Wednesday, December 5, 2018

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for Dec. 11, 2018


Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, December 11, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve November 2018 minutes. Discuss:

NJ marijuana reform advances through legislative committees. S2703/A4497: The New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act legalizes personal use cannabis for adults; creates the Cannabis Regulatory Commission to regulate personal use and medical cannabis; and provides expungement relief for certain past marijuana offenses. Appropriations committees from the Senate and Assembly voted 7-4 and 7-2, respectively to advance the adult use bill to full Senate and Assembly votes. Possible floor vote on 12/17/18?

Also on 11/26/18, the Senate Health Committee heard testimony on expansions to the “Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. S10/2426/A10/A3470/A3473: Revises requirements to authorize and access medical cannabis; establishes institutional caregivers; revises permit requirements for ATCs; and establishes additional legal protections for patients and caregivers. Health Committee vote: Yes-7 No-1 Not Voting-1; Senate Budget Committee: Yes-12 No-1; Assembly: Yes-10 No-0.

Hemp bill signed into law by Gov. Murphy; NJ Dept. of Agriculture to start pilot program.

NJ DOH to expand access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ. Six new ATCs will be announced soon? NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ: our comments.

Upcoming Events: Lawrence Library OK’d all 12 CMMNJ meeting requests for 2019.
Everything About Medicinal Marijuana, 12/12, Lawrence Twp. 6:30-7:30 pm
Brick Zoning Board postponed on 11/19/18; hearing resumes in January 2019.

Recent events:
Thanksgiving Day Statehouse podcast & food/clothing giveaway—very successful.

Treasury report: Checking: $4871; PayPal: $2668.

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 blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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


Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
November 13, 2018

Marijuana won the 2018 midterm elections! Michigan voted to legalize marijuana; Utah and Missouri OK’d medical marijuana; pot-friendly governors elected in Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, New Mexico, California, Colorado and Maine! Dems took control of the House. Canada just legalized pot. Mexican Supreme Court strikes down marijuana prohibition!

Marijuana legalization delayed in NJ again; no action on October 29th. Details of S 2703 still being discussed: taxation, home cultivation; expungement; industry diversity; and rebuilding inner cities. Legal marijuana delayed to 2019? PowerPoint to aid legislators/public discussed. Also video presentation of patients. 58% in NJ & 66% OK legal pot in America. Marijuana arrests continue in NJ—over 32K/year; 88 arrests each day; at a cost of $130M/year. Sen. Sweeney said to contact Sen. Vitale re: home grow for NJ patients only.

NJ DOH to expand access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ. Six new ATCs will be announced soon. Hospice staff training. NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ: our comments.

Amanda is cleaning the web page prior to Bryan’s redesign.
R.I., D.C., and Nevada recognize any out-of-state medical marijuana ID card.

Upcoming Events: Thanksgiving Day Statehouse podcast & food/clothing giveaway, 11-1pm.
Lawrence Library request for 2019 meetings sent in.
Brick Zoning Board hearing resumes 11/19/18.
“Cannabis in your Community” MCCC Trenton 11/28/18, 6-8 pm.
Can CBD Help You? Woodbridge, NJ, 11/8, 6:30–8:30pm, $29.99.

Recent events: CannaGather industry meeting, Trenton, NJ, 10/30/18.
Marijuana Town Halls, Plainfield, NJ, 10/17, Asbury Park, 10/24, Bloomfield, NJ 10/27, Princeton 10/29.
Portuguese Drug Czar’s decriminalization talk, Asbury Park, NJ, 10/5/18, Help Not Handcuffs.
“Green on the Morristown Green” 10/20/18, cancelled by Morristown Green!

Treasury report: Checking: $5089; PayPal: $2624.

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 blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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


Wednesday, November 7, 2018

Proposed resolution in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in New Jersey

WHEREAS, the New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) adopted a Resolution in March 2002 that:

  • Recognized the therapeutic value and safety of medically recommended marijuana; and,
  • Supported legal access to medically recommended marijuana for patients in New Jersey who are under the care of a licensed health care provider; and,
  • Urged the Governor of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Legislature to move expeditiously to make medical marijuana legally available to New Jersey residents who can benefit from it; and,

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) was signed into law in January 2010; and,

WHEREAS, New Jersey’s CUMMA recognized that marijuana is a safe and effective treatment for a wide range of diseases, symptoms and conditions; and,

WHEREAS, the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) has been one of the most restrictive programs in the U.S., and it has the most expensive medical marijuana in the country at over $500 an ounce; and,

WHEREAS, out of New Jersey’s almost nine million residents, only about 30,000 patients in the state have actually been able to gain access to the therapeutic benefits of marijuana because of the highly restrictive nature and prohibitive costs of the MMP; and,

WHEREAS, the State of New Jersey (SONJ) currently makes possession by adults of small amounts of marijuana illegal; and,

WHEREAS, bona fide patients in New Jersey are still being arrested and still going to jail for the therapeutic use of marijuana; and,

WHEREAS, in 2013 law enforcement officers in the SONJ made 24,067 marijuana possession arrests; and,

WHEREAS, the SONJ spent over one billion dollars in the last decade on enforcement of marijuana possession laws; and,

WHEREAS, 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 SONJ safe from serious crime; and,

WHEREAS, minorities in the SONJ are nearly three times more likely to be arrested for marijuana possession than Caucasians, despite similar rates of marijuana use; and,

WHEREAS, an arrest for a small amount of marijuana in the SONJ 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, 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, 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, the editorial boards of the New York Times, Star-Ledger, and the Times of Trenton have endorsed the legalization, taxation and regulation of marijuana; and,

WHEREAS, the SONJ could receive hundreds of millions of dollars per year in new revenue from the taxation of regulated marijuana sales to adults; and,

WHEREAS, this new tax revenue can be used to reinvest in our communities, and provide significant improvement in the overall public health of minorities and the residents of the inner cities of the SONJ; and,

WHEREAS, regulating marijuana in a State-controlled system will limit access to marijuana to adults aged 21 and over in licensed locations; and,

WHEREAS, regulation will ensure strict controls over marijuana advertising, labeling, quality, and use, while preventing access to minors; and,

WHEREAS, driving under the influence of marijuana will remain illegal in the SONJ, and regulating marijuana will not change that; and,

WHEREAS, marijuana has been successfully legalized and regulated in Colorado, California, Washington, Alaska, Oregon, Nevada, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Vermont and Washington D.C.;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED by the NJSNA that:

  • the legalization of marijuana is the most efficient and effective way to meet the needs of the vast number of state residents who can benefit from marijuana therapy; and,
  • the legalization of marijuana will end the wasteful and destructive criminal justice policy that disproportionately affects minorities and inner-city residents; and,
  • the legalization of marijuana will provide new funding to improve the public health of minorities and inner-city residents of the SONJ; and,
  • the legalization of marijuana will result in more fair and effective criminal justice and drug policies that encourage a public health approach to drug use and abuse, rather than just law enforcement involvement; and,
  • the NJSNA hereby urges the Legislature to pass, and the Governor to sign legislation to legalize, tax and regulate marijuana for adults in the SONJ.


Respectfully submitted,

Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA
November 5, 2018


References:

1. New Jersey State Nurses Association Resolution Concerning Therapeutic Marijuana: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2018/08/2002-medical-marijuana-resolution.html

2. New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM

3. The New Jersey Department of Health Medicinal Marijuana Program 2015 Annual Report and 2015 Biennial Report: http://nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/annual_biennial_report2.pdf

4. Assemblyman Reed Gusciora: Medical Marijuana Regulations Too Burdensome: http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/asm-gusciora-medical-marijuana-regulations-too-burdensome/

5. UNIFORM CRIME REPORT State of New Jersey 2014: http://www.nj.gov/oag/newsreleases16/2014_uniform_crime_report.pdf

6.” Marijuana arrests have serious consequences,” New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform:  https://www.njumr.org/criminal-justice-reform/arrest-consequences/

7. “Regulating Marijuana will allow law enforcement to target serious crime,” New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform:  https://www.njumr.org/facts/public-safety/

8. “Public Health,” New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform: 
https://www.njumr.org/facts/public-health/

9. “About Us,” New Jersey United for Marijuana Reform: 
https://www.njumr.org/about-us/

10. Marijuana Arrests in New Jersey:
https://www.aclu-nj.org/files/8813/8980/8519/2014_01_15_MarijuanaArrests_NJ.pdf

11. TESTIMONY IN SUPPORT OF THE LEGALIZATION, TAXATION, AND REGULATION OF MARIJUANA FOR ADULTS by: UDI OFER, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION OF NEW JERSEY:
https://www.aclu-nj.org/files/6014/4769/3729/2015_11_16_MJ_Test.pdf

12. The War on Marijuana in Black and White:
https://www.aclu.org/report/war-marijuana-black-and-white?redirect=criminal-law-reform/war-marijuana-black-and-white

13. Editorial, Star-Ledger Editorial Board, “Time to legalize marijuana,” Apr. 8, 2013: http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2013/04/time_to_legalize_marijuana_edi.html

14. Editorial, New York Times Editorial Board, “Repeal Prohibition, Again,” July 26, 2014: http://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2014/07/27/opinion/sunday/high-time-marijuana-legalization.html

15. Editorial, Times of Trenton Editorial Board, “N.J. prosecutors make strong case for legalized marijuana” April 06, 2014:
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2014/04/editorial_making_the_case_for_legalized_marijuana_in_new_jersey.html

16. Legalizing marijuana endorsed by NJ Municipal Prosecutor’s Association:
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/04/nj_municipal_prosecutors_association_endorses_marijuana_legalization.html

Tuesday, November 6, 2018

CMMNJ November 13, 2018 public meeting agenda



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, November 13, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 
(CMMNJ's 13th anniversary at the Lawrence Library!) 

Approve October 2018 minutes. Discuss:

Marijuana legalization delayed in NJ again; no action on October 29th. Details of S 2703 still being discussed: taxation, home cultivation; expungement; industry diversity; and rebuilding inner cities devastated by the war on marijuana. Legal marijuana delayed to 2019? PowerPoint to aid legislators/public proposed. 58% in NJ & 66% OK legal pot in America.

NJ DOH to expand access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ. Six new ATCs will be announced soon. Hospice staff training. NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ: our comments.

2018 Midterm Elections—Democrats look to gain control of House. Four states vote on marijuana reform: Michigan and ND vote to legalize marijuana; Utah and Missouri vote to OK medical marijuana.

Canada legalized marijuana!

Mexico: Mexican Supreme Court struck down marijuana prohibition!

Upcoming Events: Thanksgiving Day Statehouse podcast & food/clothing giveaway, 11-1 pm.
Lawrence Library request for 2019 meetings sent in.
Brick Zoning Board hearing resumes 11/19/18.
“Cannabis in your Community” MCCC Trenton 11/7/18, 6-8 pm.
Can CBD Help You? Woodbridge, NJ, 11/8, 6:30–8:30pm, $29.99.

Recent events: CannaGather industry meeting, Trenton, NJ, 10/30/18.
Marijuana Town Halls, Plainfield, NJ, 10/17, Asbury Park, 10/24, Bloomfield, NJ 10/27, Princeton 10/29.
Portuguese Drug Czar’s decriminalization talk, Asbury Park, NJ, 10/5/18, Help Not Handcuffs.
CMMNJ's “Green on the Morristown Green” 10/20/18 was cancelled by Morristown Green!

Treasury report: Checking: $5089; PayPal: $2624.

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 9, 2018

September 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

NJ Senate vote coming October 29th on legalization bill, S2703? The Scutari/Sweeney bill is in the Senate Judiciary Committee awaiting a hearing--10/15, 18, or 22nd? Committee hearings are the time for public input. A bill approved in committee, is likely to pass in the entire senate. (The process is repeated in the Assembly before the bill is sent to the governor’s desk.) CMMNJ priorities: home cultivation; automatic expungement; workplace protections, diversity; home delivery; and, rebuilding the communities devastated by the war on marijuana. Hoboken, Newark & Jersey City mayors demand social equity in marijuana legalization law. Opposition is strong and vocal, including law enforcement. About 30 cities said NIMBY to marijuana sales. Cannabis industry is lobbying for reform. NJ State League of Municipalities urge mayors to request 5% tax on sales of legal marijuana. Expungement discussion: hire paralegals?

Six New Dispensaries to expand access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; Applications were due 8/31/18. Six winners out of the 146 applicants will be announced 11/1/18. Applicants are seeking community support for proposed ATC sites in Trenton, Brick, Vineland, Clayton, etc.. Zones for selling legal marijuana were approved in Trenton.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ awaits response to our comments.

Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ! Legalization letter to NJ officials. DPA Petition: Marijuana Legalization Must be Fair and Equitable in New Jersey. NJ Assembly passes Resolution 183 tells Congress to stop federal bank regulators from punishing banks that serve marijuana businesses.

CMMNJ web site: Amanda is clearing something up and will coordinate update with Bryan.

Meeting attendees represented “Our Revolution,” “Something to Say Media Production,” “Cannabates” and “Rare Patient Voice.”

Upcoming Events: Thanksgiving Statehouse podcast and food/clothing giveaway.
“Cannabis in your Community” MCCC Trenton 11/7/18, 6-8 pm, by Trenton Cannabis Community; #StillWaiting videos.
“Green on the Morristown Green” N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ, 10/20/18, 11 am to 6 pm.
Recent events: 2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.
“Breaking Stigmas & the Benefits of Cannabis” Ewing, NJ Senior Center, 9/20.
Leo Bridgewater & People of Color in the Cannabis Community

Treasury report: Checking: $4306; PayPal: $2605.
Ken's Birthday Fundraiser for CMMNJ $425!

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.

Thursday, October 4, 2018

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for October 9, 2018

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, October 9, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve September 2018 minutes. Discuss:

NJ Senate vote coming October 29th on legalization bill, S2703? The Scutari/Sweeney bill is in the Senate Judiciary Committee awaiting a hearing--10/15, 10/18, or 10/22? Committee hearings are the time for public input. A bill approved in committee is likely to pass in the entire Senate. (The process is repeated in the Assembly before the bill is sent to the governor’s desk.) CMMNJ priorities: home cultivation; automatic expungement; diversity; home delivery; and, rebuilding the communities devastated by the war on marijuana. Hoboken, Newark & Jersey City mayors demand social equity in marijuana legalization law. Opposition is strong and vocal, including law enforcement. Cannabis industry is lobbying for reform. NJ State League of Municipalities urge mayors to request 5% tax on sales of legal marijuana.

Six New Dispensaries to expand access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; Applications were due 8/31/18. Six winners out of the 146 applicants will be announced 11/1/18. Applicants are seeking community support for proposed ATC sites in Trenton, Brick, Vineland, Clayton, etc.

Medicinal Marijuana Program: NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ awaits response to our comments.

Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ! Legalization letter to NJ officials. DPA Petition: Marijuana Legalization Must be Fair and Equitable

NJ Assembly passes Resolution 183 and tells Congress to stop federal bank regulators from punishing banks that serve marijuana businesses.

Upcoming Events: Cannabis unleashed; NJ Alternative Medicine, Cherry Hill, 6-9 pm.
“Cannabis in your Community” MCCC Trenton 10/10/18, 6-8 pm, by Trenton Cannabis Community;
“Green on the Morristown Green” N. Park Place, Morristown, NJ, 10/20/18, 11 am to 6 pm
Sativa Cross seeks input for #StillWaiting videos.

Recent events: 2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.
“Breaking Stigmas & the Benefits of Cannabis” Ewing, NJ Senior Center, 9/20.
Leo Bridgewater & People of Color in the Cannabis Community

Treasury report: Checking: $4306; PayPal: $2605. Ken's Birthday Fundraiser for CMMNJ $425!

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

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



Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
September 11, 2018

August 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

Vote coming in September on NJ legalization bill? S830/A1348/A3819; A3581; A1557; S2703; S2702 CMMNJ priorities: home cultivation; Ed to improve expungement language, diversity, protect out-of-state patients. Appt. sought with Asm. Herb Conaway to discuss home cultivation.

New Jersey voters support 62% - 33% allowing adults to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Voters also support 63% - 27% erasing criminal records for marijuana possession.

CMMNJ’s letter-to-the-editor in Press of A.C.:  Legal marijuana would make NJ healthier, safer

Stockton U. to let students minor in marijuana

Web site update: Amanda is working with Nick & Mike to OK changes made by Brian.

New Jersey's attorney general: adjourned all marijuana cases in municipal courts until Sept. Now, A.G. says prosecutors may exercise discretion and choose not to prosecute some marijuana cases.

Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ!

Six New Dispensaries To Expand Access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; Applications were due 8/31/18. Six winners out of the 146 applicants will be announced Nov. 1, 2018.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ submitted written comments on 8/17/18.

Federal Court: Employer Need Not Waive Drug Test for Medical Marijuana User

NJ medical marijuana: A beginner's guide to the process

Upcoming Events: 2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.
Minorities 4 Medical Marijuana: 9/20 Ewing Sr. Center 6 pm.
Recent events: Medical Marijuana: Implications for the Disability Community: Wed., 8/8
Ignorance is No Excuse Tour goes to Hightstown.
Ed Forchion at the Legislative Black Caucus

Treasury report: Checking: $4045; PayPal: $2605. Ken's Birthday Fundraiser for CMMNJ

Wednesday, September 5, 2018

CMMNJ September 11, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, September 11, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve August 2018 minutes. Discuss:

Vote coming in September on NJ legalization bill? S830/A1348/A3819; A3581; A1557; S2703; New Jersey voters support 62% - 33% allowing adults to legally possess small amounts of marijuana for personal use. Voters also support 63% - 27% erasing criminal records for marijuana possession.

CMMNJ legalization priorities: home cultivation; automatic expungement, diversity of industry, protection of out-of-state patients.

CMMNJ’s published letter-to-the-editorLegal marijuana would make NJ healthier, safer

Stockton U. to let students minor in marijuana

New Jersey's attorney general: adjourned all marijuana cases in municipal courts until Sept. Now, A.G. says prosecutors may exercise discretion and choose not to prosecute some marijuana cases.
Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ!

Six New Dispensaries To Expand Access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; Applications were due 8/31/18. Six winners out of the 146 applicants will be announced Nov. 1, 2018.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ submitted written comments on 8/17/18. 

Federal Court: Employer Need Not Waive Drug Test for Medical Marijuana User

NJ medical marijuana: A beginner's guide to the process

Upcoming Events: 2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.

Recent events: Medical Marijuana: Implications for the Disability Community: 8/8/18
Ignorance is No Excuse Tour goes to Hightstown.
Ed Forchion at the Legislative Black Caucus

Treasury report: Checking: $4045; PayPal: $2605. Ken's Birthday Fundraiser for CMMNJ

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

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 14, 2018

July 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

Six New Dispensaries To Expand Access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; Applications are due 8/31/18. Applicants chosen to proceed in the permitting process will be announced Nov. 1, 2018. Mandatory conference at War Memorial, Trenton on 8/9/18 for applicants.

DOH Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, M.D. conducted two grand rounds lectures in July with 300 physicians at NJ teaching hospitals to dispel myths and reduce stigma in the medical community. Letter from Extra Step Assurance noted re: MD education.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: Submit written comments electronically or by regular mail postmarked by August 17, 2018. CMMNJ’s proposed comments were shared with CMMNJ Board prior to submission to NJ DOH. CMMNJ also proposes new regs. Eaze proposes home delivery of medical marijuana.

New Jersey's attorney general: adjournment of all marijuana cases in municipal courts until Sept.

NJ.com poll (unscientific): 80% say legalize it in NJ.  Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ!
NJ cops toughest in nation for pot arrests: marijuana possession is 10.6 percent of all arrests

What will NJ legalization bill look like? S830/A1348/A3819; A3581; A1557; S2703; S2702 Medical marijuana expansion bills: S1955 and several others. Priorities: home cultivation; automatic expungement, diversity, recognize out-of-state patients. State Bank discussed.
AAA push back report discussed.

Upcoming Events: Medical Marijuana: Implications for the Disability Community: Wed., 8/8/18
2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.
CMMNJ TV with Air Force veteran Chris Errickson of SAVE (Safe Access for Vets Everywhere)

Recent events: The Grassroots Cannabis Forum, July 7th, Kennedy Park, Asbury Park.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey” Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 7/18/18.
Morristown “Green on the Green,” 8/4/18, Morristown, NJ.
Newark Today: The Path To Legalization: July 19, Mayor Ras Baraka, State Senator Ron Rice
NJWeedman Victory Party/Joint Fundraising Party, Trenton, 8/5/18.

Treasury report: Checking: $4545; PayPal: $2642.

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

Saturday, August 25, 2018

2002 Medical Marijuana Resolution


New Jersey State Nurses Association
Resolution Concerning Therapeutic Marijuana

Summary: A number of New Jersey residents would benefit from access to therapeutic marijuana as a form of treatment for their health problems.

Whereas: Marijuana has been used medicinally for centuries, and marijuana was widely prescribed by physicians in the United States until 1937, and;

Whereas: Marijuana has been reported to be effective in: a) reducing intraocular pressure in glaucoma, b) reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, c) stimulating the appetite for patients living with AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) and suffering from the wasting syndrome, d) controlling spasticity associated with spinal cord injury and multiple sclerosis, and;

Whereas: Patients not helped by conventional medications and treatments may find relief from their suffering with the use of marijuana, and;

Whereas: The relative safety of marijuana has been established and the benefits associated with medical marijuana use would outweigh any potential adverse effects, and;

Whereas: Nurses have a fundamental responsibility to promote health, to prevent illness, to restore health and to alleviate suffering, and;

Whereas: Thirty-three states have passed legislation recognizing marijuana’s therapeutic value, and eight states have removed criminal penalties for use, possession and cultivation of marijuana for medical reasons, and;

Whereas: Ten State Nurses Associations, the American Nurses Association, the American Medical Association, the American Public Health Association and various other health-related associations have favorable positions on medical marijuana education and/or use, therefore,

Be it resolved that The New Jersey State Nurses Association:

1. Recognizes the therapeutic value and safety of medically recommended marijuana; and,
2. Recognizes the effect of second hand smoke on those in the immediate therapeutic environment; and,
3. Supports legal access to medically recommended marijuana for patients in New Jersey who are under the care of a licensed health care provider; and,
4. Urges the Governor of New Jersey and the New Jersey State Legislature to move expeditiously to make medical marijuana legally available to New Jersey residents who can benefit from it.



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2. Mikuriya TH, ed. Marijuana: Medical Papers 1839-1972. Oakland, CA: Medic-Comp Press, 1973.
3. Controlled Substances Act of 1970 (Pub. L. 91-513, October 27, 1970, 21USC801 et seq.).
4. Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics. “No accepted medical value??” ACT News. Spring, 1995.
5. Grinspoon L, Bakalar JB, “Marihuana as Medicine: A plea for reconsideration”. JAMA. 1995; 273 (23:1875-1876).
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7. Sallan Se, Zinberg NE, Frei III E. “Antiemetic effect of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionol in cancer chemotherapy”. New Engl J. Med. 1975;293(16):795-797.
8. Nelson K, Walsh E. Deeter P, et al. “A phase II study of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabionol for appetite stimulation in cancer-associated anorexia”. J. Palliative Care. 1994;10(1):14-18.
9. Clifford DB. “Tetrahydrocannabinol for tremor in multiple sclerosis”. Ann Neurol. 1983:13:669-671.
10. Mechoulam R, ed. Cannabinoids as Therapeutic Agents, Boca Raton, FL; CRC Press, 1986.
11. Beers MH & Berkow R, ed. The Merck Manual of Diagnosis and Therapy, Whitehorse Station, NJ, Merck Research Laboratories, 1999. P.1590-1.
12. “ICN Code of Ethics for Nurses,” revised 2000, International Council of Nurses, CH 1201 Geneva, Switzerland.  http://www.icn.ch/icncode.pdf
13. Randall RC, ed. Marijuana, Medicine & the Law, Washington, DC, Galen Press, 1988. P 278-9.
14. Randall RC, ed. Marijuana, Medicine & the Law Vol. II, Washington, DC, Galen Press, 1989.
15. Marijuana Policy Project “Partial List of Organizations with Favorable Medical Marijuana Positions” 2000. http://www.mpp.org/statelaw/app_q.html

Submitted by:      Kenneth R. Wolski, RN
Date Submitted:  January 16, 2002
Date Approved:    March 20, 2002

Wednesday, August 15, 2018

Comments on the Proposed Regulations from the NJ Department of Health, Division of Medicinal Marijuana

Medical Marijuana patients greatly appreciate the obvious effort the personnel of the Department of Health (Department) expended in rescuing the Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) from the currently often cruel and counterproductive regulations.  Many regulations were designed to delay the program’s implementation and severely limit patient access.  The Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) applauds the current proposal which resonates with a refreshing commitment to patient welfare.

CMMNJ’s intent is to seek to improve what is already an excellent proposal and far superior to the existing regulations.  We base our comments on years of listening to concerns raised by patients, information gained through other state programs and insights provided by our experts.  Based on the tenor of the regulatory proposal, we have every confidence that the Department will give full and fair consideration to our comments and concerns in the interests of benefitting patients, which we all agree is the purpose of this enactment.  We have provided what we trust are adequate rationales for each of our recommendations but would be pleased to answer any questions the Department may have.

In the Summary of the Department of Health’s Proposed Readoption with Amendments of N.J.A.C 8:64, the Department notes on page 4:
"P.L. 2015, c. 158 (approved November 9, 2015), at § 1, established N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.22, which requires those in charge of schools to establish policies for the administration of medicinal marijuana, by means other than smoking and inhalation, to students, if they are “qualifying patients” within the meaning of the Act, while they are on school grounds and buses, and at school-sponsored events. P.L. 2015, c. 158, § 2, established N.J.S.A. 30:6D-5b, which requires administrators of facilities offering services for persons with developmental disabilities to establish policies for the administration of medicinal marijuana to those persons, if they are facility clients and “qualifying patients” within the meaning of the Act, while they are on facility premises."
What is missing is an evaluation of how this law is working. How many patients in schools and facilities for the developmentally disabled qualify for medical marijuana?  How many of these patients are actually receiving medical marijuana as a result of this law? Are caregivers actually able to come to these facilities one or more times a day to administer medical marijuana to qualifying patients? Families of patients typically report that these patients are not getting the medical marijuana that they require in order to control their serious medical conditions (seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, etc.) Thus, the clear intent of this law is being frustrated by the inability of caregivers/family members to report to these facilities one or more times a day to administer medical marijuana. On the other hand, staff at these facilities are trained to safely administer and account for other controlled substances. The staff of these facilities should be empowered to administer medical marijuana as well, to relieve the families of this burden while meeting the needs of the patients, in compliance with the intent of the law.

In the Summary of the Department of Health’s Proposed Readoption with Amendments of N.J.A.C 8:64, the Department notes on page 6:
"On January 23, 2018, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 6 (EO 6), in which he directed the Department and the Board of Medical Examiners to “undertake a review of all aspects of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, with a focus on ways to expand access to marijuana for medical purposes.”
The Department’s Executive Order 6 Report (Issued by Acting Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. on March 23, 2018) is clear and welcome. What is missing is the report from the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners (BME). Is this report forthcoming? On 7/3/18, CMMNJ sent an email to the BME asking them about their missing input from EO 6 and they have not had the courtesy to reply. CMMNJ certainly hopes they treat the governor with more respect. The EO 6 Report notes that:
“There are 523 MMP-approved physicians throughout the State (as of February 15, 2018), (while) only 79% are actively writing patient statements and treating patients.” 
There are approximately 28,000 physicians in New Jersey, so less than 2% of the total New Jersey physicians are participating in the MMP. This is an unacceptable level of physician participation in the MMP that the BME and the Department must address. Currently patients must search the Department web site for a physician to recommend marijuana for them. Typically, these physicians charge cash (usually over $100) for each visit as they contend that a patient’s health insurance does not cover medical marijuana. Additionally, patients are required to return to the participating physician every 30, 60 or 90 days for a renewal of the medical marijuana recommendation. This is an added and unnecessary expense for many of the New Jersey medical marijuana patients who already have to contend with the most expensive medical marijuana in the U.S. The Department is currently developing “Provider Education Program and Dosing Guidelines.” The Department notes that:
“With the expansion of authorized debilitating conditions, the Department recognizes the need to provide education and guidance to providers. To that end, the Department is exploring the creation of an education program for all physicians, with focus on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).” 
There are already a number of educational programs on the ECS that are approved for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for physicians. The Department should adopt one of these programs immediately, and require mandatory ECS education for all physicians in New Jersey who have prescription privileges as a condition of continued licensure in the state. A great many more people in New Jersey are going to be using marijuana in the near future and it is incumbent upon prescribers to be familiar with how marijuana works in conjunction with traditional therapies in controlling and managing health problems. Additionally, the Department should allow anyone in New Jersey who has prescription privileges, including Advance Practice Nurses, Physician’s Assistants, Dentists and Veterinarians, to recommend medical marijuana. Marijuana is part of mainstream medicine, despite the fact that 98% of New Jersey physicians have shown little or no interest in learning about the ECS, a system that interacts with all the other systems in the body and a system that may well play a role in all disease processes affecting humans and animals.

All References are to NJAC 8:64:

Sec. 2.2 “Application for registration as a qualifying patient”: (g) (Proposed) In recognition of the fact that New York, Pennsylvania, Delaware and a total of 30 states now have medical marijuana laws, the Department shall recognize current, valid medical marijuana ID cards that are issued by any other state in the country, and these patients shall not be subject to criminal penalties for possession and use of marijuana that is consistent with New Jersey’s regulations.

Sec 2.5 “Physician certification…(c) A physician may issue multiple written instructions at one time authorizing the patient to receive a total of up to a 90-day supply.” This amounts to a needless expense for a number of patients who suffer from life-long debilitating medical conditions. It should be extended to allow for either a 6-month supply, or better still, left up to the authorizing physician in consultation with the patient to determine when a return visit is appropriate.

Sec 2.5 (a) 9: Requires that the physician educate the patient “on the lack of scientific consensus for the use of medical marijuana, its sedative properties, and the risk of addiction.”  The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (Act) stands in direct contradiction to this unwarranted requirement when it states:
“Modern medical research has discovered a beneficial use for marijuana in treating of alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions, as found by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine in March 1999.”  (C.24:6I-2a)
Thus, the Act directly contradicts the required, disingenuous assertion. In recorded human history, there has never been a single fatality from the use of marijuana. It is impossible to fatally overdose on marijuana. Nor is the risk of addiction a major concern with marijuana. After stopping, less than 10 percent of users experience noticeable withdrawal symptoms even after heavy, long-term use of marijuana. These withdrawal symptoms, when noticed, are typically mild and include irritability and sleep disturbance. There are no serious withdrawal symptoms like those noted with alcohol (delirium tremens or DTs, seizures, death); heroin (flu-like symptoms); or nicotine (intense craving). The addiction potential for marijuana is about equivalent to that of caffeine. Let’s be clear that there is no lack of scientific consensus on the existence of the ECS, its role, and its importance in managing diseases, medical conditions and symptoms, at least among those who study the issue. What lack of consensus there is for the use of medical marijuana is a direct result of the federal government’s refusal to allow any large-scale clinical trials of marijuana. While there have been successful, small scale clinical trials of marijuana, the federal government continues to obstruct research into the benefits of medical marijuana. Thus, physicians in New Jersey are required to make a political statement about marijuana without a thorough explanation of why a lack of scientific consensus on medical marijuana exists. One might also argue that now, with 30 of 50 states having medical marijuana programs, there is indeed a consensus, scientific as well as popular, on the use and benefits of medical marijuana.

Sec. 3.4 (c): In comments, this limits caregiver to marijuana only from the ATC named on the registry ID card. This needs to be changed to allow flexibility for quick changes between ATCs, without the need for a new card. The reality is that caregivers report they can already change their ATC without getting a new ID card. Please note there is NO Sec. 3.4 in the published proposed Regulations (pages 51-52) (?)

Sec. 9.6: The Department wisely recommends no change to the “Alcohol and drug-free workplace policy” for ATCs, which includes, “1. The policy’s inapplicability if an employee, who is also a qualifying patient, fails the drug test solely because of the presence of marijuana in a confirmed positive test result.” Indeed, this workplace protection for medical marijuana patients should become the standard for all businesses in New Jersey. It makes no sense to penalize a patient in the workplace for using the very physician-recommended medication that, in many cases, allows that employee to participate in the workplace in the first place.

Sec. 10.12: Continues the prohibition on home delivery. This is unacceptable and must be eliminated and home delivery expressly permitted.

Sec. 11.4: Requires the ATCs to develop standards for documenting patient self-assessment. In order to ensure standardization, the Department should provide the standards and specifically a questionnaire.

Sec 13.4: Adopt “Patient Focused Certification” in order to bring national standards to every aspect of the MMP (testing, etc.) through Quality Assurance audits using the industry’s best technical experts: https://safeaccess2.org/patientfocusedcertification//

CMMNJ proposes the addition of patient/caregiver home cultivation under stringent controls:

(Proposed) Sec. 8:64-13.12 In recognition of the facts that there are an insufficient number of ATCs to serve the existing patients; and, there is a greatly expanding patient need for medical marijuana; and, the ATC prices for medical marijuana exceed what many patients can afford (as well as what the illegal market charges); and, the Act provides for patient access from ATCs but does not prohibit patient growing; and, there is a greater need for stringent control over growers for general consumption that are not necessary for individual patients growing for themselves; and, not all strains necessary for patients are available from ATCs when needed by the patients; and, the very act of cultivating medical marijuana may itself provide therapeutic benefit to patients; and, the majority of states that have medical marijuana programs in the country allow home cultivation by patients; and, in recognition of the fact that the state is moving toward legalization of marijuana for recreational use; now therefore, patients or their registered caregivers shall be allowed to apply to the Department for a permit to grow up to 6 marijuana plants on the conditions that follow.

Sec.8:64-13.12 a. A patient who qualifies for a MMP ID card shall provide a completed DOH self-grow application and pay a fee to the DOH of up to $60 to apply for the self-growing permit ($10 per plant). 
b. The DOH shall review the application, decide, and notify the applicant within 60 days whether it will or will not authorize a self-grow permit.  If the DOH grants a permit, it shall be expressly limited solely to the patient’s personal use and any other distribution shall subject the patient to any applicable penalties as well as withdrawal of the privilege and revocation of their patient registration.
c. The permit shall be effective for one year and shall limit the applicant to a maximum of 6 mature plants. Each plant shall bear a tag issued by the DOH that identifies the plant as legally permissible to law enforcement officers. Plants shall only be cultivated indoors in a room or area that can be locked.
d. The applicant shall apply for a renewal each year at least 60 but no more than 90 days before the permit is scheduled to expire. 

Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the proposed medical marijuana regulations from the New Jersey Department of Health Division of Medicinal Marijuana.

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

Monday, August 6, 2018

CMMNJ August 14, 2018 Meeting Agenda & July Minutes



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, August 14, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve July 2018 minutes. Discuss:

Six New Dispensaries To Expand Access to Medicinal Marijuana in NJ; applications are due 8/31/18. Successful applicants will be announced Nov. 1, 2018.

NJ Department of Health (DOH) Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, M.D. conducted two grand rounds lectures in July with 300 physicians at NJ teaching hospitals to dispel myths and reduce stigma in the medical community.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: Submit written comments by August 17, 2018, electronically or by regular mail postmarked by 8/17/18.

New Jersey's attorney general: adjournment of all marijuana cases in municipal courts until Sept.
Petition: Legalize home cultivation in NJ!
NJ.com poll: 80% say legalize it in NJ.
NJ cops toughest in nation for pot arrests: marijuana possession is 10.6 percent of all arrests

What will NJ legalization bill look like?
S830/A1348/A3819; A3581A1557S2703S2702 (combination); medical marijuana expansion bills: S1955 (Jake Honig's Law) and several others.

Upcoming Events:
Medical Marijuana: Implications for the Disability Community: Wed., 8/8/18 Hilton Garden Inn, 800 US Highway 130, Hamilton, NJ 8:30 am to 10:30 am. $30 includes breakfast.

NJ DOH meeting for prospective ATC owners in NJ, Trenton War Memorial, 8/9/18 10 – 12 noon.

2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, September 8, 2018.

Recent events:
The Grassroots Cannabis Forum, Kennedy Park, Asbury Park 7/7/18.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey” Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 7/18/18.
“Green on the Mo'town Green,” 8/4/18, Morristown, NJ.
Newark Today: The Path To Legalization: July 19, Mayor Ras Baraka, State Senator Ron Rice
NJWeedman Victory Party/Joint Fundraising Party, Trenton, 8/5/18.

Treasury report: Checking: $4545; PayPal: $2642.

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
July 12, 2018

June 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: Submit written comments by August 17, 2018: Ed and Ken to work on CMMNJ response but input welcome from all.

NJ MMP has over 25,000 patients registered so far; Harmony ATC opened 6/18 in Secaucus, NJ. CMMNJ met with DOH Assistant Commissioner Jeff Brown; what states have marijuana co-ops? Send info to DOH.

DOH Newsletter Health Matters features NJ MMP.

No response from the BME to Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order #6 (email sent to BME 7/3): https://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/EO6Report_Final.pdf
Call in to OAG re: results of marijuana rescheduling hearings 4/19/18, Newark & 4/24/18 Trenton.
NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18 and 4/21/18 and 5/12/18. Email sent 7/3 for results.

What will NJ legalization bill look like? S830/A1348/A3819; A3581; A1557; S2703; S2702 (combination); medical marijuana expansion bills: S1955 (Jake Honig law) and several others.

Recent events: Trenton Cannabis Meeting 6/6/18—radio interview with Jacque Pierre Howard; Trenton mayoral election, 6/12, won by Reed Gusciora, NJ’s legislative champion of marijuana reform.
Opioid Epidemic in NJ: Prevention and Harm Reduction, Douglass College 6/22/18.
Statehouse podcast on the anniversary of Cheryl Miller’s 2003 death, 6/7/18 at 1:11PM.
Roots of Us LLC interviewed Ken Wolski 7/2/18.

Treasury report: Checking: $3810; PayPal: $2642.
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.

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

July 10, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda & June Minutes



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, July 10, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve June 2018 minutes. Discuss:

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: Submit written comments by regular mail postmarked by 8/17/18, or electronically by 8/17/18 to http://www.nj.gov/health/legal/ecomments.shtml.

NJ MMP has over 25,000 patients registered so far; Harmony ATC opened 6/18 in Secaucus, NJ. CMMNJ met with DOH Asst.Commissioner Jeff Brown; DOH Newsletter Health Matters features NJ MMP.

No response from the BME to Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order #6 (email sent to BME 7/3). E.O. #6 Report: https://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/EO6Report_Final.pdf

Call in to OAG re: results of marijuana rescheduling hearings 4/19/18, Newark & 4/24/18 Trenton.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18 and 4/21/18 and 5/12/18. Email sent 7/3 for results.

What will NJ legalization bill look like? S830/A1348/A3819; A3581; A1557; S2703; S2702 (combination) & medical marijuana expansion bills: S1955 (Jake Honig's Law) and several others.

Recent events: Trenton Cannabis Meeting 6/6/18—radio interview with Jacque Pierre Howard; New Trenton mayor, Reed Gusciora, is NJ’s legislative champion of marijuana reform.
Opioid Epidemic in NJ: Prevention and Harm Reduction, Douglass College 6/22/18.
Statehouse podcast on the anniversary of Cheryl Miller’s 2003 death, 6/7/18 at 1:11PM.
Roots of Us LLC interviewed Ken Wolski 7/2/18.

Upcoming Events:
The Grassroots Cannabis Forum, 7/7/18, Kennedy Park, Asbury Park 11-2:30 pm.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey” Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 7/18/18, 7 – 8 pm.
2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, August 18.
Morristown Green Event, 8/4/18, Morristown, NJ.

Treasury report: Checking: $3810; PayPal: $2642.

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.
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Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
June 12, 2018

May 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

NJ Medical Marijuana Program adding over 100 patients/day; over 22,000 patients registered so far.

Marijuana rescheduling/descheduling hearings at OAG: 4/19/18 in Newark and 4/24/18 in Trenton. For CMMNJ testimony, click link. We still await summaries or other results of these hearings.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18, 4/21/18, and 5/12/18. The federal STATES Act was introduced to require the federal government to respect the decisions of states on marijuana legalization.

NJ legalization bill in 2018 legislative session S830; medical marijuana expansion bill: S10, in addition to other bills recently introduced. Bills vary on what they would allow/provide for.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion freed in retrial after spending over one year in jail!

Recent events: Global Marijuana Marches, 5/5/18 in NYC and 200 other cities.
Patients Out of Time conference, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Jersey City, 5/10–12/18.
ASA Conference, “End Pain, Not Lives. Make Cannabis an Option,” Washington, D.C., 5/22-25/18.
Garden State Cannabis Consultants TV interview with Ken Wolski.

Upcoming Events: Trenton Cannabis Meeting 6/6/18; Trenton runoff election, 6/12.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey” Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 7/18/18, 7 – 8 pm.
Statehouse podcast on the anniversary of Cheryl Miller’s 2003 death, 6/7/18 at 1:11PM.
2018 Canna-Bash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, August 18.
Opioid Epidemic in NJ: Prevention and Harm Reduction, Douglass College 6/22/18, 9 – 11 am.
Leo Bridgewater at Women Grow–Flemington, Lone Eagle Brewery, 6/7/18.
Women’s Cannabis Connection Picnic, last wknd in July, Cranbury.
Hemp Heals, July 28th.
Morristown Green Event, 8/4/18, Morristown, NJ.

Treasury report: Checking: $3545; PayPal: $2642.

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.

Sunday, June 3, 2018

Agenda for June 12, 2018 Public Meeting



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, June 12, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve May 2018 minutes. Discuss:

NJ Medical Marijuana Program adding over 100 patients/day; over 22,000 patients registered so far.

Marijuana rescheduling/descheduling hearings at NJ Office of Attorney General: 4/19/18 in Newark and 4/24/18 in Trenton. For CMMNJ testimony, click links. We still await summaries or other results of these hearings.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18 and 4/21/18. A follow up committee meeting was held on 5/12/18 at Bergen County Community College, Paramus.

NJ legalization bill in 2018 legislative session S830; medical marijuana expansion bill: S10.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion freed in retrial after spending over one year in jail!

Recent events:
Global Marijuana Marches, 5/5/18 in NYC and 200 other cities.
Patients Out of Time conference, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Jersey City, 5/10–12/18.
ASA Conference, “End Pain, Not Lives. Make Cannabis an Option,” Washington, D.C., 5/22-25/18.
Garden State Cannabis Consultants TV interview with Ken Wolski.
CMMNJ toured new Curaleaf dispensary at VIP reception.

Upcoming Events:
Trenton Cannabis Meeting 6/6/18; Trenton runoff election, 6/12.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey” Mercer County Library, Ewing Branch, 7/18/18, 7 – 8 pm.
Statehouse podcast on the anniversary of Cheryl Miller’s 2003 death, 6/7/18 at 1:11PM.
2018 Canna-Bash, Roebling Wire Works, Trenton, August 18 & 19.
Opioid Epidemic in NJ: Prevention and Harm Reduction, Douglass College 6/22/18, 9 – 11 am.
Leo Bridgewater at Women Grow–Flemington, Lone Eagle Brewery, 6/7/18.

Treasury report: Checking: $3545; PayPal: $2642.

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 8, 2018

April 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

May 24-25 is the 25th anniversary of Jim Miller pushing his wife’s wheelchair across the state of New Jersey to raise awareness for medical marijuana. June 7th is the anniversary of Cheryl’s death in 2003.

Descheduling hearings: 4/19/18 in Newark and 4/24/18 in Trenton.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18 and 4/21/18. A follow up committee meeting is scheduled for 5/12/18 @10 am at Bergen County Community College, Paramus.

NJ’s legalization bills in 2018 legislative session (S830 / A1348).

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Urge support in Congress: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion’s retrial starts 5/7/18; found guilty of nothing! Free him!

Nick will host CMMNJ TV; Nick to contact Dianna re: 5/15 CMMNJ TV (2-4 pm).

Will state insurance cover medical marijuana?

Recent events:
April 20th (420) marijuana march from City Hall to rally at State House in Trenton.
Trenton Mayoral and council candidates’ event, 4/6 & 4/17, Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, 6-9pm.
NJ Cannabis Commission Response to NJ Black Caucus prohibitionists: Atlantic City, 4/24/18—attended by Shavone and Nick videotaped it.
CMMNJ toured pre-opening grow ops at Harmony Foundation ATC, Secaucus, NJ, 4/30/18.
Medical Marijuana Update, Mirage Care Givers Support Group, Barnegat, NJ, 4/18/18.
New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association met with ACLU NJ, LEAP and Bill Caruso, 5/2/18.

Upcoming Events:
Patients Out of Time event, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Jersey City, 5/10–12/18
ASA Conference, “End Pain, Not Lives. Make Cannabis an Option,” Washington, D.C., 5/22-25/18
Global Marijuana March, 5/5/18 Union Square, NYC, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware & 200 other cities.
Marijuana Legislation, Hilton Garden, Hamilton, NJ 5/11 from 8 – 10 am.
NJ CannaBusiness Assn., Bellmawr, NJ, 5/9 6 9 pm.
Treasury report: Checking: $2640; PayPal: $3727.

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.

Sunday, May 6, 2018

CMMNJ Agenda for May 2018 & April Minutes



Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, May 8, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve April 2018 minutes. Discuss:

Descheduling hearings: 4/19/18 in Newark and 4/24/18 in Trenton. For CMMNJ testimony, click link.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ testified in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18 and 4/21/18. A follow up committee meeting is scheduled for 5/12/18 @10 am at Bergen County Community College, Paramus.

NJ’s legalization bills in 2018 legislative session (S830 / A1348).

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Urge support in Congress: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion in jail over one year; found guilty of nothing!  Retrial starts Monday, May 7, 2018 with jury selection. Free him!

Recent events:
April 20th (420) marijuana march from City Hall to rally at State House in Trenton.
Trenton Mayoral and council candidates’ event, 4/6 & 4/17, Trinity Cathedral, Trenton, 6-9pm.
NJ Cannabis Commission Response to NJ Black Caucus prohibitionists: Atlantic City, 4/24/18.
CMMNJ toured pre-opening grow ops at Harmony Foundation ATC, Secaucus, NJ, 4/30/18.
Medical Marijuana Update, Mirage Care Givers Support Group, Barnegat, NJ, 4/18/18.

Upcoming Events:
Patients Out of Time event, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Jersey City, 5/10–12/18 https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2018/02/national-pot-conference-coming-to-new.html
ASA Unity Conference, “End Pain, Not Lives. Make Cannabis an Option,” Washington, D.C., 5/22-25/18
Global Marijuana March, 5/5/18 Union Square, NYC, Rehoboth Beach, Delaware &. 200 other cities.

Treasury report: Checking: $2640; PayPal: $3727.

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 
April 10, 2018

March 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

Descheduling hearings: 4/19/18 in Newark and 4/24/18 in Trenton. Submit requests to speak & written comments by 4/12/18. Letter read from Steven Kadonsky #807236B, an inmate serving a life sentence at NJ State Prison/Trenton for a non-violent marijuana offense, whose lawsuit prompted the hearings. 

CMMNJ was invited to Gov. Murphy’s Press Conference on 3/27/18 for the Executive Order #6 Report: http://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/EO6Report_Final.pdf
CMMNJ was very happy with the recommendations to expand conditions, end registry, cut fees, etc.

CMMNJ testified:
Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee on 3/22/18 in support of Substitute bill A3437: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2018/04/march-25-2018-revised-testimony.html
Assembly Appropriations Committee in support of A3421, “Jake Honig’s Law” on 4/5/18, to increase the limit of medical marijuana allowed, add oils, etc. CMMNJ made other recs.
Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in NJ on 3/5/18. Follow up committee meetings are planned for 4/21 @ 10 am at Rowan U., Glassboro, and 5/12 @10 am at Bergen C.C., Paramus.

Advocates gave testimony in support of ATCs at council meetings in Parsippany and Hawthorne, NJ.

NJ’s legalization bills in 2018 legislative session (S830 / A1348).

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689):
Urge support in Congress: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion in jail over one year; found guilty of nothing! Free him!

Upcoming Events: Marijuana rally planned in Trenton on April 20th (420) from 9 am to 3 pm.
Patients Out of Time conference, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Jersey City, 5/10–12/18.

POT Press release:
https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2018/02/national-pot-conference-coming-to-new.html
Trenton mayoral and council candidates’ event, 4/6 & 4/17, Trinity Cathedral, 6-9pm.
NJ Cannabis Commission Response to NJ Black Caucus prohibitionists: Atlantic City, 4/24, 8-4pm.
ASA Unity Conference, “End Pain, Not Lives. Make Cannabis an Option,” Washington, D.C., 5/22-25/18

Treasury report: Checking: $2952; PayPal: $3727.

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.