Tuesday, June 13, 2017

S3195: Legislation to Legalize Marijuana in New Jersey, and CMMNJ's Proposed Amendments to the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act



The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) is pleased to learn that Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union) introduced S3195, legislation to tax, regulate and legalize marijuana for adults in New Jersey on May 15, 2017 at the State House in Trenton. CMMNJ recognizes the failure of the current policy of marijuana prohibition, the harm to society that marijuana prohibition causes, and the disproportionate racial impact of this policy. Colorado has demonstrated that there are many financial and social benefits that can be anticipated from legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana for adults.
CMMNJ endorsed legalization of marijuana in New Jersey in January 2014.*

CMMNJ believes that ending cannabis prohibition is the best way to get the right medicine to the most people. The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed into law in January 2010, yet only about 11,000 patients have received ID cards from the Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP), in a state with almost nine million people. Hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey could benefit from marijuana therapy—perhaps a million or more. Garden State residents have a one in three chance of a cancer diagnosis and a one in three chance of chronic pain at some time in their lives. Moreover, we all die, and marijuana can help with some of the typical symptoms associated with terminal illness better than any other drug. Legalizing marijuana for adults would make it more like an over-the-counter drug, and less like a prescription drug, that is now prohibitively expensive for so many patients in the state. S3195 will make medical marijuana like aspirin--a drug you can buy in a local store, without going to a doctor every couple of months for a recommendation, or having to go to one of only five Alternative Treatment Centers in the state to pick it up.

Along with endorsing S3195, CMMNJ calls for immediate amendments to the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act to:
  • Eliminate the 7% tax on medical marijuana;
  • Restore home cultivation (“six plants” per qualified patient) that was called for in the original legislation (S119/A804**) and approved by the New Jersey Senate in February 2009; 
  • Recognize out-of-state medical marijuana ID cards (also in S119/A804) now that 29 states and Washington, D.C. have these programs; 
  • Expand the qualifying conditions for medical marijuana to include the original language in S119/A804, along with the 43 petitions to add qualifying conditions that were given initial approval by the Department of Health Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel last month; 
  • Allow any licensed physician or Advanced Practice Nurse with a current CDS certificate and a practice in the state to recommend medical marijuana for New Jersey patients; and,
  • Reschedule marijuana to a more appropriate schedule that acknowledges marijuana’s accepted medical uses in the United States, its safety profile, and its low addiction potential.
CMMNJ has concerns about the prohibition of outdoor marijuana smoking in S3195. We believe that this prohibition will not affect patients currently in the MMP, since, according to S3195, “Nothing in…this bill shall be construed: a. to limit any privileges or rights of a medical marijuana patient…as provided in the ‘New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act’ P.L. 2009, c.307 (C.24:61-1 et. seq.)” CMMNJ takes this to mean that patients in the MMP can still smoke marijuana outdoors, essentially anywhere cigarettes can be smoked. However, forbidding “recreational” marijuana smoking outdoors discriminates against and penalizes the homeless, who have no private chambers that they can retreat to when they want to use legal marijuana.  Some of these homeless people are patients who don’t qualify for an MMP ID card because they have no address to give to the DOH, nor the money for MD evaluations. In order for them to use marijuana as medicine, they must break the law.  This is terribly unfair, and another example of punishing people for being poor.  It is also unfair to patients who live in Section 8 Housing, or in other subsidized housing, who will be evicted if they are found smoking marijuana in their rooms or apartments. The prohibition on the public use of marijuana means these residents can legally use marijuana, except not in their homes, and not outside their homes either. Additionally, outdoor, or public smoking of marijuana should be allowed for health or safety reasons. If adults are forced to smoke indoors, they may be exposing to smoke vulnerable members of the household—infants or young children, or the frail elderly, or those using home oxygen systems.  Marijuana smoking should be permitted anywhere that cigarette smoking is permitted.

Finally, CMMNJ endorses a system of affirmative action in the newly emerging legal marijuana industry for the communities that have been most devastated by the decades-long war on marijuana—the inner cities. The legal marijuana industry will provide ample new employment opportunities. Minority residents in the inner cities must not be excluded from this emerging industry, but instead should be given preference in this industry, at least in terms of opportunities in the inner cities.

CMMNJ is grateful for the leadership shown by Senator Scutari in introducing S3195, and we trust our concerns will be addressed.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ  08618 
www.cmmnj.org   ohamkrw@aol.com 609.394.2137


* “Opinion: N.J. should legalize, tax and regulate marijuana,” Wolski, K., The Times of Trenton, 1/24/14. http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/opinion_nj_should_legalize_tax.html#incart_river_default

** SENATE, No. 119, Establishes "New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act." http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S0500/119_R1.HTM


CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides education about the benefits of medical marijuana.


Tuesday, June 6, 2017

Legislation to Legalize Marijuana in New Jersey


WHO:  State Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union)
WHAT:  Introduced legislation to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana in New Jersey
WHEN:  Monday, May 15, 2017 at 12:00 PM
WHERE:  Room 103 in the State House, Trenton, NJ
WHY:  Many benefits of legalization, and many harms of prohibition of marijuana.

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) was thrilled to learn that on Monday, May 15, 2017 at the State House in Trenton, Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union) introduced legislation to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults in the state.

CMMNJ endorsed legalization of marijuana in New Jersey in 2014. “Ending cannabis prohibition is the best way to get the right medicine to the most people,” said Ken Wolski, RN, Executive Director of CMMNJ.

The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act passed into law in January 2010, yet only about 11,000 patients have received Medicinal Marijuana Program ID cards, in a state with almost nine million people. “Hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey could benefit from marijuana therapy--perhaps a million or more,” Wolski said. “After all, if you live in the Garden State, you have a one in three chance of having a cancer diagnosis at some point in your life, and a one in three chance of having chronic pain. Moreover, we all die, and marijuana, like no other drug, can help with some of the common problems associated with terminal illness.”

CMMNJ recognizes the failure of the current policy of marijuana prohibition, the harms to society that marijuana prohibition causes, and the disproportionate racial impact of prohibition. Colorado has demonstrated that there are many financial and social benefits that can be anticipated from legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana for adults.

CMMNJ calls for the legalization of marijuana to include home cultivation (six plants per adult).

CMMNJ also continues to call on the state to reschedule marijuana to a more appropriate schedule that acknowledges marijuana’s accepted medical uses in the United States, its safety profile, and its low addiction potential.


Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director,
Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
www.cmmnj.org   ohamkrw@aol.com
609.394.2137

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides education about the benefits of medical marijuana.

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for June 13, 2017



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #1 
Tues., June 13, 2017, 7 PM--9 PM

Approve May 2017 minutes. Discuss:

Sen. Scutari introduced a legalization bill (S3195) on 5/15/17 at a State House press conference. CMMNJ issued a press release in support of the bill: "Legalization is the best way to get the right medicine to the most people." CMMNJ will call for CUMMA amendments—repeal 7% medical tax; add home cultivation; & reschedule marijuana. Informational hearing at Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled for 6/19/17.

NJ DOH Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel gave initial approval to 43 of 45 petitions to add conditions to the MMP (only Asthma and Chronic Fatigue denied). A 60 day public comment period to start soon(?), followed by final rec’s.  DOH Commissioner has 180 days to decide. For a list of the conditions, see: http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2017/01/petitions-to-nj-doh-panel.html;
For links to each Petition, see: http://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/review-panel/petitions2016.shtml

Statehouse Podcasts resume at the Annex, 11 am – 2pm most Thursdays.

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping, Princeton Community TV studio 6/26/17, 10-12pm—Guests?
Medical Cannabis Conference at Princeton Medical Center in Plainsboro NJ, 6/10/17, 8am – 1 pm. CEUs through ATECAM LLC: http://www.atecam.com/events-details.php?eventid=5
“Nursing Medical Cannabis Conference” at Monmouth Medical Center, 7/15/17, 8am – 1pm (ATECAM).

Recent Events: Global Cannabis March--Rehoboth Beach, DE, & NYC, 5/6/17.
Pennington Day, 5/20/17, 9 – 4 pm.
Ken Wolski’s “Grand Rounds” at Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth, NJ, 5/11/17 for CMEs.
“Medical Marijuana” at Montclair’s Center for Healthy Living, 5/31/17 for CEUs.

Treasury report: Checking: $3125; PayPal: $3040. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $1/apiece; 3 for $2. 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, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

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


Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
May 9, 2017

April 2017 Minutes approved.

Legalization is the best way to get the right medicine to the most people. Bill expected to be dropped 5/15 with a Press Conference & CMMNJ Press Release. Discussion of “social” vs. “recreational” use.
Kerry O’Connor: letter of apology from Borgata Casino; ban rescinded for her use of medical marijuana.

Statehouse Podcasts resume at the Annex, 11 am – 2pm most Thursdays.

Oregon and PA update from Scot and Lori Albert of CANNASHARE: http://cannashare.net/

CMMNJ applied for “I AM TRENTON” grant with Leo Bridgewater’s “Operation Broken Arrow.”

NJ DOH Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel: Public Hearing 2/22/17 re: 45 Petitions to add conditions to the MMP. Panel will make initial recommendations, followed by a 60 day comment period, followed by final rec’s.  DOH Commissioner has 180 days to decide. There is a meeting May 11th of the Review Panel. For a list of the conditions, see: http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2017/01/petitions-to-nj-doh-panel.html ; For links to each Petition, see:
http://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/review-panel/petitions2016.shtml

Upcoming Events: Medical Cannabis—A Clinical Focus, Baltimore, MD, June 2 & 3, 2017                     Ken Wolski’s “Grand Rounds” at Trinitas Hospital, Elizabeth, NJ, 5/11/17 for CMEs.
“Medical Marijuana” at Montclair’s Center for Healthy Living, 5/31/17 for CEUs.
Patients Out of Time Conference: Protecting Patients and Reducing Harm, 5/18-20, Berkeley.
Pennington Day, 5/20/17, 9 – 4 pm, set-up 7 am – 9 am.
DPA Conference, Atlanta, GA, 10/11-14/17.

Recent Events: Global Cannabis March--Rehoboth Beach, DE, & NYC, 5/6/17.
New Jersey CannaBusiness Association: Kenilworth, NJ 4/19/17.
Compassionate Sciences ATC MD Ed program, Greate Bay CC, Somers Point, NJ 4/27/17.
ASA Unity Conference, The Role of Cannabis in Modern Medicine, Washington, D.C., 4/7-11.
420 Statehouse Smokedown/Podcast; Party at NJ Weedman’s Joint, Trenton, NJ 4/20, 11- 4 pm.
Garden State Cannabis Consultants, MD education program, Somers Point, NJ 4/27/17.

Treasury report: Checking: $2940; PayPal: $3025.
More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
http://www.cmmnj.org

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


Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

S 3195: Legalizes possession and personal use of small amounts of marijuana for persons age 21 and over; creates Division of Marijuana Enforcement and licensing structure.
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2016/Bills/S3500/3195_I1.HTM

N.J. moves to add more conditions that would qualify patients for medical marijuana
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/medical_marijuana_panel_recommends_pain.html

Alzheimer's, autism, anxiety could be treated with marijuana in NJ by 2018
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/alzheimers-autism-chronic-pain-opioid-medical-marijuana-new-jersey.html

N.J. panel recommends expanding the use for medical marijuana
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/new-jersey/103875-more-patients-might-become-eligible-for-new-jerseys-medical-marijuana-program

N.J. Medical Marijuana Panel Says ‘Chronic Pain,’ Anxiety Should Qualify For Pot
https://patch.com/new-jersey/montclair/n-j-medical-marijuana-panel-says-chronic-pain-anxiety-should-qualify-pot

Bill to legalize recreational marijuana in N.J. set to be unveiled
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/bill_to_legalize_marijuana_in_nj_set_to_be_unveile.html

Use legal 'high' revenue to lower NJ's property taxes
http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/opinion/editorial/use-legal-high-revenue-to-lower-nj-s-property-taxes/article_3f4b3c46-5243-5b59-b0a4-905720442010.html

Medical marijuana use expanding appropriately in N.J.
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/medical-marijuana-use-expanding-appropriately-in-n-j/article_cb89bffb-b7bd-565d-b882-e1478b276ce4.html

Who's against the new pot legalization bill in NJ? You'd be surprised
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/marijuana-legalization-new-jersey-scutari-medical-patients.html

Older Women and Medical Marijuana: A New Growth Industry
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/05/25/business/retirement/retiring-older-women-marijuana-entrepreneurs.html?emc=edit_tnt_20170525&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0

Can New Jersey Go From Prohibition to Legal Pot?
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/features/can-new-jersey-go-from-prohibition-to-legal-pot-w484214

Speaker tackles legalized marijuana
http://www.advertisernewssouth.com/article/20170530/NEWS01/170539999

Broader marijuana laws seen for New Jersey with election for governor
http://www.app.com/story/news/2017/06/01/broader-marijuana-laws-in-new-jersey-governor-election/358572001/

What happens if marijuana is legalized in New Jersey?
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2017/06/marijuana-legalization

Cannabis, 2 sticks of butter = extra-special cooking ingredient for NJ marijuana patients
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/marijuana-cannabis-edibles-new-jersey-cannabikitchen-cookies.html

Your Brain on Marijuana
https://www.monroeblvd.com/blogs/cannaacademy/84734148-your-brain-on-marijuana

Attorney general: Don't legalize marijuana in Indiana
http://www.indystar.com/story/opinion/2017/06/01/attorney-general-dont-legalize-marijuana-indiana/364044001/

NJ CannaBusiness April Seminar Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p81pLu1DeRw

JEFF EDELSTEIN: Legal weed is coming to New Jersey, barring two minor hitches
http://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20170522/jeff-edelstein-legal-weed-is-coming-to-new-jersey-barring-two-minor-hitches

Sativa Cross.com Potcast from the Statehouse 5/31/17
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ypdv4M8fMgI

What you need to know about the future of legal cannabis in NJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpqXfXqs160&feature=share

Sen. Scutari Unveils Bill to Legalize Recreational Marijuana in NJ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5tYAnbLrH8Y

OP-ED: THE OPIOID-ADDICTION INDUSTRIAL COMPLEX — AMERICA’S DIRTY SECRET
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/05/23/op-ed-the-opioid-addiction-industrial-complex-america-s-dirty-secret/

NJ senator’s plan to tax legal marijuana starts at 7% … ramps up to 25%
http://nj1015.com/nj-senators-plan-to-tax-legal-marijuana-starts-at-7-ramps-up-to-25/?trackback=tsmclip

Report: Total Marijuana Demand Tops Ice Cream In U.S.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/debraborchardt/2017/05/17/new-report-says-total-marijuana-demand-tops-ice-cream/#2e396df75b5e

SativaCross.com Podcast from Chris Christie's Office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALaEBYKW78g&feature=push-lsb&attr_tag=WEdnMp0uNnilwc59-6

There Are Big Benefits In Medical Marijuana For Seniors
http://advocateformomanddad.com/medical-marijuana-seniors/

N.J. lawmaker: It's time to prepare for legalized marijuana | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/05/state_senator_christie_should_sign_this_marijuana.html

Here's N.J. lawmaker's plan to legalize recreational marijuana after Christie leaves
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/05/heres_one_nj_lawmakers_plan_to_legalize_recreation.html#incart_river_home

NORML: Action Alert List - Find Your Elected Officials
New Jersey: Legislation Introduced to Legalize Marijuana
http://act.norml.org/p/dia/action4/common/public/?action_KEY=20630

15 Nursing Contact Hours! All Inclusive Medical Cannabis Conference at Iberostar in Montego Bay Jamaica
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15-nursing-contact-hours-all-inclusive-medical-cannabis-conference-at-iberostar-in-montego-bay-tickets-28970659021?aff=MontegoBay&afu=39231686818

Could marijuana help solve the opioid crisis?
http://www.nj.com/trending/2017/05/could_marijuana_help_solve_the.html

You can smoke cigarettes on the boardwalk. Why not pot, advocates ask.
http://www.nj.com/ocean/index.ssf/2017/05/should_medical_marijuana_be_smoked_on_the_boardwal.html

Should medical marijuana be allowed on our boardwalks?
http://nj1015.com/should-medical-marijuana-be-allowed-on-our-boardwalks/?trackback=tsmclip

N.J. marijuana trade group forms to promote legalizing recreational pot
http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2017/05/a_new_nj_marijuana_trade_group_forms_to_push_legal.html

Nick Clegg: Why the Liberal Democrats believe a legal, regulated cannabis market would improve public health
http://blogs.bmj.com/bmj/2017/06/01/nick-clegg-why-the-liberal-democrats-believe-a-legal-regulated-cannabis-market-would-improve-public-health/