CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for June 11, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve May 2019 minutes. Discuss:

Illinois to be the 11th state to legalize marijuana for adults. Legislature sends bill to governor.

DOH issues RFA for 108 new ATCs in NJ, including 24 for cultivation, 30 for manufacturing & 54 for dispensaries. Applications are due August 15. DOH adopts new rules effective 5/20/19, making it easier to add qualifying conditions. MMP expands to 47,500 patients, 950 doctors.

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/A10, passed both houses of the NJ legislature (Senate 34 - 4; Assembly 65 – 5) and is scheduled to be sent to the governor on June 10th. (An amendment will require a revote by Assembly.)

NJ marijuana legalization bill is delayed. S2703/A4497, the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” may yet get a legislative floor vote. More likely, there will be a ballot question in November 2020. Decrim and expungement progress uncertain.

Six CMMNJ Board members made The Insider 100: Cannabis Power List.
Congratulations to Amanda, Guy, Jim, Jo Anne, Peter and Ken!

Upcoming Events: NORML Advocacy Day, Trenton State House, 6/10/19, 11 am – 4 pm.
CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am - 7 pm.
Shore Grow Hydro, Patient Aid fundraiser for CMMNJ, 6/22/19, Ocean Twp., NJ  2- 6 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15, noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.

Recent events: Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.
“Up in Smoke,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Assn., Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon – 4pm.
Trentonian LTE: "Neese's inaccuracies on marijuana."
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) closed their HQ in Trenton after 17 years.
May 16, 2019 was the 10th anniversary of the CMMNJ blog.

Treasury report: Checking: $4103; PayPal: $2661.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

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

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
May 14, 2019

April 2019 minutes approved.

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” to legalize personal use of cannabis for adults passed legislative committees (11/26/18 & 3/18/19) but the floor vote was canceled on March 25. A floor vote is possible in May. Is a ballot question coming in November 2020? The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, tied to S2703. Urge your elected officials to vote “Yes” on S2703—Democrats and Republicans. NJ Republicans should Embrace Marijuana Reform. In the absence of legalization, do we support decriminalization?

A4571/S1847 eliminates 6.625% sales tax on medical marijuana. CMMNJ to support this?
Consult with CJS Systems?

See Maze calendar for upcoming cannabis activities.

Upcoming Events: Trenton State House Podcast, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.
Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.
“Up in Smoke:  Legalized Marijuana’s Impact on Mental Health, Social Justice and Substance Use Recovery in NJ,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23, 8am.
Pork Roll Festival, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 5/25/19, 10 am – 7 pm.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon.
CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am- 7 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
Pure Puff Bake Shop Podcast, Berlin, NJ 10 am.

Recent events: 420 Rally & Podcast, Trenton State House, 4/20/19, noon.
Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19.
Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19.
Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton, NJ Library, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm.
Smoke-In for Patient Home Grow @ Sen. Sweeney's, W. Deptford, 4/4/19.
Die-in for Medical Cannabis Home Grow & OUD; 4/18/19, Trenton State House.

CMMNJ Board Meeting 4/2/19, 8 pm. CMMNJ welcomed Gaetano Lardieri onto our Board of Directors in April, 2019.

Treasury report: Checking: $3803; PayPal: $2632.

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.

February 12, 2019 CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, February 12, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM
Weather Closing: 
CMMNJ Meeting Canceled for tonight, February 12, 2019: 
All Mercer County Library branches are closed today.
https://mcl.org/branches/lawrbr.html

Approve January 2019 minutes. Discuss:

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” which legalizes personal use of cannabis for adults passed legislative committees 11/26/18 but there has been no action, or a floor vote, since.

There is, however, progress in PA & NY to legalize marijuana in 2019.

The Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act was re-introduced in the 116th Congress. New congressmen/women plan to hold House hearings on marijuana.

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, after sailing through three NJ legislative committees, also on 11/26/18. This bill is unfairly tied to the legalization bill.

NJ DOH OK’d 6 applications for ATCs on 12/17/18 for Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Ewing, Paterson, Phillipsburg & Vineland. Lawsuits challenge the awards. MMP now has over 40,000 patients.

OUD OK’d for marijuana therapy. Dr. Elnahal continues outreach to NJ MDs.

CBS refuses to air medical marijuana ad during Super Bowl.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ awaits adoption of rules: our comments.

NJ OAG: CMMNJ awaits action on re/descheduling hearings from  the spring of 2018.

Upcoming Events: Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11-4/13/19.
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) Unity Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/18- 3/20/19.
Medical Marijuana in New Jersey, Hackensack UMC, Pascack Valley 2/16/19, 8am – noon.
5th Annual CANNAEAST Conference March 12-13, 2019 New York, NY.
Medical Marijuana & Industrial Hemp, Cooper U. Med School, 3/22/19, 8 am – 11 am.
Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19, 7 – 9 pm.

Recent events: Brick Zoning Board hearing cancelled on January 9, 2019; rescheduled for 2/27.
“Medical Marijuana in New Jersey”, 2/2/19, Penn Medicine/UMCP, Plainsboro, NJ.

Treasury report: Checking: $4907; PayPal: $2668. NJ Annual Report filed ($27.50).

CMMNJ’s free, public 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 & Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey.
CMMNJ blog: Agendas from 2009 to present.
Twitter:  Coalition for Medical Marijuana--NJ  @CMM_NJ

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
January 8, 2019

December 2018 minutes approved.

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” which legalizes personal use cannabis for adults did not go to a vote by the entire legislature on December 17th, as hoped, after successfully passing appropriations committees from the Senate and Assembly on November 26th. It appears too many people want too many things from the legislation, and are unwilling to compromise. Discussion about taxes for cannabis—who wants what? People who want expungement now must wait 6 years, but it may be reduced to one year—S.F. has a good program. While there appears to be little support in legislature for home cultivation (and with the governor) advocates will never give up on it. Asm. Conaway’s COS met with Mike to discuss issue. Ed to see DPA’s position on home cultivation. One suggestion—tax the clones from dispensaries?

Eliminate the sales tax on medical marijuana—Jim M. to start a petition to end this sales tax immediately. Court challenge to get money back from illegal sales tax on medicine?
PA & NY to legalize in 2019? Will this encourage home cultivation?

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is similarly stalled, after sailing through three legislative committees, also on November 26th. This bill is tied to the legalization bill, though there is really no reason that it could not advance on its own.

Hemp Bill cannot go forward with federal govt. agencies like USDA shut down. Licenses and programs still need OK to go forward and need approval for CBD as a food product.

NJ DOH OK’d 6 applications for ATCs on 12/17/18 in Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Ewing, Paterson, Phillipsburg & Vineland. Applicants must comply with background checks and regs.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ awaits adoption of rules: our comments.

NJ OAG: CMMNJ awaits action on re/descheduling hearings from  the spring of 2018.

Upcoming Events: Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11-4/13/19.
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) Unity Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/18- 3/20/19.
Brick Zoning Board hearing resumes on January 9, 2019.
Medical Marijuana in New Jersey, (4 CEUs for RNs) 2/2/19, 8am – 12 pm, Penn Medicine Princeton Medical Center, Plainsboro, NJ.
Medical Marijuana in New Jersey (4 CEUs for RNs) presentation is also available at Hackensack UMC at Pascack Valley on 2/16/19, 8am – 12 pm.
5th Annual CANNAEAST Conference March 12-13, 2019 New York, NY.

Treasury report: Checking: $4924; PayPal: $2668.


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.

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

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

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

In the Summary of the Department of Health’s Proposed Readoption with Amendments of N.J.A.C 8:64, the Department notes on page 4:

"P.L. 2015, c. 158 (approved November 9, 2015), at § 1, established N.J.S.A. 18A:40-12.22, which requires those in charge of schools to establish policies for the administration of medicinal marijuana, by means other than smoking and inhalation, to students, if they are “qualifying patients” within the meaning of the Act, while they are on school grounds and buses, and at school-sponsored events. P.L. 2015, c. 158, § 2, established N.J.S.A. 30:6D-5b, which requires administrators of facilities offering services for persons with developmental disabilities to establish policies for the administration of medicinal marijuana to those persons, if they are facility clients and “qualifying patients” within the meaning of the Act, while they are on facility premises."

What is missing is an evaluation of how this law is working. How many patients in schools and facilities for the developmentally disabled qualify for medical marijuana?  How many of these patients are actually receiving medical marijuana as a result of this law? Are caregivers actually able to come to these facilities one or more times a day to administer medical marijuana to qualifying patients? Families of patients typically report that these patients are not getting the medical marijuana that they require in order to control their serious medical conditions (seizures, chronic pain, anxiety, etc.) Thus, the clear intent of this law is being frustrated by the inability of caregivers/family members to report to these facilities one or more times a day to administer medical marijuana. On the other hand, staff at these facilities are trained to safely administer and account for other controlled substances. The staff of these facilities should be empowered to administer medical marijuana as well, to relieve the families of this burden while meeting the needs of the patients, in compliance with the intent of the law.

In the Summary of the Department of Health’s Proposed Readoption with Amendments of N.J.A.C 8:64, the Department notes on page 6:

"On January 23, 2018, Governor Murphy issued Executive Order No. 6 (EO 6), in which he directed the Department and the Board of Medical Examiners to “undertake a review of all aspects of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program, with a focus on ways to expand access to marijuana for medical purposes.”

The Department’s Executive Order 6 Report (Issued by Acting Commissioner Shereef Elnahal, M.D., M.B.A. on March 23, 2018) is clear and welcome. What is missing is the report from the New Jersey Board of Medical Examiners (BME). Is this report forthcoming? On 7/3/18, CMMNJ sent an email to the BME asking them about their missing input from EO 6 and they have not had the courtesy to reply. CMMNJ certainly hopes they treat the governor with more respect. The EO 6 Report notes that:

“There are 523 MMP-approved physicians throughout the State (as of February 15, 2018), (while) only 79% are actively writing patient statements and treating patients.” 

There are approximately 28,000 physicians in New Jersey, so less than 2% of the total New Jersey physicians are participating in the MMP. This is an unacceptable level of physician participation in the MMP that the BME and the Department must address. Currently patients must search the Department web site for a physician to recommend marijuana for them. Typically, these physicians charge cash (usually over $100) for each visit as they contend that a patient’s health insurance does not cover medical marijuana. Additionally, patients are required to return to the participating physician every 30, 60 or 90 days for a renewal of the medical marijuana recommendation. This is an added and unnecessary expense for many of the New Jersey medical marijuana patients who already have to contend with the most expensive medical marijuana in the U.S. The Department is currently developing “Provider Education Program and Dosing Guidelines.” The Department notes that:

“With the expansion of authorized debilitating conditions, the Department recognizes the need to provide education and guidance to providers. To that end, the Department is exploring the creation of an education program for all physicians, with focus on the endocannabinoid system (ECS).” 

There are already a number of educational programs on the ECS that are approved for Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits for physicians. The Department should adopt one of these programs immediately, and require mandatory ECS education for all physicians in New Jersey who have prescription privileges as a condition of continued licensure in the state. A great many more people in New Jersey are going to be using marijuana in the near future and it is incumbent upon prescribers to be familiar with how marijuana works in conjunction with traditional therapies in controlling and managing health problems. Additionally, the Department should allow anyone in New Jersey who has prescription privileges, including Advance Practice Nurses, Physician’s Assistants, Dentists and Veterinarians, to recommend medical marijuana. Marijuana is part of mainstream medicine, despite the fact that 98% of New Jersey physicians have shown little or no interest in learning about the ECS, a system that interacts with all the other systems in the body and a system that may well play a role in all disease processes affecting humans and animals.

All References are to NJAC 8:64:

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

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

Sec 2.5 (a) 9: Requires that the physician educate the patient “on the lack of scientific consensus for the use of medical marijuana, its sedative properties, and the risk of addiction.”  The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (Act) stands in direct contradiction to this unwarranted requirement when it states:

“Modern medical research has discovered a beneficial use for marijuana in treating of alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions, as found by the National Academy of Sciences’ Institute of Medicine in March 1999.”  (C.24:6I-2a)

Thus, the Act directly contradicts the required, disingenuous assertion. In recorded human history, there has never been a single fatality from the use of marijuana. It is impossible to fatally overdose on marijuana. Nor is the risk of addiction a major concern with marijuana. After stopping, less than 10 percent of users experience noticeable withdrawal symptoms even after heavy, long-term use of marijuana. These withdrawal symptoms, when noticed, are typically mild and include irritability and sleep disturbance. There are no serious withdrawal symptoms like those noted with alcohol (delirium tremens or DTs, seizures, death); heroin (flu-like symptoms); or nicotine (intense craving). The addiction potential for marijuana is about equivalent to that of caffeine. Let’s be clear that there is no lack of scientific consensus on the existence of the ECS, its role, and its importance in managing diseases, medical conditions and symptoms, at least among those who study the issue. What lack of consensus there is for the use of medical marijuana is a direct result of the federal government’s refusal to allow any large-scale clinical trials of marijuana. While there have been successful, small scale clinical trials of marijuana, the federal government continues to obstruct research into the benefits of medical marijuana. Thus, physicians in New Jersey are required to make a political statement about marijuana without a thorough explanation of why a lack of scientific consensus on medical marijuana exists. One might also argue that now, with 30 of 50 states having medical marijuana programs, there is indeed a consensus, scientific as well as popular, on the use and benefits of medical marijuana.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

July 10, 2018 Public Meeting Agenda & June Minutes

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

Approve June 2018 minutes. Discuss:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CMMNJ’s meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 – 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., 08648. All are welcome. (Meeting at the library does not imply Mercer County’s endorsement of our issue.)

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.
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Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
June 12, 2018

May 2018 minutes approved. Discussion:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

NJ panel OKs marijuana for more conditions

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

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

About one third of all Americans suffer from chronic pain at sometime in their lives. Indeed, 32 of the 45 petitions that the panel reviewed were related to chronic pain. In approving marijuana therapy for pain, the panel relied on over 400 peer-reviewed journal articles to make their evidence-based decision. The National Academy of Sciences also endorsed medical marijuana for chronic pain when “conventional therapies fail.” The panel noted the many side effects, and possible severe adverse effects, of both prescription opiates and over-the-counter pain relievers. The panel acknowledged that there were significantly fewer opiate overdose deaths in states with robust medical marijuana programs.

 
The panel said that opiate addiction is a “public health emergency” in America, the day before President Trump formally declared this emergency. Marijuana has been shown to be an effective substitute for pharmaceutical pain relievers and can also help ease the withdrawal from opiate addiction.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Public Comment Period on adding qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program

September 13, 2017

New Jersey Department of Health
Medicinal Marijuana Program
P.O. Box 360
Trenton, NJ 08625-0360
Attn: Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel

Re: Public Comment Period on adding qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program

To whom it may concern:

I want to thank the Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel (MMRP) for giving initial approval to 43 of the 45 petitions to add qualifying conditions to New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP).

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey (CMMNJ) submitted or contributed to eight of these petitions, seven of which were approved by the panel, so it was gratifying to see this affirmation of our efforts. The panel recognizes, as CMMNJ does, that there are a great many New Jersey residents who are currently suffering with conditions that could be helped by medical marijuana.

Our main concern is the agonizingly slow pace of the process to expand patient access to the MMP. It has been over one year since the Department of Health (DOH) accepted the petitions that it is now considering.  The MMRP made its initial recommendations to expand the program on 5/11/17, but it took two and a half months, until 7/25/17, for the DOH to post these recommendations on its web site and start the 60-day public comment period. These delays cause needless suffering.

CMMNJ urges the Commissioner of the DOH to end these delays and to adopt the final recommendations of the panel immediately, and not wait 180 days to do so. Thank you.

Sincerely,


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

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for Dec. 13, 2016

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #2 
Tuesday, December 13, 2016 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve October 2016 minutes. (No November meeting due to election day.) Discuss:

On Election Day, four states OK’d legal marijuana (California, Maine, Massachusetts and Nevada); four states OK’d medical marijuana (Arkansas, Florida, Montana and North Dakota). What can reform advocates expect from President-elect Trump?

NJ legislative delegation toured legal marijuana industry in CO. Sen. Scutari calls it "the next economic engine for the state." Sen. Sweeney: Recreational marijuana could be legal in N J by 2018.
Gov. Christie restates his opposition to marijuana, “The Gateway Drug.”

No word yet from the NJDOH on the Petitions to add qualifying conditions to the state’s MMP. A number of Petitions were submitted in August 2016

Bob Kane to report on U. of P. marijuana panel and Garden State Cannabis Consultants.

ASA releases challenge to DEA: REQUEST FOR CORRECTION OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATED BY DEA REGARDING MARIJUANA (CANNABIS)

Philippe Dume was welcomed onto the Board of CMMNJ at the Board meeting on 11-30-16.

Appellate Court heard oral arguments for marijuana rescheduling in NJ on 11/29/16 in Trenton. Arguing pro bono to reschedule were Joseph L. Linares, Esq. and Marc Haefner, Esq. from the Newark Walsh law firm.

Upcoming Events:  
“CMMNJ TV” will next tape on January 17, 2017, 10 am to 2 pm. Scheduled are…?
What Nurses Need to know about Medical Cannabis; UMCP 2/18/17, 8am – 1pm

Recent events: 10-26-16 TCNJ PoliSci: The Politics and Public Policy of Marijuana.
10-19-16: PCTV host Doris Robinson discussed medical marijuana with Ken Wolski, RN and Debi Madaio, RN at the PCTV studio in Piscataway, NJ.
10-18-16 CMMNJ TV episode with Dana Beal, Zoe Patchell & Tony Liberte.
Weekly Thursday Podcasts continued at the Statehouse until 11/17/16.

Treasury report: Checking: $2963; PayPal: $2643. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $1/apiece; 3 for $2. Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., 08648. All are welcome. (Meeting at the library does not imply Mercer County’s endorsement of our issue.) There will be no July 2017 mtng.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
(609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
October 11, 2016

September 2016 minutes were approved. The following issues were discussed:

Gov. Christie signed A457 into law on 9/14/16, making PTSD the first added condition to NJ's MMP. Thank you to the many volunteers and to the NJ legislators and the governor for making this happen. Potential regulations discussed.

NJ DOH accepted Petitions to add qualifying conditions to the state’s MMP. DPA submitted Petitions for Chronic Pain and PTSD; CMMNJ submitted Petitions for Osteoarthritis, Opiate Use Disorder, Autism, Anxiety, Migraine Headaches, & Neuropathic Pain. Public comment period should begin sometime in November 2016.

Asm. Carroll (R-Morris) introduced A4193 to legalize marijuana, treating it like tobacco, which is sold only to those over 19 years of age and expunging certain past marijuana offenses. Asm. Gusciora's bill A2068 would legalize the possession of an ounce or less and the growing of no more than three mature, flowering cannabis plants.

Jen Lehman, Asm. Greenwald’s aide, is coordinating testimony on A4026, creates “secondary” caregivers for MMP; eliminates psychiatrist requirement for minors; and OKs treatment with marijuana as a first resort, and for organ transplants; introduced to Assembly Health Committee. A3852, Asw. Lampitt’s bill, also in Health Committee, says parents may be caregivers for more than one minor, and parents may designate another caregiver, besides themselves, for a minor.

Thursday Podcasts from 11-2 pm will continue until Thanksgiving.

Juan Silva from Newark wants to work with CMMNJ. He runs an adult day care facility there.

CMMNJ toured Compassionate Sciences ATC; see Peter’s review of their new topicals.

H.R. 1538: CARERS Act of 2015 now has 41 cosponsors (27 Dems, 14 Reps).

NJ Weedman’s legal status discussed.

Upcoming Events: 
“CMMNJ TV” will next tape on 10/18/16. Scheduled are Zoe Patchell, Dana Beal and Tony L.

Recent events: CMMNJ tabled at Lawrence Community Day on 10/2/16.
Boston Freedom Rally, 9/17 & 18/2016.
NJ Celebrates Recovery, 9/18/16 Middletown Arts Center.
Dana Beal urges rescheduling of marijuana, various venues.
What Nurses Need to know about Medical Cannabis, 9/28/16, Schnecksville, PA.

Treasury report: Checking: $2166; PayPal: $3629. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--

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:

REQUEST FOR CORRECTION OF INFORMATION DISSEMINATED BY DEA REGARDING MARIJUANA (CANNABIS)
http://american-safe-access.s3.amazonaws.com/documents/DOJ%20IQA%20Petition.pdf

City again asks judge to dismiss NJ Weedman’s lawsuit
http://www.trentonian.com/article/TT/20161102/NEWS/161109940

How marijuana victories across the nation will now affect N.J.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/legal_weed_spreads_in_2016_election.html

Could marijuana legalization hit N.J. after 2018?
http://www.dailytargum.com/article/2016/11/marijuana-legalization-could-hit-n-j-after-2018

CMMNJ TV: CMMNJ Board Member Vanessa Maria is interviewed
https://vimeo.com/190717461?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=28749

NJ.COM: Marijuana legalization is on N.J.'s horizon | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/11/marijuana_legalization_is_on_njs_horizon_editorial.html

Legalization Advocates: Marijuana Could Bring in $300M in Revenue
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mhAL8VHUoX0

Philly420: Will Trump side with most Americans on cannabis?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Philly420-Trump-and-cannabis.html

Will Trump White House snuff out N.J. push to legalize marijuana?
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/will_a_trump_white_house_snuff_out_nj_push_to_lega.html

Tax revenue from legal pot would be 'blood money,' Christie says
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/legal_pot_tax_revenue_would_be_blood_money_christi.html

N.J. court asked to reconsider tough pot sentences
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/11/nj_medical_marijuana_law_should_trigger_lighter_cr.html

N.J. attorneys ask the court to 'reclassify' pot as a less dangerous drug
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/20161130_N_J__attorneys_ask_the_court_to__reclassify__pot_as_a_less_dangerous_drug.html

Ignorance Is No Excuse Tour: Michelle Burn's Journey to get her MMJ back from the BPD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fiSchVwtDgc&feature=youtu.be

Rally for marijuana legalization held in Newark (DE)
http://www.delawareonline.com/story/news/2016/12/04/rally-marijuana-legalization-held-newark/94972316/

Baby Boomers On Bud: Recreational Marijuana Use Rising Among Adults Over 50
https://tokesignals.com/baby-boomers-bud-recreational-marijuana-use-rising-among-adults-50/

Discrepancies Between Federal and State Marijuana Laws Pose Significant Barriers to Research – New Guidance Needed!
https://petitions.whitehouse.gov/petition/discrepancies-between-federal-and-state-marijuana-laws-pose-significant-barriers-research-new-guidance-needed

CMMNJ TV: Tony Liberte / INE Tour Mahwah
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDIgTJnTOTs

Dialogue With Doris: Medical Marijuana, The Issues and Hassles
http://vp.telvue.com/preview?id=T01255&video=294821

RANT! Medical Marijuana!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yn2RudFqA0s&feature=youtu.be

The TRUTH About Marijuana & Alzheimer’s [Controversial New Study Explained]
http://www.flusteredmom.com/2/post/2016/12/marijuana-cause-alzheimers-research-means.html

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for August 9, 2016

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, 
Room #2 
Tuesday, August 9, 2016 
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve June 2016 minutes. Discuss:

NJ DOH will accept Petitions to add qualifying conditions to the state’s MMP. Petitions must be sent by certified mail postmarked between 8/1 and 8/31/16; see NJ DOH website (News) for forms: http://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/

Senate Health Committee passes S2345 (to add PTSD to NJ's MMP) 6-3 on 6/16/16, Statehouse Annex, Trenton, NJ. Await vote in full NJ Senate (companion bill passed in Assembly.)

Ongoing Thursday Podcasts at the Trenton Statehouse continue 11-2 pm.

Interview with Jim Miller on NJ Capitol Report, taped at NJTV Studios in Newark on June 28th.

CMMNJ TV taped 7/12 in Princeton; the next taping date is scheduled for August 23, 2016.

Pennsylvania, the 24th medical marijuana state, is allowing parents to obtain medical marijuana for minors from out-of-state until their program is functioning.

NJWeedman Update: Judge will allow Forchion to argue that his ‘cannabis temple’ deserves religious freedom.

Upcoming Events: DNC events in Philadelphia: Connie’s Ric Rac 7/25/16 at 7 pm; and the East Coast Cannabis Coalition Rally near City Hall (Municipal Bldg.) on 7/26/16 from 3 to 5 pm.                      
“Forum on Addiction and Healing” with U.S. Surgeon General & U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs, St. Barnabas Medical Center, 8/8/16, 11:30 am to 12:30 pm.

"What Nurses Need to know about Medical Cannabis," Lehigh Carbon County Community College, 9/28/16, 8 AM to 1 PM Schnecksville, PA: http://www.eventbrite.com/e/what-nurses-need-to-know-about-medical-cannabis-presented-at-lehigh-carbon-county-community-college-tickets-26257362478?aff=Medical_Marijuana&afu=132746514236

Recent events:
CMMNJ tabled at Hemp Heals—thanks to our volunteers!                                                                   CMMNJ Meeting to develop education for NJ MDs, 6/23/16.
Clinton Health and Wellness Center, update on the NJ MMP, 6/25, noon-2 p.m.

Treasury report: Checking: $2053; PayPal: $3629. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $1/apiece; 3 for $2. Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., 08648. All are welcome. (Meeting at the library does not imply Mercer County’s endorsement of our issue.)

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (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 
June 14, 2016

Nine people attended including 4 Board Members. Members voted to accept May 2016 minutes without revision.

General discussion about activism and the need to engage one’s legislators. Jim led a history lesson in how he got the Governor to endorse Med MJ during his first campaign.

Group discussion of A457 (PTSD) and possibility of asking for the legislature to pass it to be made effective Nov 11 -Veteran’s Day.

Senate has S2345 as a companion sponsored by Scutari & Vitalli.

Discussion of the Fed Govt blocking MJ research.

Jim Price discussed his medical team efforts to interact with Doctors. He has excellent handouts and information to help Drs understand Med MJ.

There are favorable reports on the use of marijuana to treat pain from the first 13 states that allowed it for that condition, AND an AMA study documents reduced deaths from opiates in those states.
It was noted that the VA Doctors will not penalize veterans who use Med MJ in states where it is legal.

Discussion of the level of proof needed for the DoH to expand conditions. Jim M opined that he thought the panelists were sincere. Ed H. said the Commissioner makes the final decision and she serves at the will of the Governor.

Extensive report on the Podcasts and Miller’s interactions with the Governor.

Miller will be interviewed by Steve Adubato on June 28 th for which he is preparing diligently. No word on air date.

No agenda for the CMMNJ TV July 12 taping. (Ed) suggested that Miller discuss his Capitol Talk issues -esp if there has been no airing by then.

NO July 2016 Meeting, AND that National NORML bestowed on Ken Wolski the Honor of being awarded the Peter McWilliams Award. Miller explained who McWilliams was –a man who died in the medical MJ cause.

Write to Jon Peditto, SBI: 000175573D, unit 4R, c/o Southern State Correctional Facility, 4295 North Delsea Drive, P.O. Box 150, Belmont, New Jersey 08314

Upcoming Events: CMMNJ Meeting to develop education for NJ MDs, 6/23/16.
Clinton Health and Wellness Center, update on the NJ MMP, 6/25, noon-2 p.m.
Recent events: 
Global Marijuana March, 5/7/16, NYC & Rehoboth, DE; 5/8/16 Philadelphia.
Treasury report: Checking: $2152; PayPal: $3729. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5. Wholesale prices are available.
More info: Ken Wolski, RN, (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:

Got an illness that marijuana could help? N.J. wants to know http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2016/07/got_an_illness_that_marijuana_would_help_nj_seekin.html

STATE GIVES PATIENTS CHANCE TO SUGGEST MORE MALADIES FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/07/05/state-gives-patients-chance-to-suggest-more-maladies-for-medical-marijuana/

Think NJ’s medical marijuana program should cover more conditions? Fill out this form
http://nj1015.com/think-njs-medical-marijuana-program-should-cover-more-conditions-fill-out-this-form/?trackback=tsmclip

Advocates of New Jersey's medical marijuana program say petition process is ‘not genuine' http://www.njherald.com/article/20160713/ARTICLE/307139986

Should firefighter be fired because he is a medical marijuana patient? http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2016/07/nj_firefighter_and_medical_marijuana_patient_loses.html

Public health effects of legalized marijuana in New Jersey http://www.njherald.com/article/20160606/ARTICLE/306069995

What needs to happen for recreational marijuana to be legalized in N.J.? http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/06/what_will_it_take_for_nj_to_legalize_marijuana.html

Scutari Pushes for Marijuana Legalization Despite Resistance from Christie
http://politickernj.com/2016/06/scutari-pushes-for-marijuana-legalization-despite-resistance-from-christie/

Gusciora Talks Marijuana Legalization for Atlantic City, Expansion of Medical Use
http://politickernj.com/2016/06/gusciora-talks-marijuana-legalization-for-atlantic-city-expansion-of-medical-use/

Do you think we’ll ever see legalized marijuana in New Jersey?
http://nj1015.com/do-you-think-well-ever-see-legalized-marijuana-in-new-jersey/?trackback=tsmclip

POLL: WOULD THE GARDEN STATE BE GREENER IF WE LEGALIZED GRASS?
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/06/15/poll-would-the-garden-state-be-greener-if-we-legalized-grass/

NJ Assembly Passes Bill Allowing Medical Marijuana Use For PTSD
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/06/16/ptsd-medical-marijuana-nj/

Prepping for the Post-Christie Era: New Jersey Leaders Play the Long Game on Marijuana Legalization                                                                   https://www.leafly.com/news/headlines/prepping-for-the-post-christie-era-new-jersey-leaders-play-the-lo

VETERANS, LAWMAKERS ARGUE CASE TO USE MEDICAL MARIJUANA TO TREAT PTSD
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/16/06/16/veterans-lawmakers-argue-case-to-use-medical-marijuana-to-treat-ptsd/

NJ Votes To Expand Medical Marijuana Program
https://www.mintpressnews.com/nj-votes-expand-medical-marijuana-program/217688/

Fight isn't over for N.J. teen who won right to consume medical marijuana at school http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/06/7_months_ago_this_teen_won_the_right_to_use_edible.html

New Jersey State Senator Talks Up Pot Legalization After Colorado Visit
http://www.westword.com/news/new-jersey-state-senator-talks-up-pot-legalization-after-colorado-visit-8045915

THE WAR ON CANNABIS CLINICIANS
http://www.beyondthc.com/the-war-on-cannabis-clinicians/

CMMNJ TV: Veterans Cornered
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzsJfsEpWSs

CMMNJ TV: Leo Bridgewater
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mpC8270-37I

CMMNJ TV: William Haney
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Bhk9q8hc4w

CMMNJ TV: Philippe Dume
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2oQZJsYumlk

Medical cannabis laws in the USA are associated with a decline of absence from work due to sickness
http://www.cannabis-med.org/english/bulletin/ww_en_db_cannabis_artikel.php?id=484#1

2 Arrested After Marijuana Bust in West Greenwich
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q7DO4B0spCA

The Delicate Discussion of Marijuana & Minors
http://sjmagazine.net/cover-feature/the-delicate-discussion-of-marijuana-minors
                                                                                    SATIVA CROSS™ Live Stream
Streamed live on Jul 21, 2016                   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=95sYQQaiKiw

Why U.S. Doctors Love Opioids and Hate Marijuana for Chronic Pain http://labblog.uofmhealth.org/rounds/why-us-doctors-love-opioids-and-hate-marijuana-for-chronic-pain

Win for Weedman: He can argue ‘cannabis temple’ deserves religious freedom
http://nj1015.com/win-for-weedman-he-can-argue-cannabis-temple-deserves-religious-freedom/?trackback=fbshare_top&trackback=tsmclip

The Pot Law That Could Be 'Deal-Breaker for the Drug War'
http://www.rollingstone.com/politics/news/the-pot-law-that-could-be-deal-breaker-for-the-drug-war-20160705

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for June 14, 2016

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library 
Room #2
Tuesday, June 14, 2016  
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve May 2016 minutes. Discuss:

No CMMNJ public meeting in July 2016!

Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee passes A457 (to add PTSD to NJ's MMP) out of committee, 6/2/16 Statehouse Annex, Trenton, NJ.

NJ could reap $300 million/year in sales tax by legalizing marijuana for recreational use, according to NJ United for Marijuana Reform and NJ Policy Perspective.

Pennsylvania, the 24th medical marijuana state, is hiring a Director, Bureau of Medical Marijuana, Permanent Full-time. PA allows parents to import cannabis.

NJWeedman Update: Forchion arrested again and charged with harassing a Trenton P.O.  Appeal from 2010 arrest denied cert by SCOTUS on 5/16.

NJ DOH to add qualifying conditions to MMP--but when? Model petitions worked on.

Ongoing Thursday Podcasts at the Statehouse resumed April 7, 2016, 11-2 pm, Trenton.

Interview with Jim Miller on NJ Capitol Report with Steve Adubato, taping at the NJTV Studios (2 Gateway) in Newark on June 28th.

CMMNJ TV will be taping 7/12 in Princeton (there will be no public CMMNJ meeting in July due to a schedule conflict with the library).

NORML Lobby Day 5/23 & 24/16 Washington, DC. Ken won NORML's "Peter McWilliams Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medical Marijuana."

Write to Jon Peditto, SBI: 000175573D, unit 4R, c/o Southern State Correctional Facility, 4295 North Delsea Drive, P.O. Box 150, Belmont, New Jersey 08314

Upcoming Events: CMMNJ Meeting to develop education for NJ MDs, 6/23/16.
Clinton Health and Wellness Center, update on the NJ MMP, 6/25, noon-2 p.m.

Recent events: 
Global Marijuana March, 5/7/16, NYC & Rehoboth, DE; 5/8/16 Philadelphia.

Treasury report: Checking: $2152; PayPal: $3729. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5.  Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ's meetings are the 2nd Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., 08648. All are welcome.  (Meeting at the library does not imply Mercer County’s endorsement of our issue.)

More info:  Ken Wolski, RN, (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org   Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
May 10, 2016

Pennsylvania became the 24th medical marijuana state as Governor Wolf signed Senate Bill 3, on April 17, 2016. PTSD & chronic pain OK, but no flowers.
UNGASS 2016, 4/19-21, U.N., NYC. CMMNJ joined other NGOs & signed several statements in support of drug policy reform. Update from Bob Kane who represented CMMNJ at the U.N. with the Beckley Foundation. We hope for more progress at next UNGASS in 2019. There is still time to sign Beckley Foundation's Public Letter.
East Coast Cannabis Coalition passed a symbolic Joint from Maine to Florida. #‎UnityCypher‬ ‪#‎UnityTorch received in NYC, & passed to Trenton & Philly April 19-20.
NJWeedman Update: "Joint" & "Liberty Bell Temple" visited by LEOs 3/5/16 followed by injunction to stop harassment; raided by LEOs on 4/27/16 with multiple arrests and property confiscated. Appeal from 2010 arrest being reviewed by SCOTUS 5/12-5/16.
NJ DOH to add qualifying conditions for marijuana therapy; CMMNJ producing model petitions to DOH--Jim & Vanessa, PTSD; Ken, chronic pain; Peter, neuropathic pain.
Ongoing Thursday Podcasts at the Statehouse resumed 4/7/16; Press Release in 2 wks.
Breakwater ATC offers 5% discount to any patient with a CMMNJ t-shirt!
Nick Mellis agrees to chair a "Goodbye to Chris Christie Committee."
CMMNJ TV with Angie Patterson broadcast today and Friday on Princeton TV.
Jon Peditto mailing address: SBI 000175573D, unit 4R, c/o Southern State Correctional Facility,4295 North Delsea Drive, P.O. Box 150, Belmont, New Jersey  08314
Global Marijuana March, 5/7/16, NYC & Rehoboth, DE; 5/8/16 Philadelphia.
Amanda to put Beckley Foundation's Public Letter on the CMMNJ website.

Upcoming Events: NORML Lobby Day 5/23&24/16 Washington, DC. Ken to get "Peter McWilliams Award for Outstanding Achievement in Medical Marijuana," 5/23/16.

Recent events: NJLP convention 3/12/16, Tavern on the Lake, Hightstown, NJ.
NJ Senate & Assembly Budget Testimony, 3/15&16/16 Glassboro & Collingswood, NJ
ASA's Medical Marijuana Unity Conference, 3/18-22, Washington, D.C.
Patients Out of Time conference, 4/14-16/16, Baltimore.
Trenton 4/20, 2pm March from City Hall to Rally at Statehouse, After Party at The Joint.
CMMNJ Board meeting, 4/6/16.

Treasury report: Checking: $2234; PayPal: $3679. Multicolored hemp bands from Romania--Suggested retail price: $3/apiece; 2 for $5.  Wholesale prices are available.

More info:  Ken Wolski, RN, (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:

Legalizing marijuana would reap $300M a year in taxes for N.J., advocates say
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/legalizing_marijuana_would_net_300m_in_sales_taxes.html

Veterans Explore Benefits of Using Medical Marijuana for Treating PTSD
http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/veterans-explore-benefits-using-medical-marijuana-treating-ptsd/

Want to head Pa.'s medical marijuana program?
http://www.ydr.com/story/news/2016/05/09/pa-hiring-medical-marijuana-director/84132008/

Welcome to Drug War Facts
http://www.drugwarfacts.org/cms/#sthash.6p0Hjfa2.ZGC8RqVR.dpbs

Can CBD Mitigate Psychotic Symptoms? Initial Research Is Promising
http://reset.me/study/can-cbd-mitigate-psychotic-symptoms-initial-research-is-promising/

ACNA Newsletter - 2016 Issue #2
http://us12.campaign-archive2.com/?u=be478547912f7309b4b6ced4f&id=98fd919c95&e=02acd95cdf"cdf

U.S. Supreme Court declines to hear NJ Weedman's case
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2016/05/us_supreme_court_declines_to_hear_nj_weedmans_case.html

It's time courts kept up with NJ Weedman's pot legalization battles | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/05/nj_weedman_reflects_changing_attitude_toward_pot_e.html

NJ Weedman taunts police outside his restaurant (VIDEO)
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2016/05/watch_nj_weedman_taunts_police_in_front_of_his_res.html#comments

Joint Boyz TV - NJ Weedman Comes Home After Being Arrested for Cyber Bullying
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jU-dCO5hOk4&app=desktop"app=desktop

SativaCross Productions Live Stream 5/12/16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jcHngDNG0_c

Global Cannabis March Rehoboth Beach, Delaware May 7, 2016
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXjV7dhu4t4&feature=youtu.be"feature=youtu.be

Medical Professionals Voice Their Concerns (Part 1)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9EFaixOHEc&feature=youtu.be&list=PL-y34Yw-HlzysXvtNnX7M6lDpxPrnibi1

Why Medical Cannabis Patients Call 9-1-1 (Part 2)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDVAEMpq2Yw

What Conditions Does Cannabis Effectively Treat? (Part 3, Chronic Pain & Sleep Disorders)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JY7KYRBzVXQ

N.J.'s medical marijuana program, six years later
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/njs_medical_marijuana_program_through_the_years.html

Pennsylvania Allows Parents to Import Cannabis for Treatment
http://freedomleaf.com/pennsylvania-allows-parents-import-cannabis-treatment/

8 Incredible Moms Fighting For Their Kids Lives
http://herb.co/2016/05/29/super-moms/

SativaCross Productions Live Stream
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NNqE4eD0-PM

Philly420: Temple PhD brings high standards to testing pot
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Temple_PhD_brings_high_standards_to_testing_pot_.html#xoSPJUE7g3f2L02z.99

War vets with PTSD shouldn't be denied medical marijuana | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/06/ptsd_sufferers_need_relief_from_medical_marijuana.html

Lesniak: Marijuana in N.J. should be decriminalized, but not legalized - yet | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/06/lesniak_marijuana_should_be_decriminalized_in_nj_b.html

Medical pot proposal before N.J. Supreme Court could ease lawyers’ fears
http://www.northjersey.com/news/medical-pot-proposal-before-n-j-supreme-court-could-ease-lawyers-fears-1.1607518

Marijuana on Memorial Day: Vets Help Reform Effort
http://freedomleaf.com/marijuana-on-memorial-day-vets-help-reform-effort/

Ignorance Is No Excuse Tour: Trenton's War on Black Medical Marijuana Patients
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iSjWUbPaVb4

Pro-marijuana lawmaker's excellent adventure | The Auditor
http://blog.nj.com/njv_auditor/2016/05/nick_scutaris_excellent_advent.html

Marijuana or martinis: Should government choose for you? | Moran
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2016/05/marijuana_or_martinis_should_government_choose_for.html#incart_2box_opinion

SativaCross Productions Live Stream 5/28/16
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S3zZpmQ-KjQ

Philly420: Could NJ become pot tourism destination?
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/Philly420_Could_NJ_become_pot_tourism_destination.html#gUmZG1vfJ1mk7XDK.99

N.J. vets desperately need medical marijuana for PTSD, patients say
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/05/medical_marijuana_would_aid_nj_vets_with_ptsd_pati.html#incart_river_home

Medical Marijuana Use Now Allowed at Hillsborough Schools
http://patch.com/new-jersey/hillsborough/medical-marijuana-use-allowed-hillsborough-schools-0

Smoking Out the Tristate Area: Employer Concerns with Local Medical Marijuana Laws
http://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=1e8aeccb-8d0e-499c-953a-3f192f9188e3