CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for December 8, 2020 at 7 pm

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for December 8, 2020 at 7 pm 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87864549142?pwd=VTJGNzY0WUs4cDlaY3pJcE80dmEyQT09

Meeting ID: 878 6454 9142; Passcode: 025471

Agenda: 

Legalize Marijuana in New Jersey: Final Election Results, Question 1:

YES - 2,737,674 (67%)

NO - 1,343,603 (32%)

(As of 11/25/20 with 6,348 of 6,348 Precincts Reporting - 100%)

Marijuana legalization won in all 21 counties in New Jersey, with approval rates from 75% in Camden County to 60% in Ocean County.  The Constitutional Amendment takes effect on 1/1/21. Per the ballot question’s Interpretive Statement: The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (will) oversee the new adult cannabis market…The scope of the commission’s new authority (will) be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

Legislation to enact this amendment has stalled. Legislative issues:

1. Enabling legislation (S21/A21)

⦁ Tax Revenues:

⦁ Senate wants 70% of tax revenue to go to community programs while 30% funds DREs and the CRC; all the new grower fees will support community programs.

⦁ Assembly wants only the new grower fees to go to community programs.

⦁ Licenses:

⦁ Senate (and Gov. Murphy) want to eliminate the cap on the number of grower licenses.

⦁ Assembly wants to cap the grow licenses at 37 for the first two years.

⦁ Workplace issues (Drug Tests):

⦁ Senate: employer may order blood tests/DRE eval. on suspicion of impairment at work 

⦁ Assembly: employer needs a “rational basis/reasonable suspicion” for blood test/DRE eval.

2. Decriminalization (S2535/A1897)

⦁ Senate passed S2535 on 11/16 (29-4) with no penalties for up to 6 ounces.

⦁ Assembly did not vote on A1897  on 11/16 as penalties for psilocybin were downgraded.

⦁ Assembly passed a version of A1897 in June that had a $50 fine for two ounces.

⦁ NJ AG said prosecutors must stop low-level cases statewide, but,

⦁ Possession arrests (105/day) continue in NJ.

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) submitted recommendations for the implementation of New Jersey’s adult-use cannabis program to the Assembly Appropriations Committee Hearing, on 11/12/20 RE: A21, Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, & Marketplace Modernization Act. See: http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2020/11/cmmnjs-adult-use-cannabis.html

National News: On Election Day, November 3rd, 2020, the following states legalized marijuana for adults: Arizona, Montana, and South Dakota, along with New Jersey. South Dakota also legalized medical marijuana, as did Mississippi. Oregon decriminalized all drugs.

The US House of Representatives is scheduled to take the first-ever vote on marijuana legalization in the first week of December 2020!  The MORE Act (Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act of 2019) will remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act, decriminalizing it at the federal level. It will allow marijuana businesses access to banking services. And it will enact social justice measures to help the communities most impacted by the drug war, like expungement of past convictions and equity measures for the legal marijuana industry. If you're a US voter, please write your member of Congress using the Stop the Drug War online action alert. When you're done, please call them too -- use the Congressional Switchboard main number, (202) 224-3121, then ask to be transferred.

NJ Medical Marijuana Program: The Apothecarium in Phillipsburg, NJ became the 13th Alternative Treatment Center in the state when it opened in November.

A three-judge appellate court vacated the 2018 decision to award six licenses for new medical marijuana companies and remanded it to the health department to come up with a new rating system. 

The Appellate court continues to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. Court hearing soon? 

Home delivery is still not happening.

Patients Out of Time has created a coalition of organizations and individuals to demand the end of federal cannabis prohibition with their resolution to De-Schedule Cannabis. Please share. 

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ 

Upcoming Events: 

Delaware cannabis legalization panel, Wed., December 16 from 7pm-9pm. Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/3024202020 

ArcView Town Hall: all things New Jersey Cannabis Landscape, 16 Dec 2020 @ 4:00pm.

Recent Events: The Steven Kadonsky Story

Thanksgiving Giveaway: donated food, clothing and personal hygiene items to the homeless and poor of Trenton sponsored by Sativa Cross, CMMNJ, & UFCW at Trenton State House, 11/26/20.

For marijuana advocate Ken Wolski, legalization of drug was long overdue

NJ Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing, 11/9/20; Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee Hearing, 11/09/20; Assembly Appropriations Committee, 11/12/20.

Treasury report: Checking: $5289; PayPal: $3324. Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. 

Hemp wristbands also available.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 

Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: http://www.cmmnj.org 

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

PUBLIC QUESTION #1: CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?

     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 

     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.

     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

CMMNJ’s Adult-use Cannabis Recommendations

Assembly Appropriations Committee Hearing, 11/12/20 
RE: A21, Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, & Marketplace Modernization Act
To: OLSAideAAP@njleg.org

Date 11/12/2020

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) has recommendations for the implementation of adult-use cannabis in the state:

Financial Considerations:

The anticipated financial savings with the legal, adult use of cannabis in New Jersey greatly outweigh any costs associated with the implementation. 

Representatives of some municipalities have argued that they should be entitled to reimbursement for certain costs including training of Drug Recognition Experts, retraining of drug-sniffing dogs, and even rewriting ordinances that forbid the legal marijuana industry from operating within their jurisdictions.

These claims fail to take into consideration the tremendous savings that New Jersey municipalities, and the state itself, can anticipate when the vast majority of marijuana arrests are no longer going to occur. 

Gone will be expenses related to:

• law enforcement, including surveillance, arrest, and detention;
• court costs, for the criminal prosecution of marijuana cases;
• incarceration of those convicted of marijuana offenses; 
• parole supervision upon release; and,
• recidivism, as the whole wasteful and expensive process starts over again.

The financial impact of these marijuana arrests and incarcerations do not stop with the individual who is unlucky enough to be caught. An arrest affects the entire family. Having a parent in jail is an Adverse Childhood Event that leads to a lower socioeconomic status for the family, a greater risk of interactions with law enforcement, a greater risk of substance abuse and other health problems, and a greater dependence on welfare and other social services. 

Repeat these arrests enough times in a community and the poverty rate of the entire community rises. Trenton’s poverty rate is 28%, twice the national average. Newark’s poverty rate is 29%; Atlantic City’s is 36%; and Camden’s is 38%.

In addition to avoided costs, there will be modest tax revenue gained from the legal sale of cannabis to adults, along with the far greater economic benefits associated with the creation of an entirely new industry in the state.  

Additional taxes or fees on the sale or processing of cannabis should be opposed as this is not following the word or spirit of the constitutional amendment that clearly spelled out the only taxes that should be applied. Also, added fees will only drive up the price to the consumer and encourage black market competition. 

Decriminalization: Pass into law S2535.

Home Grow: Allow registered New Jersey patients to grow 6 plants each for cost savings and consistent supply, with minimal impact on the legal industry. 

Equitable Cannabis Industry Licensing: Rebuild individuals and communities damaged by the decades-long war on marijuana.

De-schedule Cannabis: See testimony from the marijuana rescheduling hearings in April 2018 at the New Jersey Office of Attorney General.

Medical Issues: Reinvigorate implementation of the Jake Honig law.

Release Cannabis Prisoners: Release all those who are currently incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses; expunge nonviolent cannabis offenses from criminal records, without cost to the inmates or former inmates. 

Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): Continue staffing the (CRC) with individuals who have knowledge of the Endocannabinoid System, and who are supportive of cannabis reform. 

CMMNJ also supports the recommendations of Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (David L. Nathan, MD, DFAPA, President, Board of Directors dnathan@dfcr.org www.dfcr.org):

• Government oversight of cannabis production, testing, distribution, and sales
• Detailed labeling of cannabis products with health and safety information
• Prevention of non-medical underage cannabis use through:
• Evidence-based education about the risks of cannabis use
• Child-resistant packaging
• A ban on packaging, marketing, and advertising that attracts underage users
• Penalties for adults who enable diversion
• Taxation of adult-use cannabis to fund equity programs for communities harmed by the drug war
• Protected rights for limited home cultivation of cannabis
• Expungement of cannabis arrests, charges, and convictions from criminal records
• Diversity in all sectors of the cannabis industry

Thank you, for your time and consideration.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137 (home/office) 

www.cmmnj.org

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for November 2020

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for November 10, 2020 at 7 pm 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81778981583?pwd=K1J0VlRrNUt4UWJ2dzFWVTdicmFNUT09

Meeting ID: 817 7898 1583; Passcode: 671406

Agenda: Approve the October 2020 minutes.

New Jersey Elections Results: Question 1 - Legalize Marijuana 

YES - 2,075,195 (66%)

NO -  1,028,104 (33%)

(As of 11/6/20 with 4,737 of 6,348 Precincts Reporting - 74.62%)

Many thanks to the friends, family, colleagues, advocates, organizations, patients and voters who made this possible. It was not just an election victory, it was a thorough repudiation of the war on marijuana in every county in New Jersey! Our state is now on track to become healthier, wealthier and safer!!

Governor Murphy Announces Cannabis Regulatory Commission Appointments: Dianna Houenou, Chair, & Jeff Brown, Executive Director. Good choices!

NJ Senate Judiciary Committee Hearing: 11/9/20 at 10 am

S21 Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, & Marketplace Modernization Act; legalizes personal use cannabis for certain adults, subject to regulation by Cannabis Regulatory Commission; removes marijuana as Schedule I drug.  https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/S0500/21_I1.HTM

S2535 Marijuana-provides criminal and civil justice reforms; 

 A1897 Marijuana-decriminalizes 10 grams;

Testimony should be submitted to OLSAideSJU@njleg.org.

https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/BillsForAgendaView.asp

Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee Hearing, 11/09/20 - 10:00 AM:

A-21 - Quijano/Holley/Timberlake/McKnight/Danielsen "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act."

Written testimony should be submitted to OLSAideAOF@njleg.org  

Assembly Appropriations Committee

Thursday, November 12, 2020 - 10:30 AM

 A-21, Quijano/Holley/Timberlake/McKnight/Danielsen  - "New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization Act." https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2020/Bills/A0500/21_I1.HTM

Due to the public health emergency, the State House Annex remains closed to visitors. The public may not attend the Committee meeting in person but may view and participate in the meeting via the New Jersey Legislature home page at https://www.njleg.state.nj.us/. The public may submit written testimony electronically in lieu of oral testimony. Written testimony will be included in the Committee record and distributed to all the Committee members. 

CMMNJ's Adult-use Cannabis Legalization Implementation Recommendations:

Decriminalization: Pass into law S 2535.

Homegrow: allow registered NJ patients to grow 6 plants, which provides inexpensive, strain-specific access to this medicine. 

Equitable Cannabis Industry Licensing: Rebuild individuals and communities damaged by the marijuana wars.

De-schedule Cannabis: See Office of Attorney General hearings from April 2018.

Medical Issues: Vigorous implementation of the Jake Honig law.

Release Cannabis Prisoners: release all those currently incarcerated for nonviolent cannabis offenses, and expunge nonviolent cannabis offenses from their records, without cost to the inmates or former inmates. 

Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): Continue staffing the CRC with individuals who have proven, through their education and experience, that they are knowledgeable about the Endocannabinoid System and supportive of cannabis reform. 

CMMNJ also endorses the Platform of Regulations from Doctors for Cannabis Regulation (DFCR):

• Government oversight of cannabis production, testing, distribution, and sales

• Detailed labeling of cannabis products with health and safety information

• Prevention of non-medical underage cannabis use through:

• Evidence-based education about the risks of cannabis use

• Child-resistant packaging

• A ban on packaging, marketing, and advertising that attracts underage users

• Penalties for adults who enable diversion

• Taxation of adult-use cannabis to fund equity programs for communities harmed by the drug war

• Protected rights for limited home cultivation of cannabis

• Expungement of cannabis arrests, charges, and convictions from criminal records

• Diversity in all sectors of the cannabis industry

David L. Nathan, MD, DFAPA, President, Board of Directors

dnathan@dfcr.org www.dfcr.org

NJ Medical Marijuana Program: 

The Appellate court continues to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. Court hearing soon? More delays?

Home delivery still not happening.

Patients Out of Time has created a coalition of organizations and individuals to demand the end of federal cannabis prohibition with their resolution to De-Schedule Cannabis. Please share widely: 

The POT resolution: https://patientsoutoftime.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/De-scheduleCannabis.pdf

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. 

“Cannabis: A Handbook for Nurses” by Carey S. Clark https://www.facebook.com/photo?fbid=10158312338171028&set=a.85013836027

Upcoming Events: 

Thanksgiving Giveaway of donated food, clothing and personal hygiene items to the homeless and poor of Trenton at the Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 11/26/20, 11am to 2 pm.

Recent Events: 

Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 10/22/20

“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” Princeton Senior Resource Center via Zoom, 10/23/20.

Treasury report: Checking: $5219; PayPal: $3178. Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. 

Hemp wristbands also available.

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/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for Oct. 13, 2020

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 

Tuesday, October 13, 2020 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time; 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82995786736?pwd=WlV6U0RnWm8xN2gvL3V0TUlVSkxPZz09 

Meeting ID: 829 9578 6736; Passcode: 235672

Agenda: Approve the September 2020 minutes. 

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign. To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020. Each county in NJ will provide secure ballot drop boxes. Ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and arrive by 8 PM a week after Election Day. #VoteCannabis2020. 5 top reasons NJ mail-in ballots were rejected during the primary.

NJ CAN 2020 30-second ad: Vote YES to Legalize Cannabis in New Jersey! 

Virtual Reception with Governor Phil Murphy: Oct. 8th, 4:30 PM. ZOOM: Click here to RSVP

Join Gov. Phil Murphy in the fight to legalize adult-use marijuana.

HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! TEXT: WEVOTE to 40649. TEXT: CANNA to 40649.

CMMNJ’s Poster Contest winner is the above logo by Jo Anne Zito. Yard signs are available from CMMNJ on October 9, 2020. Help Ken distribute yard signs. Ask local businesses and individuals for permission to put up these signs! Ask Vape Shops, ATC’s, etc. Get the word out!

The Shore Grow fundraiser for Patient Aid on 9/26/20 raised $2275 for CMMNJ! Many thanks to Tom@ShoreGrow.com Doug, Eva and the Shore Grow team for the most successful fund raiser in CMMNJ’s 17 year history! 

NJ Medical Marijuana Program: The Appellate court continues to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. Court hearing soon? More delays?

What do doctors, nurses need to know about N.J.’s medical marijuana program, legalization?

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow. See the Political Action Forum.

Upcoming Events: 

Princeton Seniors: “MEDICAL MARIJUANA” Friday, Oct 23 at 11:45 a.m

Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.

Virtual Reception with Governor Phil Murphy: Zoom, October 8th at 4:30 PM

Recent Events: 

WEED THE PEOPLE New Jersey CANNABIS Symposium Why vote YES on Ballot Initiative on November 3rd  #RUTGERS

Profile of CMMNJ Executive Director: Cannabis influencers: The tireless nurse and original advocate for medical marijuana

Letter To the Editor: Irony from N.J. pot-bill obstructionist

Drug War Chronicle: Will New Jersey Be the Next State to Legalize Weed?

Robert Platshorn: The Silver Tour.

Rick Steves: It’s Time to Legalize Marijuana in New Jersey

Heady NJ: Governor Murphy and NJ Dems Endorse Legalization Referendum

Trentonian: Puff, puff, pass: A way to be both pro-police and pro-Black Lives Matter

Gardenstatenorml.org campaign to legalize marijuana in NEW JERSEY

NJ.Com: Campaign to legalize marijuana kicks off with 55 days until election

The CannAtlantic Cannabis Conference, 9/26/20

Marijuana Business Daily: Adult-use marijuana legalization in NJ expected to ignite domino effect

Eyes On NJ News Upfront NOW! With Imani Oakley: Interview With Evan Nison

Treasury report: 

Checking: $5981; PayPal: $2924. Help our GOTV campaign!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:

PUBLIC QUESTION #1

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?

     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 

     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.

     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 

September 8, 2020

Lawrence Library meeting rooms are CLOSED. CMMNJ meetings are Zoom Conferences.

August 2020 Minutes approved. (The sixth fully virtual public meeting of CMMNJ.)

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign. The decision to legalize marijuana in NJ is yours! 

HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! TEXT: WEVOTE to 40649. TEXT: CANNA to 40649. CMMNJ to donate to campaign.

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020. College Voters United.  Gov. Phil Murphy orders millions of ballots mailed to voters by Oct. 5.  The state will provide more ballot drop boxes. To count, ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and arrive no later than 8 PM a week after Election Day. #VoteCannabis2020.

Axel Owen, campaign coordinator for NJ CAN 2020, said we should go where the voters are—Facebook, Twitter. Concentrate on a heavy digital-based campaign effort. (In addition to flying banners at the seashore and stories in mass media.) Remind voters that the ballot question is on the other side of the ballot from the side with the candidates for office. Remind voters to sign the back of the envelope, and drop it in a mail box, or local ballot box. Internal polling is good, but the only poll that matters is on November 3rd! Be sure to “Like” NJ CAN 2020! Expect--and respond to--coming opposition campaign from RAMP and SAM. 

Above is CMMNJ’s Poster Contest winner by Jo Anne Zito! Thanks to all those who entered and to T.J. Finnerty for starting this contest! This art will be used to purchase yard signs by CMMNJ in support of the ballot question. Jeff said don’t wait—make a sign and stand on a highway!

The Shore Grow fundraiser for Patient Aid will be 9/26/20 from 3 to 6 pm at 3329 Doris Ave., Ocean, NJ 07712. Or, join us on Zoom, or Podcast. Patients, be part of this--record your statements of how medical marijuana helps you. Send to Tom@ShoreGrow.com. See donated items for auction!

Decriminalization Rally for bill S2535 State House, Trenton, 8/27/20. Jo Anne Zito Op Ed: 

I’ve been unjustly criminalized by N.J.’s cannabis laws. Decriminalize it now! 

Jawara McIntosh died 7/17/20 from injuries he sustained while in jail on a marijuana offense.

NJ MMP Update: The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow NJ ATCs to begin home delivery, but the service has yet to start, though Cura Leaf is reportedly hiring drivers. NJ medical marijuana doctor loses license.

The Appellate court continues to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 NJ medical marijuana licenses. State urged to compromise. Linda Graves said a court hearing is due in the fall (Oct? Nov?) Deposit checks will need to be resubmitted along with other problems. More delays are coming?

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow. Jo Anne is working on a model home grow bill with NJ legislators and she hopes to get it introduced before the election. 18 states currently allow home cultivation.  Recent support grows!  

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 9/26/20, 3 – 6 pm.

Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.

The CannAtlantic Cannabis Conference, 9/26/20, 10 am – 6:30 pm. 

Treasury report: Checking: $3637; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

CMMNJ Public Meeting: September 8, 2020 Agenda & August Minutes

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 

Tuesday, September 8, 2020 at 7:00 PM 

Join Zoom Meeting:  https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88285060016?pwd=cDNNOXZHSmtFMFJnQVEzaUhPaWVCUT09 

Meeting ID: 882 8506 0016; Passcode: 951284

Agenda: Approve the August 2020 minutes. 

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign. The decision to legalize marijuana in NJ is yours! 
HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! TEXT: WEVOTE to 40649. TEXT: CANNA to 40649.

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, October 13, 2020. College Voters United.  Gov. Phil Murphy orders millions of ballots to be mailed to voters by Oct. 5.  The state will provide more ballot drop boxes. To count, ballots must be postmarked by Nov. 3 and arrive no later than 8 PM a week after Election Day. #VoteCannabis2020.

Axel Owen, campaign coordinator for NJ CAN 2020, is holding conference calls with CMMNJ. Be sure to “Like” them. Expect--and respond to--coming opposition campaign (Rapid Response). 

CMMNJ held a Poster Contest to inspire people to vote Yes on the Cannabis ballot question on November 3rd, for artwork submitted by 9/1/20. Winners to be announced!

The Shore Grow fundraiser for Patient Aid will be 9/26/20 from 3 to 6 pm. Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually—on Zoom, or Podcast. Patients, be part of this--record your statements of how medical marijuana helps you. Send to Tom@ShoreGrow.com. See donated items for auction!

Decriminalization Rally for bill S2535 State House, Trenton, 8/27/20. Jo Anne Zito Op Ed: 
I’ve been unjustly criminalized by N.J.’s cannabis laws. Decriminalize it now! 

Jawara McIntosh died 7/17/20 from injuries he sustained while in jail on a marijuana offense.

NJ MMP Update: The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow NJ ATCs to begin home delivery, but the service has yet to start. NJ medical marijuana doctor loses license.
The Appellate court continues to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. State urged to compromise. Hearing coming soon? More delays coming?

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow. Recent support grows!

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 9/26/20, 3 – 6 pm.
Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.
The CannAtlantic Cannabis Conference, 9/26/20, 10 am – 6:30 pm. 

Treasury report: Checking: $3637; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:

CONSTITUTIONAL AMENDMENT TO LEGALIZE MARIJUANA

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?

     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 

     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

INTERPRETIVE STATEMENT

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.

     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 

August 11, 2020

Lawrence Library meeting rooms are CLOSED. CMMNJ meetings are Zoom Conferences.
July 2020 Minutes approved. (The fifth fully virtual public meeting of CMMNJ.)

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign: 

Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! TEXT: WEVOTE to 40649.

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20! 

Dee Carnegia is reaching out to NJ colleges and universities with letter/phone calls and emails: GOTV at Princeton U. Per Dee, some colleges are supportive, and she is working with Student Life representatives. “Voter Platform” is used on some campuses. Outsiders are not being permitted on campus, though some virtual set-ups are being arranged. Universities are educating voters about mail-in ballots. Rutgers’ Eagleton Institute of Politics is a resource. Prof. Calvin Schwartz at R.U. will be on Discover NJTV (reaching over 25K students).

Tracy McHugh is contacting sororities and fraternities in NJ.

NJ CAN 2020 hired Axel Owen to work to pass the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020. 

CMMNJ is holding a Poster Contest to inspire people to vote Yes on November 3rd. Submit your artwork by 9/1/20. Win prizes ($25 and CMMNJ merchandise for top prizes)! Do good!

Gov. Murphy reaffirmed his enthusiastic support of marijuana legalization: “It’s got a huge social justice piece for me,” Murphy said. “The overwhelming percentage of persons nailed in our criminal justice system are persons of color…It’s a job creator, it’s a tax revenue raiser, it checks a lot of boxes. I hope we’ll get there sooner than later.” The latest poll by DKC Analytics shows that 68 percent of NJ respondents support legalizing cannabis for adults.

CMMNJ’s Peter Rosenfeld published an Op Ed supporting the adult use ballot question in NJ.

The Shore Grow fundraiser for Patient Aid will be 9/26/20 from 3 to 6 pm. Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually—on Zoom, or Podcast. Patients, be part of this--record your statements of how medical marijuana helps you. Send to Tom@ShoreGrow.com Donate items for auction!

Cannabis Decriminalization bill A1897 passed in the NJ Assembly 6/18/20. A better bill, S2535 awaits action in the NJ Senate. Rally for Decrim: State House, Trenton, 8/27/20, 11 – 2.

NJ MMP Update: The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow NJ ATCs to begin home delivery, but the service has yet to start. 

TerrAscend Corp. said on 8/4/20 that its greenhouse in Boonton was OK’d by the NJ Department of Health to begin cultivating cannabis. Their first harvest is expected during the fourth quarter of this year. An ATC is expected to open in Phillipsburg, NJ in Q4 2020, followed by two additional ATCs upon regulatory approval. 

The Appellate court on 7/2/20 denied the DOH motion to end the stay and award ATC licenses. The DOH defended its actions, saying it was for good reasons that certain applicants were rejected on November 18, 2019. (Awards were supposed to be announced in December.) This continues to halt the progress, almost a year later, of 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. State urged to compromise. Linda Graves gave an update on the issue. Many applicants are being harmed financially by the delay. There may be a review by the Court in October 2020. Regardless of the court decision, there may be additional legal challenges and appeals. 

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

Leading Cannabis Activist Mike Brennan: Advocate & Patient featured in Heady NJ.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 9/26/20, 3 – 6 pm.
Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.
Rally for Decrim: State House, Trenton, 8/27/20, 11 – 2

Recent events: Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 7/23/20.
March Against the War on Drugs, March, Rally, Speakers, CMMNJ table. Newark, 7/10/20. 

Treasury report: Checking: $3572; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!

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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

CMMNJ Monthly Public Zoom Meeting for August 11, 2020

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 

Tuesday, August 11, 2020 at 7:00 PM; Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84045181548?pwd=QnA3MU4rKzhJWlBpQUlMd0RGbndLdz09

Meeting ID: 840 4518 1548; Password: 352228

August 11, 2020 CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda: Approve the July 2020 minutes. The Lawrence Library Community Rooms will be closed through September, and possibly the rest of 2020. Future CMMNJ public meetings will be via Zoom Conferences.

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign: 

Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! #growyourpower  

Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! TEXT: WEVOTE to 40649. TEXT: CANNA to 40649.

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20! 

Dee Carnegia is reaching out to NJ colleges and universities to Get Out the Vote (GOTV).

Tracy McHugh is contacting sororities and fraternities in NJ to GOTV!.

NJ CAN 2020's Axel Owen is working to pass the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020. 

CMMNJ is holding a Poster Contest to inspire people to vote Yes on the Cannabis ballot question on November 3rd. Submit your artwork by 9/1/20. Win prizes! Do good!

Gov. Murphy reaffirmed his enthusiastic support of marijuana legalization: “It’s got a huge social justice piece for me,” Murphy said. “The overwhelming percentage of persons nailed in our criminal justice system are persons of color…It’s a job creator, it’s a tax revenue raiser, it checks a lot of boxes. I hope we’ll get there sooner than later.” 

The latest poll shows 68 percent of NJ respondents support legalizing cannabis for adults.

CMMNJ’s Peter Rosenfeld published an Op Ed supporting the adult use ballot question in NJ.

The Shore Grow fundraiser for Patient Aid will be 8/15/20 from 3 to 6 pm. Can’t attend in person? Join us virtually—on Zoom, or Podcast. Patients, be part of this--record your statements of how medical marijuana helps you. Send to Tom@ShoreGrow.com Donate items for auction!

Cannabis Decriminalization bill A1897 passed in the NJ Assembly 6/18/20. A better bill, S2535 awaits action in the NJ Senate. Rally for Decrim: State House, Trenton, 8/27/20, 11 – 2.

NJ MMP Update: The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow NJ ATCs to begin home delivery, but the service has yet to start. 

TerrAscend Corp. said on 8/4/20 that its greenhouse in Boonton was OK’d by the NJ Department of Health to begin cultivating cannabis. Their first harvest is expected during the fourth quarter of this year. An ATC is expected to open in Phillipsburg, NJ in Q4 2020, followed by two additional ATCs upon regulatory approval. 

The Appellate court on 7/2/20 denied the DOH motion to end the stay and award ATC licenses. This continues to halt the progress of 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. State urged to compromise.

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

Leading Cannabis Activist Mike Brennan: Advocate & Patient featured in Heady NJ.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 8/15/20, noon – 5 pm.

Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.

Rally for Decrim: State House, Trenton, 8/27/20, 11 – 2.

Recent events: Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 7/23/20.

March Against the War on Drugs, March, Rally, Speakers, CMMNJ table. Newark, 7/10/20. 

Treasury report: Checking: $3572; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?

     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 

     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.

     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 

June 9, 2020

Lawrence Library meeting rooms are CLOSED. CMMNJ meetings are Zoom Conferences.

July 2020 was the fourth fully virtual public meeting of CMMNJ. We advised Zoom meeting participants that there is no way to tell if their comments are being recorded. As usual, in the beginning of the meeting, participants introduced themselves and said a few words about why they were at the meeting. We extended our best wishes for everyone’s safety and health during this time of pandemic, social distancing and economic collapse.

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign for “an election of a lifetime” (Scott Rudder): 

Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project! #growyourpower  Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action! To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20! 

Supporters were urged to answer Op Eds and Letters-to-the-Editor that opposed the marijuana ballot question. Some volunteers offered to rebut a recent Op Ed.

Dee Carnegia has forwarded CMMNJ’s GOTV at Princeton U to about 50 NJ colleges and universities, with follow up emails and phone calls. Her contact data is saved on Excel. Dee gave an update on her efforts and said she got support from about 5 colleges so far. The V.P. of Student Life is a good contact. “Slava” said he wrote a letter to Rutgers U. 

“NJ CAN 2020”, the campaign arm for the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020 to legalize marijuana, hired veteran campaign manager, Axel Owen. Discussion of how to reach out to young people who are NOT in college. 

Cannabis Decriminalization bill A1897 passed in the NJ Assembly 6/18/20. A better bill, S2535 awaits action in the NJ Senate.

NJ MMP Update: The NJ tax on medical marijuana dropped on July 1 from 6.625% to 4%. Next year at this time it will be 2% and the following year 0.  

The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow NJ ATCs to begin home delivery.

ATCs continue to be  “essential services” that offer curbside pickup to patients. 

The Appellate court on 7/2/20 denied the DOH motion to end the stay and award ATC licenses. This continues to halt the progress of 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses from the 2019 application process. Ed Tobias gave an update on the issue, and said he will re-send his briefs on the case. State urged to compromise with applicants. Possible solution—allow applicants to resubmit files that were rejected as corrupt.

Carol said she has been a legal patient since November and asked why people do not have control over Mother Nature’s pain killer? She urged the cannabis community to organize further.

Nick reported on the difficulty he had using his medicine in Avalon—police and resort people were unaware of NJ MMP rules. Nick was urged to document his difficulties and publish them.

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

Mike suggested tabling at the Burlington County Farmer’s Market. 

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 8/15/20, noon – 5 pm.

March Against the War on Drugs, 7/17/20, Newark City Hall at 4pm and march to Peter Francisco Park Rally (near Penn Station), 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Speakers, CMMNJ table.

Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.

Recent events: Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 7/2/20 (CMMNJ donated $400).

Cheryl Miller--NJ multiple sclerosis patient & medicinal marijuana activist died on June 7, 2003.

Treasury report: Checking: $3745; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/

Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: 

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for July 14, 2020

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 
Tuesday, July 14, 2020 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83160243065?pwd=a0g0dmdwbU9SOG9yZVFYUTY0Z1QyZz09
Meeting ID: 831 6024 3065
Password: 523005

July 14, 2020 CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda: Approve the June 2020 minutes. The Lawrence Library Community Rooms will be closed through September, and possibly the rest of 2020. Future CMMNJ public meetings will be via Zoom Conferences.

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign for “an election of a lifetime” (Scott Rudder): See the ballot question. Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s CannabisVoterProject! #growyourpower Visit www.cannabisvoter.info to learn about reform & take action!

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20!

Dee Carnegia has forwarded CMMNJ’s GOTV at Princeton U to about 50 NJ colleges and universities, with follow up emails and phone calls. Her contact data is saved on Excel.

“NJ CAN 2020” hired veteran campaign manager Axel Owen as the campaign arm for the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020 to legalize marijuana,

Cannabis Decriminalization bill A1897 passed in the NJ Assembly 6/18/20. A better bill, S2535 awaits action in the NJ Senate.

NJ MMP Update: The DOH issued regulations on 6/25/20 to allow ATCs to begin home delivery.
The NJ tax on medical marijuana dropped on July 1 from 6.625% to 4%. Next year at this time it will be 2% and the following year 0.
ATCs continue to be  “essential services” that offer curbside pickup to patients.
The Appellate court on 7/2/20 denied the DOH motion to end the stay and award ATC licenses. This continues to halt the progress of 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. 

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; CMMNJ fundraiser: 8/15/20, noon – 5 pm.
March Against the War on Drugs, 7/10/20, Newark City Hall at 4pm and march to Peter Francisco Park Rally (near Penn Station), 5:30 to 7:00 pm. Speakers, CMMNJ table.
Sativa Cross Podcasts, Trenton State House, 7/23, 8/27, 9/24, 10/22, 11/26, 11am to 2 pm.

Recent events: Sativa Cross Podcast, Trenton State House, 7/2/20 (CMMNJ donated $400).
Cheryl Miller--NJ multiple sclerosis patient & medicinal marijuana activist died on June 7, 2003.

Treasury report: Checking: $3745; PayPal: $2974. Help our GOTV campaign!
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.


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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:
      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?
     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 
     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.
     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.
     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
June 9, 2020

Lawrence Library meeting rooms are CLOSED. CMMNJ meetings are Zoom Conferences.

June 2020 was the third fully virtual public meeting of CMMNJ. We advised Zoom meeting participants that there is no way to tell if their comments are being recorded. As usual, in the beginning of the meeting, participants introduced themselves and said a few words about why they were at the meeting. We extended our best wishes for everyone’s safety and health during this time of pandemic, social distancing and economic collapse.

“NJ CAN 2020” joins the effort to approve the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020 to legalize marijuana (ACLU of NJ, the NAACP NJ, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, NJ United for Marijuana Reform, the Latino Action Network, the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, & the NJ CannaBusiness Association.) “Marijuana Prohibition Racism.” GOTV at Princeton U and Ken’s first public call for marijuana reform—an  LTE from August 10, 1972.  Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign: Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project!  #growyourpower Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action!

Dee Carnegia has forwarded CMMNJ’s GOTV letter to about 50 NJ colleges and universities, with follow up emails and phone calls. Her contact data is saved on Excel.

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18 years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20! 

NJ MMP Update: ATCs are “essential services” that offer curbside pickup to patients. Jeff Brown: “More can be done.” DOH issued permits to Zen Leaf Elizabeth and Columbia Care in Vineland to begin dispensing marijuana. The state total is now 11 dispensaries (9 ATCs & 2 satellites) with 12 growing facilities to serve over 77,000 patients. Courts continue to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. While the DOH reports about 8K lbs of medical marijuana available, not all strains and premium buds are available.

Green Repeal: “How the Coronavirus is affecting the Cannabis Industry." NJ Cannabis Insider: Q&A with Ken Wolski

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ.com.
Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Per CA NORML: “Home cultivation hasn’t been  protected by any CA legislator. It was in Prop. 215 and, in a limited way, in Prop. 64. In effect, many people still don’t have cultivation rights in CA because of local government restrictions, which courts have largely upheld.” #THEYSHALLGROW Jim Miller asked for spreadsheet help.

NJ, Allow Home Delivery for medical marijuana patients! Send the letter from NORML

Comment on a Proposed Rule by the Drug Enforcement Administration
Let's Be Blunt with Montel; win a Magical Butter Machine!
Is It Okay to Smoke Weed Right Now? interview with Dr. Sunil Aggarwal.

Lawsuit for reparations for minority medical marijuana patients who have been victimized by the war on marijuana is proceeding with Wm. Riback, Esq., with Ed Hannaman for CMMNJ. Does Phillippe know possible injured parties?

Garden State NORML: Chapter Bylaws and officers coming soon. Contact Charlana McKeithen for more info.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; fundraiser for CMMNJ: 8/15/20.

Recent events: CannaGather Digital History & Science of Culinary & Cannabis, 5/7/20.
Cannabis and COVID-19: Where Does America Go From Here? Webinar, May 13.
Cheryl Miller--NJ multiple sclerosis patient & medicinal marijuana activist died on June 7, 2003.

Treasury report: Checking: $4649; PayPal: $2754. $503 for three years of GoDaddy paid.  Help our GOTV campaign!
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?
     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 
     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.
     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.
     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.


More info at: SCR183/ACR840

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 6/9/20

CMMNJ Monthly public Zoom meeting 
Tuesday, June 9, 2020 at 7:00 PM Eastern Time 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87137739760
Meeting ID: 871 3773 9760
One tap mobile +16465588656, (New York)
Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbDyBIa9nn

June 9, 2020 CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda: Approve the May 2020 minutes. The Lawrence Library is closed, and the Community Rooms will be closed through September, and possibly the rest of 2020. Future CMMNJ public meetings will be via Zoom Conferences.

“NJ CAN 2020” joins the effort approve the ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020 to legalize marijuana (ACLU of NJ, the NAACP NJ, Doctors for Cannabis Regulation, NJ United for Marijuana Reform, the Latino Action Network, the American Trade Association for Cannabis and Hemp, Law Enforcement Action Partnership, & the NJ CannaBusiness Association.) “Marijuana Prohibition Racism.” GOTV at Princeton U and Ken’s first public call for marijuana reform—an  LTE from August 10, 1972.  Use the momentum of a successful ballot victory in November to press forward our demands for social justice and home grow.

CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign: Plant the seeds of change: HeadCount’s Cannabis Voter Project!  #growyourpower Visit www.cannabisvoter.info learn about reform & take action!

To register to vote in NJ, you must be: a U.S. citizen; at least 18years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated. #VoteCannabis2020 on 11/3/20!

NJ MMP Update: ATCs are “essential services” that offer curbside pickup to patients. Jeff Brown: “More can be done.” DOH issued permits to Zen Leaf Elizabeth and Columbia Care in Vineland to begin dispensing marijuana. The state total is now 11 dispensaries (9 ATCs & 2 satellites) to serve over 77,000 patients. Courts continue to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. Green Repeal: “How the Coronavirus is Affecting the Cannabis Industry." NJ Cannabis Insider: Q&A with Ken Wolski.

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ.
Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. Per CA NORML: “Home cultivation hasn’t been  protected by any CA legislator. It was in Prop. 215 and, in a limited way, in Prop. 64. In effect, many people still don’t have cultivation rights in CA because of local government restrictions, which courts have largely upheld.” #THEYSHALLGROW

NJ, Allow Home Delivery for medical marijuana patients! Send the letter from NORML

Comment on a Proposed Rule from the Drug Enforcement Administration
Let's Be Blunt with Montel; win a Magical Butter Machine!
Is It Okay to Smoke Weed Right Now? interview with Dr. Sunil Aggarwal.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; fundraiser for CMMNJ: 6/27/20.

Recent events: CannaGather Digital History & Science of Culinary & Cannabis, 5/7/20.
Cannabis and COVID-19: Where Does America Go From Here? Webinar, May 13.
Cheryl Miller--NJ multiple sclerosis patient, & medicinal marijuana activist died on June 7, 2003.

Treasury report: Checking: $4649; PayPal: $2754. Help our GOTV campaign!
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618. Hemp wristbands also available.

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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ’s free, public meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM.

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

The ballot question voters will be asked to approve on November 3, 2020:

      Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?
     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 
     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.
     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.
     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

More info at: SCR183/ACR840

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
May 12, 2020

Lawrence Library is CLOSED. The April and May 2020 meetings were instead Zoom Conferences.

May 2020 was the second fully virtual public meeting of CMMNJ. In the past the CMMNJ Board objected to having a permanent record of meeting discussions out of concerns for patient confidentiality. We advised Zoom meeting participants that members of the media may be present and there was no way to tell if their comments were being recorded. As usual, in the beginning of the meeting, participants introduced themselves and said a few words about why they were at the meeting. We extended our best wishes for everyone’s safety and health during this time of pandemic, social distancing and economic collapse.

NJ MMP Update: ATCs are “essential services” that offer curbside pickup to patients. But patients still see delays at ATCs, reduced availability of specific strains, and temporary ATC closings. (CuraLeaf reportedly had long delays but then they extended their hours to 8 – 7PM, and the wait was reduced to 30 minutes.) Nine storefronts (7 ATCs & 2 satellites) serve over 75,000 patients. Justice Grown in Ewing was issued a grow permit, bringing the total to 12 growing facilities.

Ed Tobias gave an update on the fact that the courts continue to halt the progress of 196 applications for 24 additional NJ medical marijuana licenses. Ed said that it is now up to the NJ DOH to respond to the settlement offer to resolve the lawsuit. Ed Hannaman suggested a constitutional amendment to do away with DOH limits on ATCs and let the free market determine how many in NJ are appropriate.

CMMNJ joins NJ patients in advocating for home delivery and home cultivation.

Home cultivation for patients--sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ.
Also, visit the website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw.
NJ, Allow Home Delivery for medical marijuana patients! Send the letter from NORML

Marijuana legalization in NJ will be a ballot question on Nov. 3, 2020. 61% of NJ voters say they will approve the Constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for adults (see below).
CMMNJ’s Get-Out-the-Vote Campaign with Cannabis Voter Project: text CANNA to 40649 or, click here. Students, join: Class of 2020 Votes!
To register to vote in New Jersey, you must be: A U.S. citizen; at least 18years old; a county resident for 30 days before the election; and, not currently incarcerated.
#VoteCannabis2020 in the General Elections in November! Guy said that CannaGather will allow a CMMNJ member to talk about the GOTV campaign in a 10-minute interview for free at an upcoming conference. Getting lists of registered voters and establishing phone banks were suggested for the November election to GOTV for the ballot question.

Upcoming Events: Shore Grow Patient Aid 2020; fundraiser for CMMNJ: 6/27/20.
CannaGather Digital History & Science of Culinary & Cannabis, 5/7/20, 7:30 – 9 pm.
Cannabis and COVID-19: Where Does America Go From Here? Webinar, May 13, 1 pm.

Recent events: NJCBA Webinar 4/15/20, 12 – 1 pm.
Canna Pop Up, 4/20/20, noon to 5 pm.
Sativa Cross Podcast, 4/20/20, 11 – 2 pm.

Treasury report: Checking: $4649; PayPal: $2735. Help our GOTV campaign!
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or, send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

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.