GOTV at Princeton University

April 20, 2020

Christopher L. Eisgruber, President
Princeton University
1 Nassau Hall
Princeton, NJ 08544

Dear President Eisgruber:

Our organization has joined with Cannabis Voter Project @CannaVoterProject to conduct a Get Out the Vote campaign and we ask for your support in our efforts.

We believe that the general elections on November 3, 2020 present the perfect opportunity to engage young people in the civic process by encouraging them to register and vote. In addition to candidates for public offices, voters will be asked to approve the following ballot question:

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.

Cannabis reform currently has the support of over 70% of young adults in the state for very compelling reasons. Given the enormous therapeutic potential of cannabis, legalizing the adult use of this drug is the best way to get the right medicine to the most people. Additionally, the decades-long prohibition of cannabis has proven to be ineffective, harmful, and unnecessary given the relatively few dangers associated with its use by adults.

Even if you do not support cannabis reform, we are certain that you share our goal of encouraging students on your campus to register and vote. Would you please put us in touch with a member of your administration to help with this project? Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely yours,


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

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

CMMNJ Report: Survey of NJ Medical Marijuana Doctors

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – 9/10/2012

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ)

Contact: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

NJ DOCTORS STRUGGLE WITH COMPLEX MARIJUANA REGULATIONS

Trenton – A report issued today by CMMNJ found that physicians registered to participate in the state Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) struggled with the initial launch of the registry for qualifying patients.

Read the full report: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105499771

New Jersey operates the only medical cannabis program in the country that requires physicians to join a special registry to recommend marijuana. Seriously ill residents must have a “bona fide” relationship with one of the few registered doctors to apply to the DOH for their own registry card.

CMMNJ Board Member and cancer patient Vanessa Waltz called all of the148 doctors listed on the NJ Department of Health website and reached 99.

- 46 offices reported that they were actively accepting new patients interested in the program

- 30 offices reported that they were not currently accepting new patients but may in the future

- 23 offices reported that they were registered but were not currently participating in the MMP

The conversations with practice managers and physicians revealed that residents who qualify for the MMP face new and significant barriers to safe cannabis access.

From the report: “Offices reported that there has been no communication initiated by the state in terms of: How the program works; how the patient registration process works; that the physician registry would be published online; that the patient registry was opening; alerts to any changes in guidelines on the DOH informational website.”

CMMNJ has already been on record appealing to the NJ DOH and the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners to take a comprehensive approach to educate NJ physicians about cannabis. Now communication between DOH and the handful of doctors willing to participate in the MMP registry seems to have broken down.

The report continues: “The NJ DOH and the MMP official are not communicating with physicians. Participating doctors did not receive notice when patient registry was opened, and only found out when their phones started ringing or saw it on the news. The DOH has failed in providing doctors with information including clear educational materials, guidelines, and updates. Phone calls and emails from offices are not being returned.”

The final conclusion from CMMNJ: “The logical solution to this problem for patients is to amend the MMP regulations immediately to remove all provisions related to the physician registry.”

Read the full report: http://www.scribd.com/doc/105499771

##

For more information about this release, please contact Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.
Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ  08618

PRESS RELEASE: Patients demand Gov. Christie, Legislature amend and implement medical marijuana law

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey - CMMNJ

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2012

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

Patients demand Gov. Christie, Legislature amend and implement medical marijuana law

(Trenton) - Medical marijuana patients and advocates will demand that Governor Chris Christie and the New Jersey Legislature amend and implement New Jersey’s medical marijuana law. A CMMNJ Press Conference will be held at the State House steps in Trenton, NJ on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon.

The “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" was signed into law on January 18, 2010. The bill was originally introduced in January, 2005. Today, not a single patient in this state has enjoyed the legal protection that this law was created to provide.

Ken Wolski, RN, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) said, “Gov. Christie has delayed and obstructed this law since he took office. The Legislature is abandoning the seriously ill residents that this law was passed to protect. Qualifying NJ residents deserve to have this law working.”

New Jersey passed the first compassionate use law in the country that did not include provisions for patients or their caregivers to grow cannabis. Language to allow micro-plots of up to six plants was stripped away from the legislation at the Assembly Health Committee hearing chaired by Herb Conaway on June 4, 2009.

The Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in the original bill were registered collective gardens but were re-designed as quasi-pharmacies after that hearing. Now seriously ill residents must rely on six regional ATCs for all of their marijuana. But ATCs have struggled to open, leaving NJ patients with no marijuana at all. Home cultivation is permitted in 14 states and this method guarantees safe and legal access to qualified, registered patients.

CMMNJ is calling on the Governor and Legislature to amend the Compassionate Use Act to restore the features that will move the program forward:

- Stop the physician registry and start the patient registry

- Restore home cultivation (six plants per patient/caregiver)

- Restore ATCs as collective gardens in addition to quasi-pharmacies

- Respect out-of-state ID cards

- Include explicit workplace and housing protection for registered patients

In addition CMMNJ reinforces our call on Governor Christie, the State Attorney General and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs to immediately re-schedule marijuana under NJ controlled substances coding.

WHO: Medical marijuana patients, families and advocates

WHAT: Press Conference to demand that Governor Christie and the amend and the Legislature implement the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, two full years after it was signed into law

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon

WHERE: The State House steps, Trenton, NJ

WHY: The governor has consistently delayed this law since he took office - patients have no legal protections

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides education about the benefits medical marijuana.

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

Breaking: John Ray Wilson taken into custody over Medical Marijuana

New Jersey MS Patient Sent to Prison over Medical Marijuana

John Ray Wilson was taken into custody today at the Somerset County Courthouse. He will begin serving a 5-year prison sentence. The 38-year-old MS patient was found with seventeen cannabis plants in 2008. After serving five weeks in prison in 2010, Wilson was allowed to remain with his family pending an appeal. The NJ Appellate Division upheld his conviction and sentence in late July. Wilson appeared before Superior Court Judge Angela Borkowski in a hearing today to consider a continuation of his bail.

Judge Borkowski ruled that her court was not an appropriate jurisdiction to deviate from the trial decision and appellate court affirmation. Any bail appeal should be made to the Appellate Division.

Ken Wolski, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) was in the courtroom today.

“CMMNJ is still hopeful there is a chance for justice in the state Supreme Court. But we are very disappointed that John is back in jail.”

read full article

MEDIA ALERT: Medical Marijuana Patient John Wilson Faces Bail Hearing Today

MEDIA ALERT: Medical Marijuana Patient John Wilson Faces Bail Hearing Today

WHO: MS Patient John Ray Wilson

WHEN: 9AM-11AM Wednesday August 24, 2011

WHERE: Somerset County Courthouse – Somerville, NJ

WHY: Bail hearing

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137, Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731, William Buckman 856 608 9797

John Ray Wilson will appear in the Somerset Count y Courthouse for a bail hearing today. He has been free on bond pending an appeal. Wilson was sentenced to five years in state prison. The Appellate Court upheld his conviction of “manufacturing” marijuana in late July. Attorney William Buckman has filed a petition to the State Supreme Court.

The bail hearing today will determine if Wilson can remain with his family as the Supreme Court appeal is considered. The 38 year old man lives with multiple sclerosis and without healthcare. Wilson helps to care for his elderly grandmother and disabled brother.

“New Jersey already has some of the most draconian laws in the nation with respect to marijuana, costing taxpayers outrageous sums to incarcerate nonviolent, otherwise responsible individuals-- as well as in this case -- the sick and infirm,” said Buckman. “As it stands, the case now allows a person who grows marijuana to be exposed to up to 20 years in jail, even if that marijuana is strictly for his or her own medical use. No fair reading of the law would ever sanction this result.”

Wilson’s conviction in January 2010 came just as New Jersey’s compassionate use law was passed. The state now recognizes MS as a qualifying condition for marijuana therapy.

Depending on the outcome of the hearing, John Ray Wilson may be taken into custody to begin serving his prison sentence today.

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137, Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731, William Buckman 856 608 9797

New Jersey MS Patient Takes Medical Marijuana Appeal to State Supreme Court

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 8/16/2011

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ)

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137, Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731, William Buckman 856 608 9797

New Jersey MS Patient Takes Medical Marijuana Appeal to State Supreme Court

TRENTON - CMMNJ is pleased to learn that multiple sclerosis patient John Ray Wilson is appealing his marijuana conviction to the New Jersey Supreme Court. He was sentenced to five years in prison for growing seventeen cannabis plants. During his trial, Wilson was not allowed to present his medical condition to the jury. An appellate court ruled in July that “manufacturing” marijuana, a second degree felony, could not be considered “personal” use.

Criminal defense attorney William Buckman of Moorestown, NJ is representing Wilson in the appeal. Buckman has a distinguished career challenging marijuana laws and racial disparities.

“New Jersey already has some of the most draconian laws in the nation with respect to marijuana, costing taxpayers outrageous sums to incarcerate nonviolent, otherwise responsible individuals-- as well as in this case -- the sick and infirm,” said Buckman. “As it stands, the case now allows a person who grows marijuana to be exposed to up to 20 years in jail, even if that marijuana is strictly for his or her own medical use. No fair reading of the law would ever sanction this result.”

Wilson’s conviction in January 2010 came just as New Jersey’s compassionate use law was passed. The state now recognizes MS as a qualifying condition for marijuana therapy.

Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) said, “This case has shocked the conscience of the community. Wilson was unable to present his only defense to the jury--that he used cannabis to treat his multiple sclerosis (MS).”

“The state is allowing six Alternative Treatment Centers to grow thousands of plants and sell the cannabis to registered patients,” Wolski pointed out, “These ATCs were not available to John in 2008. Cultivation was the only way that he could afford to gain access. We hope that the Supreme Court will provide justice in this case.”

The concept that an individual would grow cannabis plants for “personal” use is an important point of law. The implication is that anyone caught with more than 10 plants is intending to distribute the marijuana.

During his trial, Wilson testified that he told the NJ State Police that he was going to keep all of the marijuana. Wilson also described his medical condition to officers as they searched his home.

Attorney William Buckman said, “The misguided appellate division opinion on Mr. Wilson's case exponentially worsens the harm of N.J.'s marijuana laws in ways that could not have been imagined in common sense and reason.”

CMMNJ - http://www.cmmnj.org

William Buckman - http://www.whbuckman.com/

Support John Ray Wilson on Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-John-Ray-Wilson-New-Jersey-MS-Patient/104540271138

NJ Gov. Christie Allows Medical Marijuana, Regulations Still Need Work

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - July, 20, 2011
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ)
www.cmmnj.org

Gov. Christie Allows Medical Marijuana, Regulations Still Need Work

Trenton - NJ Governor Chris Christie held a press conference on July 19, 2011 to address the status of the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. He has decided to reverse his suspension of the program and allow six Alternative Treatment Centers to move ahead with their operations.

After discussing the various intersections or conflicts between state and federal laws Christie said, “I have instructed the Commissioner of Health to move forward as expeditiously as possible to implement the [program].”

VIDEO: http://www.livestream.com/governorchrischristie/video?clipId=pla_a1a6bf2e-1630-4282-bb87-f28f93e72f9a&utm_source=lslibrary&utm_medium=ui-thumb

"We are happy that the governor is moving forward with the medicinal marijuana program," said Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ). "Patients have suffered too long waiting for this," said Wolski, "In thousands of cases patients in NJ have already died without the improvement in quality of life and relief of suffering that marijuana can bring."

CMMNJ remains focused on a final set of rules for the program that will be workable. "We still have a number of concerns about the regulations put out by the DHSS for this program," Wolski said, "The physician registry is unnecessary and will disqualify numerous patients. Plus the cap on THC level is arbitrary and home delivery is not being permitted. These are all roadblocks to patient access that we hope the Christie Administration will reconsider."

Some of the ATCs have expressed the same concerns. http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2011/03/07/nj-to-hold-hearing-on-medical-marijuana-rules/

Seriously ill New Jersey residents who would qualify under the law expressed surprise and measured hope at the governor's change in rhetoric.

Jay Lassiter lives with HIV and has testified for better regulations in Trenton, "This is a small step in the right direction for New Jersey and I'm glad that Governor Christie has finally discovered a sense of urgency to help New Jersey residents with cancer and AIDS. I look forward to the day when I won't be a criminal just for taking medical cannabis."

Charles Kwiatkowski, a father of three, lives with multiple sclerosis and has been one of the most visible patient advocates in New Jersey. "It's good and bad...all the restrictions," Kwiatkowski said today. "But, I'll believe it when I see it. So far it has been a really long, painful wait."

MEDIA NOTE- Wolski, Lassiter and Kwiatkowski are available to the press. CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 or Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731media@cmmnj.org

New Jersey Medical Marijuana ATC Applications Released

4/13/2011 - Documents from the application process in New Jersey for the medical marijuana Alternative Treatment Centers are being released. The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) and Freedomisgreen.com acquired the six applications that were approved. They are posted online for public download here: http://www.scribd.com/NJcannabisDocs

Requests for the information were filed through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).

DHSS officials said that the scoring and review documents from the application process are being released later today. The additional twenty-five unapproved applications are expected later this week.

CMMNJ and Freedomisgreen.com will continue to post the documents online for public review.

CONTACT:
Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731

Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 or ohamkrw@aol.com

New Jersey Licenses Six Alternative Treatment Centers for Medical Marijuana

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein (609) 394-2137 media@cmmnj.org

New Jersey Licenses Six Alternative Treatment Centers for Medical Marijuana

On March 21, 2011 New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS)announced the winning applications for the medical marijuana Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in the Garden State.
Twenty-one applicants submitted exhaustive business plans along with a $20,000 filing fee.

The successful non-profit applicants are:
· Breakwater Alternative Treatment Center, Corp., Ocean, Central Region; The ATC would be located in Manalapan, Monmouth County.

· Compassionate Care Centers of America Foundation Inc. (CCCAF), Jersey City, Central Region; The ATC would be located in New Brunswick, Middlesex County.

· Compassionate Care Foundation Inc., West Trenton, Southern Region; The ATC would be located in Bellmawr, Camden County.

· Compassionate Sciences, Inc. ATC, Sea Cliff, NY, Southern Region; The location of the ATC is undetermined, but will be located in either Burlington or Camden County.

· Foundation Harmony, Cliffside Park, Northern Region; The ATC would be in Secaucus, Hudson County.

· Greenleaf Compassion Center, Montclair, Northern Region; The ATC would be in Montclair, Essex County.

However the regulations governing the facilities have not been finalized and remain in a hard-fought Legislative dispute.

Ken Wolski the executive director of The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) said,"We certainly wish the successful applicants luck because patients need legal marijuana as soon as possible. However, we have serious doubts that these non-profit organizations will be able to develop a working program with the overly restrictive regulations proposed by DHSS. CMMNJ still supports the legislative Resolution to invalidate significant parts of the DHSS regulations."

Fifteen states and the District of Columbia now have laws that protect patients who use marijuana with a doctor’s recommendation. For more info, contact:

CONTACT: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director 609 394 2137

www.cmmnj.org

State may annouce first medical marijuana suppliers

Today officials will announce the results of the application process for the first medical marijuana Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in the Garden State. The New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) confirmed in an email that they would release a statement.

More than 20 applicants submitted exhaustive business plans along with a $20,000 filing fee. But the regulations governing the ATC facilities have not been finalized and remain in a Legislative dispute. Potential non-profits have stated that they would find it nearly impossible to operate under the current proposed rules, even if the state does give them a green light.

Gov. Christie and Legislature approach deadline

Gov. Christie refuses ‘adult conversation’ about medical marijuana

by Chris Goldstein - A rare standoff between the Legislature and the Governor over the medical marijuana program has now steered New Jersey into uncharted waters within the Constitution.

Governor Chris Christie wants all the medical cannabis in The Garden State to be just three genetic strains, all containing less than 10% THC. The mid-grade pot would also come with orders for the state to intrude into the doctor/patient relationship.

Residents who live here with AIDS, cancer, Crohn’s Disease and other conditions that would qualify want something better from the compassionate use law that passed last year.

The Legislature is backing these potential medical marijuana patients and is currently moving to invalidate the contentious rules. Although the process was threatened under previous administrations no Governor has even taken it this far, with another deadline set to expire on Monday 2/21.

Continue reading on Examiner.com: Gov. Christie refuses ‘adult conversation’ about medical marijuana - Philadelphia norml | Examiner.com http://www.examiner.com/norml-in-philadelphia/gov-christie-refuses-adult-conversation-about-medical-marijuana#ixzz1EL40gvNG

One year year ago today: 'New Jersey passes medical marijuana law'

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/11/2011
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
“Because no one should suffer needlessly…”
www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org

One year year ago today: 'New Jersey passes medical marijuana law'

On January 11, 2010 the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was passed by the Legislature and later signed by then-governor Jon Corzine. It marked the 14th US state to create legal access to cannabis for seriously ill residents.

Lawmakers and advocates expected the program to be running by the fall of 2010 but the new governor, Chris Christie, has put up significant hurdles in the regulatory process.

Currently there is no medical marijuana program running in New Jersey. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) launched a controversial physician registry for doctors to begin recommending cannabis to their patents.

DHSS representatives said in a phone call today that 69 doctors in 18 counties had registered so far, but the system to allow the registry of patients has not been brought online.

New Jersey passed a uniquely strict law: Qualifying patients will only be allowed 2 ounces of marijuana per month and there are no provisions for home cultivation.

There is an ongoing debate over the regulations for the Alternative Treatment Centers and the medical cannabis. Governor Christie has proposed a 10% cap on THC content and limiting cultivation to three marijuana strains along with many additional new restrictions.

Senator Nicholas Scutari (D-Union) is the lead sponsor of the law and released the following statement on the one-year anniversary of the passage of the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act:

“A year after passage of our medical marijuana law, patients with chronic and terminal illnesses are still awaiting relief. While I believe it is critical to get this program off the ground, implementing it within the guidelines of existing regulations will render it useless.

To that end, I am committed to moving forward with overturning unworkable regulations put forward by the administration to ensure that sick and dying patients get relief. However, I am still hopeful that we will not need to see this process through.

I have pledged to work with the governor on a medical marijuana program that follows the legislative intent of the law, and fulfills our promise to provide compassionate care to patients who need it the most. I remain hopeful that we will reach a true compromise.”

Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) commented today:

“It was a great victory last year for patients who are suffering every minute of every day and need safe and legal access to marijuana therapy.

Unfortunately, not a single ID card has yet been issued to a qualifying resident and there is no medical marijuana even growing at this time. The regulations proposed by the Department of Health and Senior Services to enact this law have done nothing but obstruct its implementation."

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey is working with patients, caregivers and advocates to ensure that our state government will create a program that brings affordable, medical-grade marijuana to all qualified patients in a timely and secure manner.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 1/11/2011
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ
“Because no one should suffer needlessly…”
www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski or Chris Goldstein 609 394 2137 media@cmmnj.org

Three medical marijuana deadlines in January

NJ: Three medical marijuana deadlines in January

by Chris Goldstein - Major developments are ahead this month for New Jersey’s medical marijuana program as three major deadlines will expire.

1) January 11, 2011; Law implementation - After the NJ Legislature granted a 90-day delay to The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act

2) January 14, 2011 – This is the closing date for the official written public comment period regarding the controversial regulations released by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS). Governor Christie cancelled the only public hearing scheduled in December for the regulations.

3) January 16, 2011 (*?) – The NJ Assembly and Senate passed a resolution last month stating that the proposed DHSS medical marijuana regulations were outside intent of the law itself. The resolution called for a 30-day re-evaluation. (*The exact deadline for the resolution is a bit unclear we have a call into NJ OLS)

READ MORE at Examiner.com

NJ Legislature votes today on medical marijuana resolutions

The New Jersey Senate and Assembly will vote on resolutions SCR 130/ACR 151 today. This is the first step in a process that would re-write the draft regulations for the medical marijuana program.

The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) released the draft rules last month. Patients, advocates and the law’s sponsoring legislators agree that the proposed regulations are far outside of the legislative intent.

Among the new limitations introduced by DHSS were a 10% limit on THC content, limiting cultivation to just three strains and imposing a physician registry.

In a 10/19/10 OPED to the Times of Trenton, CMMNJ executive director Ken Wolski said, “The draft rules proposed by the DHSS for the Medicinal Marijuana Program are so burdensome, unnecessary and outside the scope of the law that they demand extensive revision." http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?/base/news-1/1287467128220520.xml&coll=5

On 11/8/10 the Senate Health and Senior Citizens Committee as well as the Assembly Regulatory Oversight and Gaming Committee forwarded the resolutions for floor voting. Dozens of potentially qualifying New Jersey residents testified for the regulations to be re-written. On 11/15/10 the Senate Judiciary Committee also moved the resolution ahead.

DHSS commissioner Dr. Poonam Alaigh wrote a Guest Column in the Times of Trenton on 11/16/10 to explain her department’s position on the marijuana regulations. Alaigh defended the new limitations without compromise, concluding with: “As a physician, my first and foremost concern is for patients. As the commissioner of the Department of Health and Senior Services, my first and foremost concern is the well-being of all New Jerseyans.” http://www.nj.com/opinion/times/oped/index.ssf?%2Fbase%2Fnews-1%2F1289889942195350.xml&coll=5

CMMNJ spokesperson Chris Goldstein wrote an OPED in the 11/17/10 Newark Star-Ledger that addressed many of Alaigh’s points. “New Jersey passed the most limited compassionate use law in the country. Polling shows 82 percent of residents support it… Enacting the draft regulations from DHSS would effectively crush the holistic model of cannabis therapy here, except underground.”
http://blog.nj.com/njv_guest_blog/2010/11/snuffing_out_medical_marijuana.html

Patients and local medical marijuana experts say they are ready to sit down with Governor Christie and DHSS officials to help get a better understanding of the intent of the compassionate use law.

The Assembly voting session is scheduled to begin at 1:00PM and the Senate at 2:00PM.

Watch and listen live at: http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/

How to comment on NJ Medical Marijuana Program rules

The NJ Department of Health and Senior Services issued the following press release on how to comment on the rules for the Medical Marijuana Program.

November 15, 2010
Poonam Alaigh, MD, MSHCPM, FACP Commissioner

For Further Information Contact:
Office of Communications
(609) 984-7160

Department of Health and Senior Services Proposes Medicinal Marijuana Rules N.J.A.C. 8:64 Medicinal Marijuana Program Rules

The Medicinal Marijuana Program of the Division of Environmental and Occupational Health Services of the Department of Health and Senior Services (Department) is proposing rules to implement N.J.S.A. 24:6I-1, the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” The notice of proposal appears in the November 15, 2010, issue of the New Jersey Register.

The Department will hold a public hearing on the proposed new rules between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. on December 6, 2010 at the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services, First Floor Auditorium, Health and Agriculture Building, 369 South Warren Street (at Market Street), Trenton, New Jersey 08608.

The public has until January 14, 2011, to comment on the proposal. Persons wishing to comment on the proposal must submit their comments in writing by regular mail to Ruth Charbonneau, Director, Office of Legal and Regulatory Affairs, Office of the Commissioner, NJ Department of Health and Senior Services, P O Box 360, Trenton, NJ 08625-0360. Written comments must be postmarked on or before January 14, 2011, which is the close of the 60-day public comment period. The Department will not accept telefacsimiles or electronic mail messages as official comments on the notice of proposal.

Please contact Ken Wolski at CMMNJ if you would like any assistance in offering testimony ohamkrw@aol.com

BREAKING: DHSS posts regulations, public hearings scheduled

The draft regulations for the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program were officially published in the state Register today. The Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) has scheduled an event to gather public testimony.

A public hearing on the proposed new rules will be held between 10:00 A.M. and 12:00 P.M. on Monday, December 6, 2010 at the following address:

New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services
First Floor Auditorium
Health and Agriculture Building
369 South Warren Street (at Market Street)
Trenton, New Jersey 08608

ACTION ALERT - Contact NJ legislators to support medical marijuana

National NORML has created a CAPWIZ so that NJ residents can easily contact their legislators. A pre-written letter created by Ken Wolski at CMMNJ is included.

Please take a moment to support realistic regulations for our medical marijuana program:

http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=19491501


Thank you!

MS patient video to Gov Christie

NJ MS Patient Charles Kwiatkowski recorded this video

Resolutions pass supporting medical marijuana patients

Resolutions pass supporting medical marijuana patients

Statement from Ken Woski RN, executive director of CMMNJ:

“The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey is grateful that Senator Scutari and Assemblyman Gusciora's concurrent Resolutions (SCR130/ACR151) passed favorably out of their respective committees yesterday after a full afternoon of testimony by supporters of safe cannabis access. This shows more than ever that patients and advocates need to be more deeply involved in the development of reasonable regulations to enact the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.”

The Department of Health and Senor Services (DHSS) issued draft regulations for the medical marijuana program last month. New limitations were introduced including: A physician registry, capping THC content, having just three strains of cannabis and limiting cultivation to just two centers.

Advocates, patients and the sponsoring legislators contend that DHSS officials have crafted rules far outside of the intent of the compassionate use law.

The resolutions now go to the Senate and Assembly for floor votes. If passed, the Christie Administration and DHSS would have 30 days to re-evaluate the draft regulations.

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 ohamkrw@aol.com or media@cmmnj.org

CMMNJ is the only tax-exempt 501c3 non-profit in New Jersey whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of medical marijuana.

NJ medical marijuana committee hearings today

The Senate and Assembly will have committee hearings on the draft regulations for the medical marijuana program today.

Senate - 1:00PM Committee Room #1, State House Annex 1st Floor

Assembly - 2:00PM Committee Room #13, state House Annex 4th Floor

Those who cannot attend can listen live at http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/media/live_audio.asp