POT Comes to NJ: May 10 -12, Jersey City

“Patients Out of Time” Conference Coming to New Jersey, May 10-12, 2018

Mary Lynn Mathre, RN, MSN, CARN, the President and Founding Director of “Patients Out of Time” (POT), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit educational organization, is bringing her highly regarded cannabis/marijuana conference to New Jersey this year. POT’s 12th national conference, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” will be held May 10 – 12, 2018 at Loews Movie Palace, 54 Journal Square Plaza, Jersey City, NJ. Registration information is available at: http://patientsoutoftime.org/the-twelfth-national-clinical-conference-on-cannabis-therapeutics/

The POT conference is an excellent way for physicians to earn CMEs and nurses and other healthcare professionals to earn contact hours (CEUs) for their continuing education requirements, while learning about the science that supports the use of marijuana/cannabis. POT conferences bring together some of the top marijuana researchers from across the country and from around the world.  Medical marijuana patients and activists are also represented at these conferences.

The theme of the conference, the use of marijuana in the treatment of pain and addiction, is particularly relevant to New Jersey this year.

In October 2017, the healthcare professionals in the Review Panel, appointed by the New Jersey Department of Health (DOH), recommended that 43 petitions be approved as additional qualifying conditions for marijuana therapy in the state’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP). The majority of these petitions concerned chronic pain of various origins. One of the petitions recommended for approval would allow marijuana to be recommended for Opioid Use Disorder.

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order #6 on January 23, 2018 directing the DOH and the Board of Medical Examiners to review the MMP within 60 days and make recommendations to expand it and ease access to it. See: http://nj.gov/infobank/eo/056murphy/pdf/EO-6.pdf

Governor Murphy announced at a press conference in Trenton on March 27, 2018 that the Commissioner of the DOH approved the recommendations of the Review Panel, along with other improvements to the MMP. For the full report on Executive Order 6, see:
http://www.state.nj.us/health/medicalmarijuana/documents/EO6Report_Final.pdf

The governor noted that “scientific studies demonstrate that the medical use of marijuana has proven to be an effective treatment for patients suffering from painful, debilitating, and often chronic medical conditions; (but) of New Jersey’s nine million residents, only approximately 15,000 are able to participate in the State’s MMP.” Expanding the MMP will “ensure that (patients) are receiving a product tailored to their medical needs, and make them less likely to turn to potentially more harmful and less medically appropriate drugs such as opioids, the use of which was declared a public health crisis.”

The governor said at the press conference, "For 8 years medical marijuana has been legal in New Jersey, but the law's spirit has been stifled by a hostile administration. We've had medical marijuana in name only."

Governor Murphy also campaigned to legalize marijuana for adult use in New Jersey. Marijuana use is poised to become a great deal more prevalent in New Jersey with the expansion of the medical program and the possibility of legalization for adults. It therefore is incumbent on healthcare professionals to have a greater understanding of the expected effects, side effects, adverse effects, dosages and drug interactions associated with the use of this substance.

Attending the Patients Out of Time national conference, “Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” is an excellent place to start, or continue, this educational process.

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

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for March 13, 2018

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #3 
Tuesday, March 13, 2018, 7-9 PM

Approve February 2018 minutes. Discuss:

CMMNJ met with DOH Deputy Commissioner Jackie Cornell on 2/28/18 as part of Gov. Murphy’s Executive Order #6 to expand and improve access to the Medicinal Marijuana Program. CMMNJ urges extensive revisions to the MMP. "It was a program designed to keep people out of it," said Ken Wolski, in NJ.com. "It’s a program that’s not meeting the needs of the patients.” The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel said 43 petitions should be added to the MMP; the DOH must act by 4/25/18.

NJ Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committee: CMMNJ was invited to give oral and written testimony in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults in NJ at the Trenton Statehouse on March 5, 2018. Follow up committee meetings planned for 4/21 @ 10 am at Rowan U., Glassboro, and 5/12 @10 am at Bergen C.C., Paramus.

Advocates speak up at local council meetings throughout the state in support of marijuana reform.

March 10, 2018--15th anniversary of CMMNJ’s first public event at the White Dog Café.

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!

Pennsylvania medical marijuana available for purchase on Feb. 15, and a total of six dispensaries open across the state that week.

Upcoming Events:
Marijuana rally in Trenton on April 20th (420) from 9 am to 3 pm.
Trenton Cannabis Community meeting 3/14/18 at Artworks, Trenton.
“Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Patients Out of Time conference, Jersey City, 5/10–12/18. (Ken speaking on a panel 5/10; also NJ women veterans speaking. Press release sent 2/6/18.)
Nonprofit collaboration 3/15 in Woodbridge, 8-1pm.

Treasury report: Checking: $2951; PayPal: $3235; (1000 new ECS brochures purchased).

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 
February 13, 2018

January 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order #6 to expand and improve access to the Medicinal Marijuana Program at a Press Conference in Trenton on 1/23/18. DOH & BME given 60 days to come up with new rules. "I'm very pleased the governor has taken such a strong stand to expand the program," Wolski said in NJ.com.

Trenton Cannabis Community meeting on 2/7/18 at Artworks in Trenton; discussion involved marijuana reform & breaking the stigma, voter registration & other local activity, getting patients into the medical program, preparing for the new industry. Follow up meeting planned for March 14th. 

NJ’s legalization bill re-introduced in new legislative session (S830 / A1348): Facebook’s “Friends of CMMNJ” letter template in support of home cultivation, addressing concerns.

The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel said 43 petitions should be added to the MMP; the DOH commissioner must act by 4/25/18. CMMNJ urges extensive amendments to CUMMA.

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

CMMNJ joined MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce; Ken attended a meeting at the Am. Heart Assn. 2/7.

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

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping at Princeton TV studio, February 15, 2018.
“Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Patients Out of Time conference, Jersey City, 5/10–12/18—Ken speaking on a panel 5/10; also NJ women veterans speaking. Press release sent 2/6/18.
Nonprofit collaboration 3/15/18 in Woodbridge, 8 am – 1pm.

Treasury report: Checking: $3101; PayPal: $3162 (1000 new ECS brochures purchased).

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

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

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

How New Jersey's push to legalize marijuana could impact Staten Island
http://www.silive.com/news/2018/02/new_jersey_legalized_marijuana_impact_staten_island.html

New Jersey’s Path to Marijuana Legalization
https://www.freedomleaf.com/new-jersey-marijuana-legalization/

NJ marijuana legalization: How to get a marijuana license in cutthroat weed market
https://www.app.com/story/news/local/public-safety/2018/02/08/new-jersey-marijuana-legalization-license-weed-phil-murphy-medical/1084268001/

Nevada marijuana model studied by New Jersey group
https://www.reviewjournal.com/news/pot-news/nevada-marijuana-model-studied-by-new-jersey-group/

Verona Council Ponders Gov. Phil Murphy's Plan to Legalize Pot
https://www.tapinto.net/towns/bloomfield/articles/verona-council-ponders-gov-phil-murphys-plan-to-5

Ocean County freeholder calls weed more addictive than cocaine; experts disagree
https://www.app.com/story/news/politics/ocean-county/2018/02/08/ocean-county-freeholder-calls-weed-more-addictive-than-cocaine/318624002/

Murphy cautiously expanding NJ’s growing medical marijuana program
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/murphy-cautiously-expanding-nj-s-growing-medical-marijuana-program/article_fa9f1d90-7d0a-5612-91d3-61ea4e6f6491.html

"Reefer Madness" Comes to Chatham Borough Council; Cannabis Advocates Make Pitch for Chatham Marijuana Shop
https://www.tapinto.net/sections/government/articles/reefer-madness-comes-to-chatham-borough-council

N.J. medical marijuana: These big changes could be coming to state's program
http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/02/review_of_medical_marijuana_could_bring_these_chan.html

Toms River Council Tables Marijuana Ordinance
https://patch.com/new-jersey/tomsriver/toms-river-council-tables-marijuana-ordinance

Rice, Singer to introduce bipartisan marijuana decriminalization bill
https://www.politico.com/states/new-jersey/story/2018/02/14/rice-singer-to-introduce-bipartisan-marijuana-decriminalization-bill-253118

Memory of child with cancer inspires push to expand N.J. medical marijuana program
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/02/memory_of_child_with_cancer_spurs_bill_expanding_m.html

Legal Medical Marijuana Sales Begin At Pennsylvania Facility
https://www.pharmpro.com/news/2018/02/legal-medical-marijuana-sales-begin-pennsylvania-facility

Keystone Kush, wax and shatter: Here's what medical marijuana products you can find in Pa.
http://www.pennlive.com/news/2018/02/medical_marijuana_names_prices_pa.html

New N.J. medical marijuana bill calls for more dispensaries, edibles
http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/02/new_bill_calls_for_medical_marijuana_overhaul_in_n.html

N.J. medical marijuana growers are ready to expand. Will Phil Murphy let them?
http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/02/medical_marijuana_growers_were_ready_to_expand_for.html

N.J. marijuana legalization: Some urge New Jersey to slow the rush toward legal weed
https://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2018/02/20/some-urge-new-jersey-slow-rush-toward-legal-marijuana/355249002/

First hearing on recreational marijuana held in Jersey City
http://hudsonreporter.com/view/full_story/27547311/article-To-legalize-or-not------First-hearing-on-recreational-marijuana-held-in-Jersey-City-?instance=latest_story

N.J. to decide if weed should be taken off list of most dangerous drugs
http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2018/02/nj_to_review_how_marijuana_is_classified_under_sta.html

61 Incredible Benefits of Marijuana (Backed by Science)
https://www.herbonaut.com/benefits-of-marijuana/

New Jersey Assembly weighs marijuana legalization during day-long hearing
https://www.thecannabist.co/2018/03/05/new-jersey-marijuana-legalization-hearing-update/100563/

NJ Assembly Hearing On Cannabis, High Praises Of Plant
https://headynj.com/nj-assembly-hearing-on-cannabis-sings-high-praises-of-plant/

How Did Cannabis Legalization Stall in New Jersey?
https://www.leafly.com/news/politics/how-did-cannabis-legalization-stall-in-new-jersey

CMMNJ Feb. 13, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3
Tuesday, February 13, 2018 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve January 2018 minutes. Discuss:

Governor Phil Murphy signed Executive Order #6 to expand and improve access to the Medicinal Marijuana Program at a Press Conference in Trenton on 1/23/18. DOH & BME given 60 days to come up with new rules. "I'm very pleased the governor has taken such a strong stand to expand the program," Wolski said in NJ.com.

NJ’s legalization bill re-introduced in new legislative session (S830/A1348): Support home cultivation, address concerns.

The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel said 43 petitions should be added to the MMP; the DOH commissioner must act by 4/25/18. CMMNJ urges extensive amendments to CUMMA.

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

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

CMMNJ joined MIDJersey Chamber of Commerce.

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping at Princeton TV studio, February 15, 2018 with ACLU NJ.
“Cannabis: Alleviates Pain, Treats Addiction” Patients Out of Time conference, Jersey City, NJ    May 10–12, 2018.

Treasury report: Checking: $3101; PayPal: $3162 (1000 new ECS brochures purchased).

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
January 9, 2018

December 2017 minutes approved. Discussion:

Governor-elect Phil Murphy plans to legalize marijuana in the first 100 days of 2018. Advocates urged to work with the new Administration and NJUMR.org to sign petitions, write lawmakers, and pass resolutions about patient access, decriminalization, expungement, etc. to help make this happen.
Gov. Christie finishes his second term at noon on Jan. 16, followed by Murphy inauguration.
U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions rescinds Cole memo on 1/4/18—implications for marijuana reform?

California rolls out legal marijuana 1/1/18.

CMMNJ Press Conference at Statehouse, Trenton, 1/9/18 at 11:00 am in support of home cultivation.

NJ’s legalization bill (S3195): Facebook’s “Friends of CMMNJ” letter template, addressing concerns.

The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel recommended on 10/25/17 that 43 petitions be approved to add conditions to the MMP (chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, Tourette’s syndrome, and Opioid Use Disorder). The DOH commissioner has 180 days to act. CUMMA amendments urged by CMMNJ. Contact the DOH transition team? Stigma still affects how health care professionals learn about marijuana.

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

CMMNJ Year End Report 2017 completed; detailed financial report sent to CMMNJ Board members.

Political Prisoner Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion remains in jail awaiting retrial on hung jury charge.

Upcoming Events: “CMMNJ TV” taping at Princeton TV studio, January 23, 2018.
Patients Out of Time conference, Jersey City, NJ, May 10 – 12, 2018.

Treasury report: Checking: $3264; PayPal: $3292.

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.

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

NJ Marijuana Legalization: Some Shore Towns Say 'No Sales Here'
https://patch.com/new-jersey/brick/nj-marijuana-legalization-some-shore-towns-saying-no-sales-here

Bipartisan fury greets Trump administration decision to rescind marijuana protections
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/trump-administration-to-end-policies-that-let-legal-marijuana-flourish-20180104.html

Jeff Sessions’s Endless War on Marijuana
https://www.nytimes.com/2018/01/07/opinion/jeff-sessionss-war-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20180107&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y

Asbury Park Council Would Support Marijuana Dispensaries Here
https://patch.com/new-jersey/asbury-park/asbury-park-council-would-support-marijuana-dispensaries-here

VA Clears The Air On Doctors Talking To Veterans About Marijuana Use
https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/01/09/576577596/va-clears-the-air-on-doctors-talking-to-veterans-about-marijuana-use

NORML: Marijuana Regulation: Impact on Health, Safety, Economy
http://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/item/marijuana-regulation-impact-on-health-safety-economy

NORML: Marijuana and Psychomotor Impairment
http://norml.org/marijuana/fact-sheets/item/marijuana-and-psychomotor-impairment

Beware of bogus marijuana studies | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/01/beware_of_bogus_marijuana_studies_editorial.html

Howell Mourns Jake 'The Tank,' 7, Who Fought Brain Cancer
https://patch.com/new-jersey/howell/howell-mourns-jake-tank-7-who-fought-brain-cancer

The moral case for legal pot | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/01/the_moral_case_for_legal_pot_editorial.html

Welcome to Drug War Facts
http://drugwarfacts.org/

New governor signs executive order aimed at expanding New Jersey’s medical marijuana program
https://planetprinceton.com/2018/01/23/new-governor-signs-executive-order-aimed-at-expanding-new-jerseys-medical-marijuana-program/

New Jersey Governor Orders Review of Medical Marijuana Program
https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/NJ-Murphy-Executive-Order-Medical-Marijuana-470740043.html

Phil Murphy moves to expand access to medical marijuana in New Jersey
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/hold_murphy_expands_medical_marijuana_program_adds.html

Should N.J. expand access to medical marijuana?
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/01/should_nj_expand_access_to_medical_marijuana.html

Murphy's marijuana audit moves NJ closer to legalization
http://www.dailytargum.com/article/2018/01/murphys-marijuana-audit-moves-nj-closer-to-legalization

NJ marijuana legalization: 5 weed lessons from the New Jersey Cannabis Symposium
https://www.app.com/story/news/local/public-safety/2018/01/26/new-jersey-marijuana-legalization-cannabis-symposium-phil-murphy-2018/1066220001/

Medical marijuana program needs fixes after Christie sabotage | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2018/01/medical_marijuana_program_needs_fixes_after_christ.html

Failing to move for emergency vehicle leads to drug arrest of Hopatcong driver
http://www.njherald.com/20180130/failing-to-move-for-emergency-vehicle-leads-to-drug-arrest-of-hopatcong-driver#

What does N.J. say to legal recreational weed? New poll has answers
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2018/01/what_does_nj_say_to_legal_recreational_marijuana_a.html

New bill could legalize home-grown marijuana in New Jersey
http://newjersey.news12.com/story/37398412/new-bill-could-legalize-home-grown-marijuana-in-new-jersey

New FDU marijuana poll highlights continued divisions
http://www.njbiz.com/article/20180201/NJBIZ01/180209990/new-fdu-marijuana-poll-highlights-continued-divisions

N.J. Assembly majority whip sitting out marijuana legalization | Philly 420
http://www.philly.com/philly/business/cannabis/n-j-assembly-majority-whip-sitting-out-marijuana-legalization-philly-420-20180123.html