers-Consider-Marijuana-Legalization?slreturn=20151027140418#ixzz3sENRdkWE

NJ Weedman’s Passing the Joint: Free all pot prisoners first
http://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20151119/nj-weedmans-passing-the-joint-free-all-pot-prisoners-first

Nov. 16, 2015: NJTV News (coverage--3 minutes worth--starts at the 11:15 mark)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN2Z25i4Kow

With Trenton hearing, legal pot movement goes mainstream
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/new-jersey/2015/11/8583119/trenton-hearing-legal-pot-movement-goes-mainstream

BATTLE OVER LEGALIZING MARIJUANA TAKING SHAPE IN NEW JERSEY
http://6abc.com/news/battle-over-legalizing-marijuana-taking-shape-in-new-jersey/1087331/

Legalize recreational marijuana in N.J.? Supporters to pitch for it at hearing
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/11/marijuana_legalization_supporters_will_testify_at.html

CMMNJ TV: James Babb--Jury Nullification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsiyrPtNwBc

BILL CARUSO/CHRIS GOLDSTEIN ON CMMNJ SATIVACROSS.COM PODDCAST
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/77529685/highlight/666923

Philly420: N.J. marijuana arrests increasing as senator eyes legalization
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/Philly420_NJ_marijuana_arrests_increasing_as_senator_eyes_legalization.html#WV6YuiJa2K4dvKGl.99

Cannabis Legalization Back on the Agenda at Senate Hearing
http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/cannabis-legalization-back-on-the-agenda-at-senate-hearing/

The DEA has failed to eradicate marijuana. Now Congress wants it to stop trying.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/11/27/the-dea-has-failed-to-eradicate-marijuana-now-congress-wants-it-to-stop-trying/?postshare=4741448652492534&tid=ss_fb-bottom

STUDY: Medical Marijuana Is Safe Long-Term
http://growcompare.eu/study-medical-marijuana-is-safe-long-term/

STUDY: Marijuana Users 50% Less Likely To Develop Metabolic Syndrome
http://growcompare.eu/study-marijuana-users-50-percent-less-likely-to-develop-metabolic-syndrome/

Cannabis for the Treatment of Cancer
by Justin Kander
http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Cannabis_and_Cancer_ARblog_081115.pdf

Trudeau Gives Justice Minister Mandate To Legalize Cannabis
https://www.civilized.life/trudeau-gives-justice-minister-mandate-to-legalize-1453717497.html

CMMNJ BY SativaCross.com 11/19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsaGbVW0Lk

LTE in the "New Jersey Monthly" December 2015 issue (not available online):

"NEXT EXIT: MARIJUANA"

In Steve Abudato’s column, “Heroin: An Uphill Battle” (November 2015) he neglects to mention another weapon in the battle against opioid overdose deaths—marijuana. The Journal of the American Medical Association noted in 2014 that, "States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate compared with states without medical cannabis laws."* (New Jersey’s anemic medical marijuana program was not included in the survey.)

Far from being a “gateway” drug, marijuana is actually an “exit drug”—it serves as a substitute and helps to wean people off more dangerous and addicting prescription drugs, street drugs and even alcohol.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
Trenton

*Bachhuber et al. Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1999-2010. JAMA Intern Med. 2014.

Testimony to the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults

November 16, 2015

Chairman Scutari and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

My name is Ken Wolski. I am Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) I am a registered nurse (RN) with 39 years experience in New Jersey & Pennsylvania. I've studied the issue of medical marijuana for over 20 years. My resume is included in the packet of material I have provided to the committee, along with some recent articles I have published on the subject. I have also included testimony from people who could not be here today.

New Jersey's Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) is a failure. When the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed into law in Jan., 2010, the Legislature found and declared that:

there was “beneficial use for marijuana in treating or alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions” and,
that this “law will have the practical effect of protecting from arrest the vast majority of seriously ill people who have a medical need to use marijuana.”

That has simply not happened in the nearly 6 years since this bill became law:

only five (5) ATCs are open--that's like having 5 pharmacies in the entire state;
about 350 doctors are in the MMP--out of over 30,000 physicians in the state; and,
about 5000 patients have MMP ID cards, in a state with almost 9 million people.

Marijuana has enormous therapeutic potential, but:

most people who could benefit from marijuana therapy do not have one of the severely limited qualifying conditions;
those who do have a qualifying condition find the application process and/or the Regulations too difficult, or too time-consuming to manage; and,
even those who manage to get an ID card find the program too expensive to afford.

The Department of Health was empowered by the legislation to add qualifying conditions at any time, but they are still not even accepting applications to do so.

Who are the patients who can benefit from marijuana therapy? The remarkable diversity of therapeutic effects of marijuana often make me shake my head in disbelief.

In 1993 I met an asthma patient who told me that smoking marijuana was the only thing that helped his asthma. This went against everything that I believed and taught for the first 17 years that I was a nurse. I repeatedly cautioned asthma patients to avoid any kind of smoke because it might trigger an asthma attack, which can be fatal. Then other asthma patients told me the same thing. Then I read a study that showed that the bronchodilator effects of marijuana along with the anti-anxiety effects overcame the irritant effects of the smoke. Now I believe that smoking marijuana can help some asthma patients.

In 2003 I met Cheryl Miller who was dying of multiple sclerosis while waging a nationwide campaign for medical marijuana. She died a few months after I met her and there was a memorial service for her in Washington, D.C. a little after that. At the service, I met a woman from California who had MS and who was in a wheelchair, as the MS had already paralyzed her legs. This woman told me a remarkable thing. She said, "Ken, when I smoke marijuana, my MS stops getting worse." I didn't believe that was possible. Yet five years later, in 2008, the National MS Society published an Expert Opinion Paper that said marijuana is neuroprotective and that it may delay or even stop the progression of these incurable neurological conditions like MS.

I've suspended my disbelief when I hear remarkable stories of marijuana's therapeutic usefulness.

Consider the range of diseases, symptoms and conditions that New Jersey recognizes marijuana as useful for:

Seizures
Glaucoma
Muscle spasticity
Neurological conditions
Bowel conditions like Crohn's Disease
HIV/AIDS and Cancer, if chronic pain, nausea or the wasting syndrome
Any terminal illness if there's less than 12 months to live.

That's just the tip of the iceberg. There are hundreds of physical conditions, besides AIDS and cancer, that are characterized by chronic pain, nausea, or the wasting syndrome.

Plus, there are a host of mental and emotional conditions that can be helped by marijuana therapy.

Twenty-two (22) veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S. because PTSD is so poorly managed by traditional pharmaceuticals, yet marijuana shows great promise in the management of this condition. One of the cannabinoids in marijuana, CBD, is being used with great success in Europe in treating schizophrenia. Bipolar disorder, crippling anxiety, and Attention Deficit Disorder can also be managed with marijuana.

Marijuana can do all these remarkable things because scientists have recently discovered the system in the human body that interacts with cannabinoids, the components of marijuana. The system is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it is, in part, a series of receptors in every organ of the body for cannabinoids. The pharmaceutical industry is developing synthetic drugs to manipulate this system and the federal government has a patent on the neuroprotective and antiinflammatory components of this system.

Yet the ECS is only mentioned in 14% of the medical schools in the U.S.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey who could benefit from marijuana therapy--perhaps a million or more. After all, if you live in the Garden State:

you have a 1 in 3 chance of having a cancer diagnosis at some point in your life;
you have a 1 in 3 chance of having chronic pain--pain that lasts 6 months or more; and,
we all die, and marijuana helps with some of the common problem associated with terminal illnesses like no other drug.

This is why CMMNJ endorsed legalization of marijuana in New Jersey. It is the most efficient and effective way to get the therapeutic benefits of marijuana to the vast number of patients who can benefit from it.

CMMNJ believes that marijuana legalization here is inevitable--it's just a question of time. But we need to learn from the failures of the MMP. We need to empower people to produce their own medicine. Home cultivation of a limited amount of marijuana could have a very positive effect on the public health of New Jersey residents. It ensures access to the benefits of this plant, regardless of income status. It can slash health care costs significantly by reducing the need for expensive pharmaceuticals, hospitalizations, and surgical procedures. In states with home cultivation there is a 25% reduction in opiate overdose deaths. The very act of growing a living plant can have a positive effect on a dying person. The NJ State Senate already approved home cultivation in Feb., 2009 when the CUMMA was working its way through the legislature. This time, let's make sure we keep home cultivation as part of the law to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in New Jersey.

Thank you for your attention.

Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA
Trenton, NJ

Tuesday, November 3, 2015

New Jersey Legislative Questionnaire

Dear New Jersey Legislator,

New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform ( www.njumr.org ) reports that:

there are over 21,000 arrests for marijuana possession each year in the state, and
New Jersey spent over one billion dollars in the last decade on enforcement of these laws, and
minorities in New Jersey are nearly three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than Caucasians, despite similar rates of use, and
New Jersey could potentially receive over a hundred million dollars per year in new revenue from the taxation of regulated marijuana sales, and
regulating marijuana in a State-controlled system will ensure strict controls over marijuana advertising, labeling, potency and quality, while preventing access to youth, and
driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal in New Jersey.

In view of this, do you support legislation to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults in New Jersey?

____ ___ ___________
YES NO UNDECIDED

Please return survey to info@cmmnj.org

Or mail to the address below.

Many thanks for your participation in this important survey!

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

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

November 2015 CMMNJ Public Meeting--10 Years at the Library

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Township Library, Room #1
Tuesday, November 10, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve October 2015 minutes. Discuss:

Nov. 2015--10 Year Anniversary of CMMNJ Meetings at the Lawrence Library!

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Passed Legislature on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie. Barbour lawsuits continue. CMMNJ poll of legislators' opinion on marijuana reform--no replies.

Upcoming Events:
This Veteran's Day, Don't Thank Us, HELP US!
Philadelphia Veterans Protest with Mike Whiter, Independence Hall, noon, 11/8/15.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Recent events:
ACLU NJ Annual Meeting, Princeton, NJ 10/20/15.
Jon Peditto Guilty! Faces 10 year mandatory minimum 12/23; no mercy in Toms River.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Paul Abramson, Mid-Atlantic rep of MJBA trade assn. gave an update on his company.
Asbury Park Resolution submitted to Trenton, Voorhees, and Camden Co. Freeholders.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts 11am-2pm: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly--retail value $200.
“CMMNJ TV” October taping cancelled--no guests. November not scheduled.

Treasury report: Checking: $2506; PayPal: $3626. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd 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
October 13, 2015

About 50,000 all hemp wristbands/necklaces were donated to CMMNJ. The multicolored wristbands were rolled in Romania. Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices available.

Allan Marain, Esq. discussed CMMNJ's amicus brief to the NJ Supreme Court on behalf of Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion's "medical necessity" appeal of his conviction.

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Passed Legislature on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie. Barbour lawsuits continue. CMMNJ will poll officials who are running for office to get their opinion on marijuana reform.

A new ATC in Bellmawr, NJ, Compassionate Sciences, is selling ounces for $480 with 10% discount for low income.

“CMMNJ TV” taping: Reschedule Spanish episode to 10/27?
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly on the podcast--retail value $200.

Upcoming Events:
NJ Cannabis Freedom Rally, 10/17/15, Trenton, with East Coast Cannabis Coalition.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Recent events: Boston Freedom Rally 9/26 & 9/27.
NJWeedman’s event, Sat., 9/5/15, and March for Ganja, 9/4/15, Trenton.
"Higher Ground @ Asbury Spark" on 9/11-13, Asbury Park, with Roland Ramos.
Septemberfest: on 9/13, 10 am to 5 pm in Hamilton Twp’s. Veterans Park.
PicklePalooza, 9/19, Island Beach State Park.

Treasury report: Checking: $3110; PayPal: $3801

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

WOLSKI: Sentence doesn’t fit crime
http://www.app.com/story/opinion/columnists/2015/10/14/wolski-sentence-fit-crime/73914828/

N.J. marijuana legalization activists plan march, rally at Statehouse
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2015/10/nj_marijuana_legalization_activists_plan_march_ral.html

Hundreds participate in N.J. Cannabis Freedom Rally in Trenton
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2015/10/hundreds_participate_in_nj_cannabis_freedom_rally.html

Pot patients still face hurdles
http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/health/2015/10/28/medical-marijuana-new-jersey-laws-doctors-prescribe-few-patients/74690852/

Gardener or drug dealer? Man says he shouldn't be convicted for growing marijuana plants
http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/2015/10/gardener_or_drug_dealer_man_says_he_shouldnt_be_co.html

Man guilty in Pinelands pot farm case
http://www.app.com/story/news/crime/jersey-mayhem/2015/10/29/man-guilty-pinelands-pot-farm-case/74835062/?fb_action_ids=1081162905249148&fb_action_types=og.comments

NJ Weedman filming reality TV show out of restaurant in Trenton
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20151004/nj-weedman-filming-reality-tv-show-out-of-restaurant-in-trenton

NJWeedman’s Passing the Joint: Do #blacklivesmatter in the Marijuana Legalization Movement?
http://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20151009/njweedmans-passing-the-joint-do-blacklivesmatter-in-the-marijuana-legalization-movement

N.J.'s 5th medical marijuana dispensary to open Thursday
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/10/njs_5th_medical_marijuana_dispensary_to_open_thurs.html

Is N.J. medical marijuana program finally chilling out? | The Auditor
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/10/is_new_jerseys_medical_marijuana_program_finally_c.html

New Jersey Sees A Fifth Medical Marijuana Dispensary Open
http://www.theweedblog.com/new-jersey-sees-a-fifth-medical-marijuana-dispensary-open/

On Ballot, Ohio Grapples With Specter of Marijuana Monopoly
http://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/02/us/on-ballot-ohio-grapples-with-specter-of-marijuana-monopoly.html?emc=edit_tnt_20151101&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0

Law in Your Corner Focus on: Probable Cause
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/randolph/columns/law-in-your-corner/articles/law-in-your-corner-focus-on-probable-cause

Cannabis Nurse Magazine
http://cannabisnursesmagazine.com/october-issue/

Canada Is on the Brink of Making Marijuana Legal
http://www.newsweek.com/canada-brink-making-marijuana-legal-388628

Ignorance Is No Excuse Tour: Glouscester County Courthouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=znE09dewh74

WATCH: Chris Christie Clashes With Veteran Nurse Over Medical Marijuana
http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2015/10/22/3714999/chris-christie-medical-marijuana-veteran-nurse/

CMMNJ's Telling It Like It Is By SativaCross.com 10/29/15
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YSFm2DLuFZY

NJ FREEDOM RALLY
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feY_H4NiseY

Ignorance Is No Excuse Tour: Ocean County Courthouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ShKZeqBSlBs

Tuesday, October 20, 2015

Asbury Park Resolution to Legalize Marijuana for Adults in New Jersey

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
Mayor John Moor
Deputy Mayor Amy Quinn
Council Member Yvonne Clayton
Council Member Jesse Kendle
Council Member Joe Woerner

Indicates vote N.V.- Not Voting Abstain

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for 10/13/15

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Lawrence Township Library, Room #3

Tuesday, October 13, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve September 2015 minutes. Discuss:

50,000 multicolored hemp wristbands/necklaces from Romania were donated to CMMNJ. Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Passed Legislature on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie. Barbour lawsuits continue. CMMNJ will poll officials running for office for their opinion on marijuana reform.

"CMMNJ TV” taping 9/29 with Jon Peditto and FIJA. Reschedule Spanish episode to 10/27?

Thursday Statehouse Podcasts: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly on the podcast--retail value $175 - $200.

Upcoming Events:

Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; jury nullification trial 10/19/15.

NJ Cannabis Freedom Rally, 10/17/15 at 1 pm, Trenton, with East Coast Cannabis Coalition.

2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Recent events:

Boston Freedom Rally 9/26 & 9/27.

"Higher Ground @ Asbury Spark" on 9/11-13, Asbury Park, with Roland Ramos.

Septemberfest on 9/13, 10 am to 5 pm in Hamilton Twp’s. Veterans Park.

PicklePalooza 9/19, Island Beach State Park.

Burlington Co. Library, Volunteer event, 9/19/15.

Treasury report: Checking: $3110; PayPal: $3801.

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

September 8, 2015

About 50,000 all hemp wristbands/necklaces were donated to CMMNJ. The multicolored wristbands were rolled in Romania. Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices available for Sierra Club? Green Party? Hemp groups? E-bay?

NJLP effort to make marijuana the lowest L.E. priority in New Brunswick & Trenton.

Asbury Park Resolution to be presented to Voorhees and Camden Co. Freeholders.

CMMNJ will poll officials who are running for office to get their opinion on marijuana reform.

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Passed the Legislature on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie. No action expected before November Assembly caucus. Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE continues.

Jim M. to respond to Sen. Cardinale’s “slippery slope” argument re: Barbours.

Bergen Record’s Mike Karras is looking for vets with PTSD.

“CMMNJ TV”—taping 8/18: Next taping: Sept. 29, 2015, noon to 4 pm—all Spanish episode planned with Vanessa Maria, Jim Price, Ricky Rivera & Hispanic Parents for Pot. Jon Peditto?

Weekly Statehouse Podcasts see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly on the podcast--retail value $175 - $200

Upcoming Events:

NJWeedman’s event, Sat., 9/5/15, and March for Ganja, 9/4/15, Trenton.

"Higher Ground @ Asbury Spark" on 9/11-13, Asbury Park, with Roland Ramos.

Septemberfest: on 9/13, 10 am to 5 pm in Hamilton Twp’s. Veterans Park.

PicklePalooza, 9/19, Island Beach State Park.

Burlington Co. Library, Volunteer event, 9/19/15.

Boston Freedom Rally 9/26 (noon to 8) & 9/27 (noon to 6).

NJ Cannabis Freedom Rally, 10/17/15 at 1 pm, Trenton, with East Coast Cannabis Coalition.

2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; jury selection 10/19/15; jury nullification trial 10/20/15.

Treasury report: Checking: $3432; PayPal: $3782.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

The truth about marijuana | Opinion

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/10/the_truth_about_marijuana_opinion.html

Philly420: Pa., N.J. dither as other East Coast states move to legalize

http://www.philly.com/philly/columnists/philly420/Philly420_Pa_NJ_dither_as_other_East_Coast_states_move_to_legalize.html

Review: ‘Stoned: A Doctor’s Case for Medical Marijuana’

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/09/08/science/review-stoned-a-doctors-case-for-medical-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20150907&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0

NJ man's arrest upheld despite medical marijuana law

http://www.thedailyjournal.com/story/news/2015/09/08/medical-marijuana-probably-cause/71887042/

N.J. judge: Mother can't bring medical marijuana to her child at school

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/nj_judge_rules_mom_may_not_deliver_marijuana_oil_t.html

Medical marijuana: NJ girl denied home-brewed weed juice in school

http://nj1015.com/judge-denies-south-jersey-girl-use-of-medical-marijuana-in-school/?trackback=tsmclip

Parents Threatened with Arrest for Treating Daughter’s Epilepsy with Legal Cannabis Oil at School

http://www.alternet.org/drugs/parents-threatened-arrest-treating-daughters-epilepsy-cannabis-oil-school

Fact checking Christie in second GOP presidential debate

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/fact_checking_christie_in_second_gop_presidential.html

NJ Weedman’s Passing the Joint: Constant lies about marijuana

http://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20150918/nj-weedmans-passing-the-joint-constant-lies-about-marijuana

Fact Check: Christie’s claim that he supported medical marijuana laws

http://www.myajc.com/news/news/national-govt-politics/fact-check-christies-claim-that-he-supported-medic/nnmKL/

N.J. inspectors find pesticides at medical marijuana dispensary

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/09/nj_inspectors_find_pesticides_at_medical_marijuana.html

Wiley: One Family's Journey Into the Promise of Cannabis Medicine

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HaakzzvNCRo&feature=youtu.be

Medical Marijuana Helps. Now, How to Pay for It?

http://www.medpagetoday.com/Blogs/KevinMD/53780

Dozens signed up for N.J. medical marijuana dispensary opening Monday

http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/10/dozens_signed_up_for_nj_medical_marijuana_dispensa.html

As legal marijuana businesses grow, government should wise up and start collecting green | Opinion

http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2015/10/as_legal_marijuana_businesses_grow_government_shou.html

CMMNJ TV: Jon Peditto

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqQLdSlNl08

Everything You Think You Know About Addiction Is Wrong | Johann Hari | TED Talks

https://www.youtube.com/watch?t=503&v=PY9DcIMGxMs

20-year sentence for NJ man convicted of growing marijuana

http://www.nj.com/essex/index.ssf/2015/09/20-year_sentence_for_nj_man_convicted_of_growing_m.html#comments

CBD Legislative Update: Federal Developments

https://www.projectcbd.org/article/cbd-legislative-update-federal-developments

I Used To Be An Alcoholic. Now I’m A Stoner Who Has A Drink Sometimes

http://www.buzzfeed.com/katieherzog/how-i-smoked-my-way-sober?utm_term=.lyQXRwb0m#.yijvE2dM9

"Fully Baked Radio", "Ignorance Is No Excuse"

http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/74557111

Below are the grounds (the New Jersey Libertarian Party ) cite in the petition for this project (to make marijuana the lowest law enforcement priority in New Brunswick):

a) New Brunswick taxpayers, like other taxpayers in New Jersey, are immensely burdened by the substantial economic costs of investigating, arresting, prosecuting and jailing people for minor charges involving marijuana;

b) Every arrest for simple marijuana possession in New Brunswick squanders valuable police resources that could otherwise be used to combat and prevent violent and serious crime;

c) Americans were subjected to more than 693,000 arrests for marijuana-related offenses in 2013 and 87% of those arrests were for simple possession

d) In Middlesex County, African-Americans are 3.3 times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than Caucasians despite comparable usage rates

e) In 2010, New Jersey spent $127,343,512 enforcing marijuana possession laws and marijuana possession offenses accounted for 43.4% of all drug arrests

f) Decades of the aggressive arresting of millions for minor marijuana offenses has completely failed to affect marijuana use or reduce its availability, yet has cost taxpayers dearly;

g) Our current economic climate mandates that taxpayer dollars are not further wasted on failed marijuana policies and inefficient application;

Finally, although I am the Chair of the New Jersey Libertarian Party it is very important to me that this is a non-partisan project. I hope to have members of all parties as well as independents participate.

Thank you very much, I look forward to working with you on this project!

Patrick McKnight

Chair, New Jersey Libertarian Party

609-915-7200

Wednesday, September 2, 2015

CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda for 9/8/15

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Lawrence Township Library, Room #3

Tuesday, September 8, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve August 2015 minutes. Discuss:

About 50,000 all hemp wristbands and necklaces were donated to CMMNJ by Pete Christopher. The multicolored wristbands and necklaces were hand-rolled in Romania. Suggested: $3/apiece; 2 for $5.

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Introduced on 6/22/15, passed the Assembly on 6/25; passed the Senate on 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie.

Unfavorable response to Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE on 6/25.

“CMMNJ TV”—taping 8/18: Next taping: Sept. 29, 2015, noon to 4 pm—all Spanish episode.

Weekly Statehouse Podcasts: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details.

CMMNJ Patient Handbook 2015—photo of ATC “trademark” removed prior to further distribution.

Upcoming Events: NJWeedman’s event, Sat., 9/5/15, and March for Ganja, 9/4/15, Trenton.

"Higher Ground @ Asbury Spark" on 9/11, 12 & 13, Asbury Park, with Roland Ramos.

Septemberfest: on 9/13, 10 am to 5 pm (rain date 9/20) in Hamilton Twp’s. Veterans Park.

PicklePalooza, 9/19, Island Beach State Park.

Burlington Co. Library, Volunteer event, 9/19/15.

Boston Freedom Rally 9/26 (noon to 8) & 9/27/ (noon to 6).

NJ Cannabis Freedom Rally, 10/17/15, 1pm, Trenton State House.

2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.

Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; jury selection 10/19/15; jury nullification trial 10/20/15.

Treasury report: Checking: $3432; PayPal: $3772.

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

August 11, 2015

Support for Marijuana Legalization Reaches New High in NJ in FDU Poll.

NJWeedman’s marijuana conviction appeal was denied by Superior Court Appellate Div. Courts remain openly hostile to marijuana. Less than 1% chance that the NJ Supreme Court will review the appellate decision. Ed Hannaman to check with Constitutional Law clinic at R.U.

Asbury Park Resolution in support of legalizing marijuana passed unanimously by city council and mayor on 7/8/15. Now on to 564 other NJ municipalities.

A4587—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients. Introduced on 6/22/15, passed the Assembly and the Senate by 6/29; awaits action by Gov. Christie.

Per aide from Sen. Scutari’s office, CC does not have to act until the next time the Assembly has a quorum, perhaps mid-September or later. Await response to Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE (hearing 6/25).

Jim Ross case discussed; Jim faces charges in Palmyra Municipal Court for a having three year old medical marijuana bottle from an ATC.

Sue Livio to look into delay by DOH in adding qualifying conditions for marijuana therapy.

“CMMNJ TV”—taping canceled 7/23: Next taping: August 18, 2015, noon to 4 pm.

Weekly Statehouse Podcasts: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” & Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly on the podcast--retail value $175 - $200

CMMNJ Patient Handbook 2015—no reply from DOH to 6/9 letter re: handbooks in ATCs.

Upcoming Events: Asbury Park Event Sept. 11, 12 & 13 by Roland Ramos & Sara Sensimilla.

Septemberfest application in for 9/6 (rain date 9/13) await approval by Hamilton Twp.

Boston Freedom Rally 9/26 (noon to 8) & 9/27/ (noon to 6) CMMNJ application sent.

Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; jury selection 10/19/15; jury nullification trial 10/20/15.

DPA Conference—2015 Reform Conference 11/18 to 11/21/15, Washington, D.C.

Treasury report: Checking: $2277; PayPal: $3258.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
http://www.cmmnj.org

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization