Sunday, November 19, 2017

NJ panel OKs marijuana for more conditions


The Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel--five physicians, two pharmacists and one RN, who were appointed by the New Jersey Department of Health—gave their final approval on October 25th for the use of marijuana for a number of additional medical conditions.

Dr. Alex Bekker, MD, PhD, a professor and department chairman at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School, led the panel of medical experts that approved marijuana therapy for chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, and Tourette's syndrome.

About one third of all Americans suffer from chronic pain at sometime in their lives. Indeed, 32 of the 45 petitions that the panel reviewed were related to chronic pain. In approving marijuana therapy for pain, the panel relied on over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles to make their evidence-based decision. The National Academy of Sciences also endorsed medical marijuana for chronic pain when “conventional therapies fail.” The panel noted the many side effects, and possible severe adverse effects, of both prescription opiates and over-the-counter pain relievers. The panel acknowledged that there were significantly fewer opiate overdose deaths in states with robust medical marijuana programs.
 
The panel said that opiate addiction is a “public health emergency” in America, the day before President Trump formally declared this emergency. Marijuana has been shown to be an effective substitute for pharmaceutical pain relievers and can also help ease the withdrawal from opiate addiction.

One of the chronic pain petitions that the panel approved was MMP-063, “Opioid Use Disorder.” This petition was submitted by Vanessa Waltz, a Board Member of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey. In approving this condition to qualify for marijuana therapy in the state's program, the panel recognized that marijuana, far from being a “gateway” to harder drug use, is actually an “exit drug.” In 1999, the Institute of Medicine thoroughly repudiated the Gateway Theory saying, “There is no conclusive evidence that the drug effects of marijuana are causally linked to the subsequent abuse of other illicit drugs.” Even the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) acknowledged in the July 8, 2011 Federal Register that there was no “direct causal relationship between regular marijuana and other illicit drug use.” The reality is that marijuana can be an exit drug from addicting and dangerous prescription drugs, from street drugs like heroin, and even from alcohol addiction and overuse.

The panel also approved anxiety, both primary and secondary anxiety (related to Autism and Alzheimer’s disease). The panel noted that anxiety can be debilitating. When anxiety does require pharmaceutical intervention, most conventional treatment is unacceptable. The benzodiazepams, or minor tranquilizers, for example, are widely abused and withdrawal from them can be life-threatening. Anti-depressants are often prescribed for anxiety, but they are not effective for two to six weeks, and anxiety is not a depressive illness. The panel felt that there was a significant place for marijuana in fighting anxiety.

Also given final approval by the panel were migraine headaches and Tourette’s syndrome. The panel cited articles and research by Dr. Ethan Russo in support of marijuana for migraines. Dr. Russo is one of the leading authorities in medical marijuana in the United States. In approving marijuana for Tourette’s, the panel noted that there currently is no accepted nor effective pharmacologic treatment for the syndrome. Only major tranquilizers (anti-psychotic or neuroleptics drugs) are prescribed, but Tourette’s is not a psychotic disorder.

The panel only rejected two petitions, MMP-020 Asthma, and MMP-055 Chronic fatigue syndrome. The panel was not convinced that there was sufficient evidence presented in the petitions to support including these two conditions in New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program.

The panel should be congratulated for its research, its thoroughness and its courageous adherence to evidence-based criteria in its decision making. When the science is objectively pursued, the therapeutic potential of medical marijuana is found to be enormous.

Now the commissioner of the Department of Health has 180 days to decide what, if any, of the panel’s final recommendations to accept. In recognition of the now formally declared public health emergency that is the opiate epidemic in America, the commissioner must act speedily in adopting the final recommendations of the panel. Lives are at stake.

Indeed, the entire country should follow the final recommendations of the experts in New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel.



Sunday, November 12, 2017

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Rm. #1 

UPCOMING - Tuesday, November 14, 2017 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve October 2017 minutes. Discuss:

Election Day: Tuesday, November 7, 2017. Big win for Phil Murphy and marijuana reform in NJ! Governor-elect plans to legalize marijuana in the first 100 days of 2018!

The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel gave final approval to 43 petitions to add conditions to the MMP at a public hearing on 10/25/17. Approved were chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, and Tourette’s syndrome. Now the DOH commissioner has 180 days to follow those recommendations.

NJ Appellate Court tells Director of Div. of Consumer Affairs he erred when he said he lacked the authority to reclassify/reschedule marijuana. He must reconsider his decision in the “post-CUMMA era”.

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Cory Booker’s federal 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.

Final 2017 Statehouse Podcast concludes with Thanksgiving Day lunch at the Annex, 11 am – 2pm.
Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail awaiting jury verdict. “Joint” closed.

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping at Princeton TV studio, 11/28/17, 10 – 2 pm—Leo & Mike.
5th year anniversary of medical marijuana availability in NJ—12/6/17.
Prayer Brunch with Trenton pastors, 11/18/17 10 – noon, Studio B, Trenton, NJ (see Leo Bridgewater).

Recent Events:  Help Not Handcuffs, Park Ave., Asbury Park, 10/28/17. See also their Voter Guide.
Medical Cannabis Conference, Montego Bay Jamaica, Nov. 10 -15, 2017. Atecam.com

Treasury report: Checking: $3434; PayPal: $3122. 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

October 10, 2017

Get out and vote, Tuesday, November 7, 2017. See Help Not Handcuffs Voter Survey.

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Cory Booker’s federal 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.

Mayor Ras Baraka wants Newark to be cannabis capital of NJ following mtng with Leo Bridgewater. Leo in High Times!


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

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail; trial starts 10/17/17. “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 -15, 2017. Atecam.com
Prayer Brunch with Rev. Al Sharpton, Studio B, Trenton,  11/18/17, 10 – noon.
Trenton Cannabis Community meeting, Orchid House, Trenton, 11/1/17, 7-8 pm.

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. City Decrim sought; municipal elections this Spring. Education campaigns continue.

Treasury report: Checking: $3467; PayPal: $3102. Hemp bands from Romania--Retail price: $1/apiece; 3 for $2. Wholesale prices are available. Nick started Teespring account for CMMNJ swag.

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:


Legalize marijuana in Jersey? Your choice for governor will determine that
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/10/whoever_wins_governors_race_nj_marijuana_laws_will.html

Pot-laced Halloween candy? That's a scare tactic, advocates say
http://www.courierpostonline.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2017/10/27/marijuana-laced-halloween-candy-scare-tactic/807058001/

2017 N.J. election guide: Where the candidates stand on legalizing marijuana
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/10/where_your_candidates_for_governor_stand_on_mariju.html

If New Jersey Legalizes, Do I Have to Move Back Home?
https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/if-new-jersey-legalizes-do-i-have-to-move-back-home

N.J. must recognize marijuana's medicinal value, court says
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/10/nj_court_rules_medical_benefits_of_marijuana.html

The pot debate, and how Guadagno gets it wrong | Moran
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/10/the_pot_debate_and_how_guadagno_gets_it_wrong_mora.html

NJ court orders state to review marijuana’s Schedule I status, given “abundant” medical benefits
http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/11/01/new-jersey-court-marijuana-schedule-i/91414/

‘Landmark’ Decision Exposes Disconnect in NJ Pot Policy
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/11/02/landmark-decision-exposes-disconnect-in-nj-pot-policy/

Appeals Court Orders New Jersey To Rethink Designation Of Marijuana As Dangerous Drug
http://philadelphia.cbslocal.com/2017/11/04/appeals-court-orders-new-jersey-to-rethink-designation-of-marijuana-as-dangerous-drug/

Chris Christie Won’t Stop Lying About Cannabis
https://merryjane.com/news/chris-christie-opioid-epidemic-marijuana-lies

Anxiety, migraines could soon be eligible for medical pot in NJ
http://nj1015.com/anxiety-migraines-could-soon-be-eligible-for-medical-pot/?trackback=tsmclip

Heroin Uncut
https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/heroin-uncut/id1279082213?mt=2&i=1000394418936
or:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XrFWfJWfR4M&sns=fb

Veterans Groups Push for Medical Marijuana to Treat PTSD https://mobile.nytimes.com/2017/11/03/us/medical-marijuana-veterans.html?referer=http%3A%2F%2Fm.facebook.com%2F

Survey says veterans strongly back legalizing medical marijuana
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/powerpost/wp/2017/11/02/survey-says-veterans-strongly-back-legalizing-medical-marijuana/?utm_term=.b7d9941731ee

Sativa Cross Podcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWIdWGsQ1Bg

I bought pot illegally for my ailing mom: Medicinal program doesn't work | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/10/compassion_missing_in_njs_compassionate_use_medici.html

Supposedly Neutral Federal Report Stacks The Deck Against Marijuana Legalization
https://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2015/09/17/supposedly-neutral-federal-report-stacks-the-deck-against-marijuana-legalization/#469317272245

Trenton PD shares their thoughts on medical marijuana with Trenton Cannabis & Community Awareness
https://www.facebook.com/thelightersideoftrenton/posts/772617489576377

CMMNJ PSA
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B72GooQ_L415SUhYcXBmS2xfckU/view?ts=59e9f6c7