Saturday, September 30, 2017

CMMNJ Agenda for October 10, 2017



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #1 
Tuesday, October 10, 2017 
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve September 2017 minutes. Discuss:

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Booker’s bill. Take action: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

NJ’s legalization bill (S3195): Peter & Jim published on Facebook’s “Friends of CMMNJ” letter templates in support of home cultivation, addressing concerns. Statewide elections on November 7, 2017.

Public Hearing 9/18/17 in Trenton on the Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel’s initial approval of 43 petitions to add conditions to the MMP. The 60-day public comment period ended 9/25/17.  Panel was thanked and urged to speed up the process. Sue Carson, head of NJ MMP, discussed issues with CMMNJ. DOH Commissioner Cathleen Bennett resigned.

Statehouse Podcasts continue at the Annex, 11 am – 2pm, Thursdays. Thanksgiving lunch planned.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail awaiting trial. “Joint” closed.

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping at Princeton TV studio, 10/3/17, 10 – 2 pm.
Help Not Handcuffs, Park Ave., Asbury Park, 10/28/17, 6 – 9pm ($25 donation suggested).
Medical Cannabis Conference, Montego Bay Jamaica, Nov. 10 -1, 2017. Atecam.com

Get out and vote, Tuesday, November 7, 2017.

Recent Events:  Ewing Community Fest; The College of New Jersey, 9/23/17.
Trenton Cannabis Community Awareness: Part 2, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 9/30/17 4:20 pm to 7:10 pm.

Treasury report: Checking: $3467; PayPal: $3102. 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 
September 12, 2017

Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689). Take action: Capwiz from DPA and NORML. (S1689 introduced at a press conference in Linden on 8/4/17.)

Informational hearing on NJ State Sen. Scutari’s legalization bill (S3195) held at Senate Judiciary Committee on 6/19/17. CMMNJ testified in support of the bill and called for public use of marijuana. CMMNJ also called for CUMMA amendments—repeal 7% medical tax; add home cultivation; & reschedule marijuana. Leo spoke with Scott Rudder today; NJ CannaBusiness (NJCBA) does not support home cultivation for S3195, but does for CUMMA. Jim Miller will do a letter template for home cultivation, addressing concerns. Election is coming up; keep those cards and letters coming. NJCBA networking event 9/27, 3-8 pm. NJCIA event is on 9/14/17, 8:30 am to noon. NJ launched a chapter of Women Grow. Leo involved with Minorities for Medical Marijuana. Christie is out of office on 1/16/18.

Public Hearing 9/18/17 at 10 am, Trenton War Memorial on the Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel’s initial approval of 43 petitions to add conditions to the MMP. The 60 day public comment period ends 9/25/17.  Submit comments to : mmp.administrator@doh.nj.gov or by mail to NJ DOH MMP, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360, Attn: Medicinal Marijuana 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

Visitors to cmmnj.org get a spam warning; Mike Brennan knows a web master.
Nick to set up T-spring account to sell CMMNJ merchandise.

Statehouse Podcasts continue at the Annex, 11 am – 2pm, Thursdays.
Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail over 6 months awaiting trial. “Joint” closed.
Jason Arnold editing episodes of “CMMNJ TV.”  Next taping, 10/3/17, 10-2pm.

Upcoming Events: Community Fest; The College of New Jersey, 9/23/17 10 -4 pm. Volunteers needed.
Trenton Cannabis Community Awareness: Part 2, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 9/30/17 4:20 pm to 7:10 pm.
Recent events: NORML’s 2017 Conference and Congressional Lobby Day, Washington, DC, 9/10-12.
Medical Marijuana, Holistic Moms Network, 211 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ, 9/8/17 9:45 am – 11:45 am

Treasury report: Checking: $3269; PayPal: $3102.

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:

Medical Marijuana Update
https://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2017/sep/13/medical_marijuana_update

These 3 things will change no matter who succeeds Christie (yes, marijuana's on the list)
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/09/pot_taxes_and_global_warming_3_things_that_will_ch.html

What's Murphy's plan?
Murphy promises to join states like Colorado that have legalized recreational use of pot. In fact, it's part of how he plans to shore up a $1.3 billion tax hike in the state to help pay for all sorts of state spending programs he's promised on the campaign trail.
New Jersey would join seven other states and the District of Columbia that have legalized recreational use. But New Jersey could become the first state in the northeast to get legal pot in the hands of smokers and fans of edibles. Maine and Maryland voters approved legalization in November, but both of the state's governors have dragged their feet on implementing the measures.
Murphy projects to bring in $300 million a year in tax revenue from legal weed.
What's Guadagno's plan?
Guadagno opposes legalizing pot for recreational use. But she supports expanding New Jersey's medicinal marijuana use and decriminalization.
"I completely agree that we should decriminalize it," Guadagno said at a Republican gubernatorial debate in May.

Top N.J. pot doc doesn't like that label, but what else do you call someone with 3,000 patients?
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/top-nj-pot-doc-doesnt-like-that-label-but-what-do-you-call-one-with-3000-patients-20170929.html

ATTENTION: Cannabis Action for NJ
https://www.facebook.com/notes/jo-anne-zito/attention-cannabis-action-for-nj/10154499532792595/

N.J. Democrats hope legalizing marijuana will boost state finances
http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/09/15/new-jersey-marijuana-legalization-democrats/88158/

Here’s the timeline for NJ’s possible expansion of medical marijuana
http://nj1015.com/heres-the-timeline-for-njs-possible-expansion-of-medical-marijuana/?trackback=tsmclip

NJHA Board Announces Cathleen Bennett as President and CEO
http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/njha-board-announces-cathleen-bennett-as-president-and-ceo-300526204.html

Meet and Greet Social
Help Not Handcuffs
https://www.universe.com/events/meet-and-greet-social-tickets-asbury-park-3SC56G

Public Comment Period on adding qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program
http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2017/09/219-woodside-ave.html?m=1

Committee Meeting of SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE Senate Bill 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” DATE: June 19, 2017
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/pubhear/sju07192017.pdf

NJ Weedman files ethics charge against judge
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20170920/nj-weedman-files-ethics-charge-against-judge

Dr. Oz Says Medical Marijuana Could Help Solve Opioid Addiction
https://www.forbes.com/sites/tomangell/2017/09/19/dr-oz-says-medical-marijuana-could-help-solve-opioid-addiction/#72203cb74219

Cannabis Nurses Magazine
September/October 2017
https://issuu.com/hempnation/docs/cnm_sept-oct_2017fin

Unequal & Unfair: NJ's War on Marijuana Users (PDF)
https://www.aclu-nj.org/theissues/criminaljustice/unequal-unfair-njs-war-marijuana-users/

Tatyana ‘Tuffy’ Rivera and her New Jersey Cannabis Activist Family
http://www.ladybud.com/2017/09/11/tatyana-tuffy-rivera-and-her-new-jersey-cannabis-activist-family/

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

Dear Mr. Wolski:

Thank you for contacting me to express your support regarding S. 1689, the Marijuana Justice Act.  Your opinion is very important to me, and I appreciate the opportunity to respond to you on this critical issue.

The Marijuana Justice Act would remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, making it legal at the federal level.  The bill would incentivize states through federal funding to change their marijuana laws if it is illegal in the state and the state disproportionately arrests or incarcerates minorities or low-income individuals for offenses related to marijuana.  Additionally, the bill would automatically expunge federal marijuana use and possession crimes, and it would allow an individual currently serving a sentence in federal prison for a marijuana offense to petition a court for resentencing. 

I have long supported legislation that would have prohibited the use of federal funds to prosecute individuals who use medicinal marijuana in states that legally permit it.  At the same time, I vigorously support efforts to keep marijuana out of the hands of our youth given the dangers of substance abuse.  Please know that I will keep your views in mind as I continue to review this legislation.

Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts with me.  Please do not hesitate to contact me if I can be of further assistance.  I invite you to visit my website (http://menendez.senate.gov) to learn more about how I am standing up for New Jersey families in the United States Senate.

Sincerely,
Bob Menendez
United States Senator

Wednesday, September 13, 2017

Public Comment Period on adding qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program


September 13, 2017

New Jersey Department of Health
Medicinal Marijuana Program
P.O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
Attn: Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel

Re: Public Comment Period on adding qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program

To whom it may concern:

I want to thank the Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel (MMRP) for giving initial approval to 43 of the 45 petitions to add qualifying conditions to New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP).

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey (CMMNJ) submitted or contributed to eight of these petitions, seven of which were approved by the panel, so it was gratifying to see this affirmation of our efforts. The panel recognizes, as CMMNJ does, that there are a great many New Jersey residents who are currently suffering with conditions that could be helped by medical marijuana.

Our main concern is the agonizingly slow pace of the process to expand patient access to the MMP. It has been over one year since the Department of Health (DOH) accepted the petitions that it is now considering.  The MMRP made its initial recommendations to expand the program on 5/11/17, but it took two and a half months, until 7/25/17, for the DOH to post these recommendations on its web site and start the 60-day public comment period. These delays cause needless suffering.

CMMNJ urges the Commissioner of the DOH to end these delays and to adopt the final recommendations of the panel immediately, and not wait 180 days to do so. Thank you.

Sincerely,


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

Wednesday, September 6, 2017

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for Sept. 12, 2017



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm #1 
Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2017, 7--9 PM

Approve August 2017 minutes. Discuss:

Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Booker’s Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689). Take action: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

NJ State Sen. Scutari’s legalization bill (S3195): CMMNJ testified in support of the bill and called for public use of marijuana. CMMNJ also called for CUMMA amendments—repeal 7% medical tax; add home cultivation; & reschedule marijuana.

DOH Public Hearing 9/18/17 at 10 am, Trenton War Memorial on the Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel’s initial approval of 43 petitions to add conditions to the MMP. The 60 day public comment period ends 9/25/17.  Submit comments to : mmp.administrator@doh.nj.gov or by mail to NJ DOH MMP, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360, Attn: Medicinal Marijuana 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

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

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail over 6 months awaiting trial. “Joint” closed.

Upcoming Events: Community Fest; The College of New Jersey, 9/23/17 10 -4 pm. Volunteers needed.
Perspectives on Cannabis Legalization on Youth and Emerging Adults, Rutgers U., 9/6 8:30-4 pm
NORML’s 2017 Conference, Capitol Hilton, Washington, DC & Congressional Lobby Day, 9/10-12.
Medical Marijuana, Holistic Moms Network, 211 Broad St, Red Bank, NJ, 9/8/17 9:45 am – 11:45 am
Trenton Cannabis Community Awareness: Part 2, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 9/24/17 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Recent Events:  Fully Baked Radio educational event at Trenton’s Mill Hill Park, 8/12/17 at 4:20 pm.
CMMNJ TV taping with Riley Cote, 7/31/17.

Treasury report: Checking: $3269; PayPal: $3102. 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 
August 8, 2017

June 2017 Minutes approved (there was no July meeting).

Senator Cory Booker introduced The Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 at a press conference in Linden, NJ on August 4, 2017.  CMMNJ members were invited guests. Supporters are looking for national co-sponsors of Booker’s bill—suggest Capwiz from NORML, DPA?

Princeton psychiatrist Dr. David Nathan gave a presentation at the August CMMNJ meeting on the organization he founded, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, DFCR.org.

Informational hearing on Sen. Scutari’s legalization bill (S3195) held at Senate Judiciary Committee on 6/19/17. CMMNJ testified in support of the bill and called for public use of marijuana. CMMNJ also called for CUMMA amendments—repeal 7% medical tax; add home cultivation; & reschedule marijuana.
DFCR calls for home cultivation and strengthening expungement provision. Lobby Day in Trenton?

NJ DOH posted the Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel’s initial approval to 43 of 45 petitions to add conditions to the MMP on 7/25/17. See: http://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/Initial%20Recommendation%20Letter.pdf
A 60 day public comment period ends 9/25/17, to be followed by final rec’s.  Submit comments to : mmp.administrator@doh.nj.gov or by mail to NJ DOH MMP, PO Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360, Attn: Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel. 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 8/28/17, 10-12pm.
Recent Events: “Nursing Medical Cannabis Conference” at Monmouth Medical Center, 7/15/17.
Harmony Foundation issued permit to grow marijuana as 6th ATC in NJ, 7/27/17.
Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion detention hearing scheduled for 8/1/17. “Joint” closed.

Treasury report: Checking: $3369; PayPal: $3054.

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:

Medical Marijuana in the Time of Trump
https://www.aol.com/video/view/_/58fa43f0c214e31281033b29/?a_dgi=aolshare_facebook

New Jersey Sen. Cory Booker Introduces Bill to Make Marijuana Legal at Federal Level
http://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/New-Jersey-Sen-Cory-Booker-Introduces-Bill-to-Make-Marijuana-Legal-at-Federal-Level-437903233.html

Booker pushes to legalize marijuana across the nation
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/08/booker_bill_would_legalize_marijuana.html

Chronicle AM: WH Opioid Panel Calls for Declaration of National Emergency, More... (8/1/2017)
https://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/2017/aug/01/chronicle_am_wh_opioid_panel_cal

Medical marijuana: Issues surrounding its use in the workplace
http://www.sbnonline.com/article/medical-marijuana-issues-surrounding-use-workplace/

Doctors for Cannabis Regulation
http://dfcr.org/

5 reasons why Booker's marijuana bill could go up in smoke
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/08/5_reasons_bookers_marijuana_bill_could_go_up_in_sm.html

Medical marijuana uptake hinges on physician training, best practices
https://www.healio.com/rheumatology/pain-management/news/online/%7B5a6a94ed-cf59-4eb7-9a70-4caeb272ff37%7D/medical-marijuana-uptake-hinges-on-physician-training-best-practices

N.J. medical marijuana panel: Allow 43 more conditions - including autism and anxiety
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/nj-medical-marijuana-panel-allow-43-more-conditions-including-autism-and-anxiety-to-be-treated-20170804.html

Booker introduces marijuana legalization bill
https://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/booker-introduces-marijuana-legalization-bill/

New pot industry luring college-grad job seekers
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/new-pot-industry-appeals-to-college-grad-job-seekers-20170806.html

Medical marijuana growing facility, dispensary to open in Newark
http://www.newarkpostonline.com/news/article_38c3b4b6-d036-543b-ad31-3428d8347896.html

Rutgers Professor Concerned About Marijuana Legalization: Here's Why
https://patch.com/new-jersey/newbrunswick/rutgers-professor-concerned-marijuana-legalization-heres-why

Legalization of Suspicionless Canine Sniffs in NJ
http://www.njlawjournal.com/id=1202796632587/Legalization-of-Suspicionless-Canine-Sniffs-in-NJ?mcode=1202615197539&curindex=1

'Legal' marijuana has racial, class gap in N.J. | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/09/legal_marijuana_has_racial_class_gap_in_nj_opinion.html

Sativa Cross .com Potcast From The NJ Statehouse
https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=5924&v=et-Qc8mjTcQ

Pass the Marijuana Justice Act
https://www.change.org/p/congress-pass-the-marijuana-justice-act/nftexp/ex1/01/146148?recruiter=146148&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=facebook&utm_campaign=autopublish.guest_form_reduction&utm_content=ex1%3A01

The Medical Cannabis Institute
https://themedicalcannabisinstitute.org/

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

Here's what the legal pot bill would do
Scutari's bill, (S3195) based on visits to Colorado's thriving recreational program would:
Decriminalize marijuana possession of up to 50 grams "immediately" and allow people who have been arrested for pot possession to expunge their records.
Establish a Division of Marijuana Enforcement in the state Attorney General's Office which would create the rules used to govern the legal market of growers and sellers.
Allow people to possess up to one ounce of dried marijuana, 16 ounces of edible products infused with cannabis, 72 ounces in liquid form and seven grams of marijuana "concentrate."
Impose a sales tax on recreational sales beginning at 7 percent in the first year, climbing to 10 percent in the second year and jumping five percent more each year until it reaches 25 percent. Taxes on medical marijuana would be abolished.
Give the five existing medical marijuana dispensary nonprofit groups first crack at selling recreational pot.

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