CMMNJ Jan. 12, 2016 Public Meeting Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #2
Tuesday, January 12, 2016, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve December 2015 minutes. Note change from Room #3 to Room #2 for 2016 meetings. Discuss:

CMMNJ testified at the Senate Health Committee on 12/21/15. Two marijuana bills were considered: S3162, to ensure workplace protections for medical marijuana patients was released from committee; S2898, to authorize medical marijuana for qualifying patients with PTSD was discussed (thanks to J. Miller) but not voted on at the hearing.  Chairman Vitale thought S2898 would pass out of committee at a subsequent hearing.

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9 to require schools to permit oral marijuana use by qualified patients, but the Barbour lawsuit continues so that nurses can administer it.

CMMNJ Year End Report for 2015 was published; detailed account/audit of finances sent to Board members.

Upcoming Events: 
Jon Peditto sentencing January 2016, Toms River--faces 10 year minimum (he was very pleased to get the $200 and the letter from NJWeedman's 420 POW fundraiser on 12/20).
“CMMNJ TV” taping 1/19/16 at Princeton Community TV Studio, 10 am to 2 pm; Mary Lynn Mathre, RN scheduled to appear by Skype.
American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA) meeting scheduled for NJWeedman's "Joint" at 322 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 7pm to 8:30 pm
Free, live streaming "Cannabis Health Summit," 1/23 & 1/24; http://cannabishealthsummit.com/
Patients Out of Time conference, 4/14-16/16, Baltimore.

Treasury report: Checking: $2335; PayPal: $3650. 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/?fref=ts

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
December 8, 2015

November 2015 minutes approved.  December meeting was podcast by SativaCross.
See: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wMNI_LGKC9E

Historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16/15, with NJUMR Press Conference, and Die In at the State House, Trenton.

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients.  Barbour lawsuit continues to have nurses administer it.

Upcoming Events: Jon Peditto sentencing 12/23, Toms River--faces 10 year minimum.
(Late note: Peditto sentencing was postponed to January 2016.)
Obama: Fire DEA head for calling medical marijuana a joke--over 100,000 agree. California judge to DEA: Stop interfering with state mediccal marijuana laws!
Food & clothing drive, "NJ Weedman's Joint" 322 E. State St., Trenton, until 12/19.
2016 CMMNJ meetings will be in Room #2 at the Lawrence Library--no mtngs. April or July of 2016.
Ken: ask Asm. Gusciora if S2898 (PTSD bill) can get a hearing in Senate Health Committee.

Recent events: “CMMNJ TV” taping 12/1/15 at Princeton Community TV Studio--great interviews with Ari Rosmarin from NJ ACLU and Dr. David Nathan from NJUMR.
"Ethical Decisions & Medical Marijuana" TREC Conference, Burlco College, 11/10/15.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12 & 11/15.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts--party marking suspension of regular podcasts 11/19 after 34 straight weeks (4/2/15 to 11/19/15) rain or shine.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Compassionate Sciences ATC is offering 20% discount (1/4 oz. for $65).
Legalization Resolution tabled by Trenton City Council on 11/5/15; Voorhees, Camden?

Treasury report: Checking: $2527; PayPal: $3626. Check for $155 sent to Jim Miller for podcast expenses. 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/?fref=ts

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


Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

Judges nix evidence found in medical marijuana patient's home
http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2015/12/appeals_court_upholds_ruling_favoring_medical_mari.html

N.J. Senate panel approves job protection for medical marijuana patients
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/12/senate_panel_approves_job_protection_for_medical_m.html

Philly420: Two bills that would expand N.J. medical marijuana law debated
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/Philly420_two_senate_bills_NJ_medical_marijuana_law.html#fyK3BmiiDeeOdl4z.99

STORIES OF THE YEAR: NJ Weedman opens businesses across from Trenton City Hall
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20151228/stories-of-the-year-nj-weedman-opens-businesses-across-from-trenton-city-hall

CMMNJ TV: Dr. David Nathan
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yZEJs0Jwkxc

Prioritizing Alcohol Prevention: Establishing Alcohol as the Gateway Drug and Linking Age of First Drink With Illicit Drug Use.
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26645418

GUSCIORA: Legalized pot could revitalize Atlantic City
http://www.app.com/story/opinion/columnists/2016/01/04/legal-marijuana-atlantic-city/78262654/?fb_action_ids=10153332836538657&fb_action_types=og.comments

Our view: No reason for N.J. to rush to legalize marijuana
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/editorials/our-view-no-reason-for-n-j-to-rush-to/article_0702f529-c3a1-5927-a044-d5f518adc201.html?fb_action_ids=10153318447533657&fb_action_types=og.comments

Marijuana decriminalization law begins today (Delaware)
http://delawarestatenews.net/news/marijuana-decriminalization-law-begins-today/

O’Shaughnessy’s Winter 2015/16 (the new issue is out)
http://www.beyondthc.com/

Here’s How Many People Fatally Overdosed On Marijuana Last Year
http://dailyamerica.info/heres-how-many-people-fatally-overdosed-on-marijuana-last-year/

Philly420: 2015 proved greening of America well underway
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/breaking/Philly420_2015_proved_greening_of_America_well_underway.html#jEXSciCdAdHG2SSm.99

CMMNJ December 2015 Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3
Tuesday, December 8, 2015, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve November 2015 minutes.  Discuss:

Historic Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16/15, with NJUMR Press Conference, and Die In at the State House, Trenton.

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients.  Barbour lawsuit continues to have nurses administer it.

Upcoming Events: Jon Peditto sentencing 12/23, Toms River--faces 10 year minimum.
Obama: Fire DEA head for calling medical marijuana a joke--over 100,000 agree.
Food & clothing drive, "NJ Weedman's Joint" 322 E. State St., Trenton, until 12/19.

Recent events: “CMMNJ TV” taping 12/1/15 at Princeton Community TV Studio.
"Ethical Decisions & Medical Marijuana" TREC Conference, Burlco College, 11/10/15.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12, 11/15 & 11/29.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts--party marking suspension of regular podcasts 11/19.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Legalization Resolution tabled by Trenton City Council on 11/5/15; Voorhees, Camden?

Treasury report: Checking: $2527; PayPal: $3626. 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/?fref=ts

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
November 10, 2015 

Nov. 2015--CMMNJ celebrates 10 years of meeting at the Lawrence Library!

Gov. Christie signed A4587 on 11/9/15—Requires schools to permit medical marijuana use by qualifying patients.  Barbour lawsuit continues to have nurses administer it.

CMMNJ poll of legislators' opinion on marijuana reform--no replies.

Upcoming Events: This Veteran's Day, Don't Thank Us, HELP US!
Senate Judiciary Committee hearing to legalize marijuana for adults in NJ, 11/16.
2015 Reform Conference, 11/18-21/15, Crystal Gateway Marriott, Arlington, VA.
Roland Ramos scheduling events in Newark galleries 11/12, 11/15 & 11/29.
Thursday Statehouse Podcasts  11am-2pm: see Facebook “Friends of CMMNJ” or Sativa Cross for details. “Magic Butter Machine” raffled off monthly--retail value $200.
TREC Conference Burlington County Conference, 11/10/15.

Recent events: ACLU NJ Annual Meeting, Princeton, NJ 10/20/15.
Jon Peditto Guilty! Faces 10 year mandatory minimum 12/23; no mercy in Toms River.
Philadelphia Veterans Protest with Mike Whiter, Independence Hall, noon, 11/8/15.
Breakwater ATC opened in Cranbury, NJ on 10/15, making a total of 5 ATCs in NJ.
Bob Kane and the Irish legislature's support for harm reduction.
Paul Abramson, Mid-Atlantic rep of MJBA trade assn. gave an update on his company.
Trenton Resolution to legalize marijuana tabled by City Council on 11/5/15.
“CMMNJ TV” October taping cancelled--no guests.  December 1 taping scheduled.

Treasury report: Checking: $2506; PayPal: $3626. 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

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

Mounting Pressure on DEA Head to Resign for Calling Medical Marijuana “A Joke”
http://www.thedailychronic.net/2015/50045/mounting-pressure-on-dea-head-to-resign-for-calling-medical-marijuana-a-joke/

Congressman Calls For DEA Chief's Removal After He Calls Medical Marijuana A 'Joke'
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/earl-blumenauer-dea-chief_564ca653e4b06037734be861

Drug War Statistics
http://www.drugpolicy.org/drug-war-statistics

New Jersey Teen with Epilepsy and Autism Wins Right to Take Medical Marijuana at School
http://www.people.com/article/new-jersey-teen-genny-barbour-wins-fight-medical-marijuana-school

Marijuana Mercy
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yVzbgzGcSVE

Testimony to the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults
http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2015/11/testimony-to-nj-senate-judiciary.html

CMMNJ BY SativaCross.com 11/16 PART TWO
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zosX9ezhR2M

Pro Cannabis Senator Won't Back Down from Battle with Chris Christie
https://www.civilized.life/new-jersey-senate-hearing-on-legalization-1462215467.html

Should N.J. legalize marijuana? See what top lawmakers say
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/11/should_nj_legalize_marijuana_top_lawmakers_are_split.html

Overheard at This Week’s Marijuana Hearing
http://politickernj.com/2015/11/overheard-at-this-weeks-marijuana-hearing/

NJ Lawmakers Consider Marijuana Legalization
http://www.njlawjournal.com/id=1202742569099/NJ-Lawmakers-Consider-Marijuana-Legalization?slreturn=20151027140418#ixzz3sENRdkWE

NJ Weedman’s Passing the Joint: Free all pot prisoners first
http://www.trentonian.com/opinion/20151119/nj-weedmans-passing-the-joint-free-all-pot-prisoners-first

Nov. 16, 2015: NJTV News (coverage--3 minutes worth--starts at the 11:15 mark)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nN2Z25i4Kow

With Trenton hearing, legal pot movement goes mainstream
http://www.capitalnewyork.com/article/new-jersey/2015/11/8583119/trenton-hearing-legal-pot-movement-goes-mainstream

BATTLE OVER LEGALIZING MARIJUANA TAKING SHAPE IN NEW JERSEY
http://6abc.com/news/battle-over-legalizing-marijuana-taking-shape-in-new-jersey/1087331/

Legalize recreational marijuana in N.J.? Supporters to pitch for it at hearing
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2015/11/marijuana_legalization_supporters_will_testify_at.html

CMMNJ TV: James Babb--Jury Nullification
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QsiyrPtNwBc

BILL CARUSO/CHRIS GOLDSTEIN ON CMMNJ SATIVACROSS.COM PODDCAST
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/77529685/highlight/666923

Philly420: N.J. marijuana arrests increasing as senator eyes legalization
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/politics/Philly420_NJ_marijuana_arrests_increasing_as_senator_eyes_legalization.html#WV6YuiJa2K4dvKGl.99

Cannabis Legalization Back on the Agenda at Senate Hearing
http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/cannabis-legalization-back-on-the-agenda-at-senate-hearing/

The DEA has failed to eradicate marijuana. Now Congress wants it to stop trying.
https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/wonk/wp/2015/11/27/the-dea-has-failed-to-eradicate-marijuana-now-congress-wants-it-to-stop-trying/?postshare=4741448652492534&tid=ss_fb-bottom

STUDY: Medical Marijuana Is Safe Long-Term
http://growcompare.eu/study-medical-marijuana-is-safe-long-term/

STUDY: Marijuana Users 50% Less Likely To Develop Metabolic Syndrome
http://growcompare.eu/study-marijuana-users-50-percent-less-likely-to-develop-metabolic-syndrome/

Cannabis for the Treatment of Cancer
by Justin Kander
http://www.drugpolicy.org/sites/default/files/Cannabis_and_Cancer_ARblog_081115.pdf

Trudeau Gives Justice Minister Mandate To Legalize Cannabis
https://www.civilized.life/trudeau-gives-justice-minister-mandate-to-legalize-1453717497.html

CMMNJ BY SativaCross.com 11/19
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GMsaGbVW0Lk

LTE in the "New Jersey Monthly" December 2015 issue (not available online):

"NEXT EXIT: MARIJUANA"

In Steve Abudato’s column, “Heroin: An Uphill Battle” (November 2015) he neglects to mention another weapon in the battle against opioid overdose deaths—marijuana. The Journal of the American Medical Association noted in 2014 that, "States with medical cannabis laws had a 24.8 percent lower mean annual opioid overdose mortality rate compared with states without medical cannabis laws."* (New Jersey’s anemic medical marijuana program was not included in the survey.)

Far from being a “gateway” drug, marijuana is actually an “exit drug”—it serves as a substitute and helps to wean people off more dangerous and addicting prescription drugs, street drugs and even alcohol.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
Trenton

*Bachhuber et al. Medical Cannabis Laws and Opioid Analgesic Overdose Mortality in the United States, 1999-2010. JAMA Intern Med. 2014.

Testimony to the NJ Senate Judiciary Committee in support of legalizing, taxing and regulating marijuana for adults

November 16, 2015

Chairman Scutari and members of the committee, thank you for the opportunity to address this issue.

My name is Ken Wolski.  I am Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey, Inc.  (CMMNJ)   I am a registered nurse (RN) with 39 years experience in New Jersey & Pennsylvania.  I've studied the issue of medical marijuana for over 20 years.  My resume is included in the packet of material I have provided to the committee, along with some recent articles I have published on the subject.  I have also included testimony from people who could not be here today.

New Jersey's Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) is a failure.  When the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed into law in Jan., 2010, the Legislature found and declared that:

• there was “beneficial use for marijuana in treating or alleviating the pain or other symptoms associated with certain debilitating medical conditions” and,
• that this “law will have the practical effect of protecting from arrest the vast majority of seriously ill people who have a medical need to use marijuana.”

That has simply not happened in the nearly 6 years since this bill became law:

• only five (5) ATCs are open--that's like having 5 pharmacies in the entire state;
• about 350 doctors are in the MMP--out of over 30,000 physicians in the state; and,
• about 5000 patients have MMP ID cards, in a state with almost 9 million people.

Marijuana has enormous therapeutic potential, but:

• most people who could benefit from marijuana therapy do not have one of the severely limited qualifying conditions;
• those who do have a qualifying condition find the application process and/or the Regulations too difficult, or too time-consuming to manage; and,
• even those who manage to get an ID card find the program too expensive to afford.

The Department of Health was empowered by the legislation to add qualifying conditions at any time, but they are still not even accepting applications to do so.

Who are the patients who can benefit from marijuana therapy?  The remarkable diversity of therapeutic effects of marijuana often make me shake my head in disbelief.

In 1993 I met an asthma patient who told me that smoking marijuana was the only thing that helped his asthma.  This went against everything that I believed and taught for the first 17 years that I was a nurse.  I repeatedly cautioned asthma patients to avoid any kind of smoke because it might trigger an asthma attack, which can be fatal.  Then other asthma patients told me the same thing.  Then I read a study that showed that the bronchodilator effects of marijuana along with the anti-anxiety effects overcame the irritant effects of the smoke.  Now I believe that smoking marijuana can help some asthma patients.

In 2003 I met Cheryl Miller who was dying of multiple sclerosis while waging a nationwide campaign for medical marijuana.  She died a few months after I met her and there was a memorial service for her in Washington, D.C. a little after that. At the service, I met a woman from California who had MS and who was in a wheelchair, as the MS had already paralyzed her legs.  This woman told me a remarkable thing.  She said, "Ken, when I smoke marijuana, my MS stops getting worse."  I didn't believe that was possible.  Yet five years later, in 2008, the National MS Society published an Expert Opinion Paper that said marijuana is neuroprotective and that it may delay or even stop the progression of these incurable neurological conditions like MS.

I've suspended my disbelief when I hear remarkable stories of marijuana's therapeutic usefulness.

Consider the range of diseases, symptoms and conditions that New Jersey recognizes marijuana as useful for:

• Seizures
• Glaucoma
• Muscle spasticity
• Neurological conditions
• Bowel conditions like Crohn's Disease
• HIV/AIDS and Cancer, if chronic pain, nausea or the wasting syndrome 
• Any terminal illness if there's less than 12 months to live.

That's just the tip of the iceberg.  There are hundreds of physical conditions, besides AIDS and cancer, that are characterized by chronic pain, nausea, or the wasting syndrome.

Plus, there are a host of mental and emotional conditions that can be helped by marijuana therapy.

Twenty-two (22) veterans commit suicide every day in the U.S. because PTSD is so poorly managed by traditional pharmaceuticals, yet marijuana shows great promise in the management of this condition. One of the cannabinoids in marijuana, CBD, is being used with great success in Europe in treating schizophrenia.  Bipolar disorder, crippling anxiety, and Attention Deficit Disorder can also be managed with marijuana.

Marijuana can do all these remarkable things because scientists have recently discovered the system in the human body that interacts with cannabinoids, the components of marijuana.  The system is called the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) and it is, in part, a series of receptors in every organ of the body for cannabinoids.  The pharmaceutical industry is developing synthetic drugs to manipulate this system and the federal government has a patent on the neuroprotective and antiinflammatory components of this system.

Yet the ECS is only mentioned in 14% of the medical schools in the U.S.

There are hundreds of thousands of people in New Jersey who could benefit from marijuana therapy--perhaps a million or more.  After all, if you live in the Garden State:

• you have a 1 in 3 chance of having a cancer diagnosis at some point in your life;  
• you have a 1 in 3 chance of having chronic pain--pain that lasts 6 months or more; and,  
• we all die, and marijuana helps with some of the common problem associated with terminal illnesses like no other drug.

This is why CMMNJ endorsed legalization of marijuana in New Jersey.  It is the most efficient and effective way to get the therapeutic benefits of marijuana to the vast number of patients who can benefit from it.

CMMNJ believes that marijuana legalization here is inevitable--it's just a question of time.  But we need to learn from the failures of the MMP.  We need to empower people to produce their own medicine. Home cultivation of a limited amount of marijuana could have a very positive effect on the public health of New Jersey residents.  It ensures access to the benefits of this plant, regardless of income status.  It can slash health care costs significantly by reducing the need for expensive pharmaceuticals, hospitalizations, and surgical procedures.  In states with home cultivation there is a 25% reduction in opiate overdose deaths.  The very act of growing a living plant can have a positive effect on a dying person.  The NJ State Senate already approved home cultivation in Feb., 2009 when the CUMMA was working its way through the legislature.  This time, let's make sure we keep home cultivation as part of the law to legalize, regulate and tax marijuana in New Jersey.

Thank you for your attention.

Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA
Trenton, NJ

CMMNJ Minutes for June 2015 Public Meeting

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
June 9, 2015

A NJ Senate Health Committee hearing is scheduled for Monday, 6/15/15 at 1:00 pm in Committee Room #1 in the Statehouse Annex to take public testimony on the following bills that CMMNJ supports:
S2898 - Authorizes medical marijuana for qualifying patients with PTSD.
S2899 - OKs transfer of excess medical marijuana between ATCs.

“CMMNJ TV”—episode taped 5/27, next taping: 6/30, noon to 4 pm. Guests?
June Thursday demonstrations at the Statehouse continue 6/11, 18 & 25, 11 am to 2 pm.

News: Gov. Christie vows to eliminate legalized marijuana if elected president.
U.S. House votes to stop DEA & DOJ from interfering with state medical marijuana laws, 6/3.
HUD’s policy “guidelines” for medical marijuana patients—evict them even if no conviction!
Former head of NJ’s MMP, John O’Brien, is now compliance officer at Pallia Tech in NY.
National Geographic and Time both have very positive cover stories on marijuana.

CMMNJ Patient Handbook is available--$10 donation suggested.  Handbooks should be in ATCs—letter sent to DOH asking permission for this today.

Upcoming Events: Trial of Jon Peditto, Toms River; 8/3/15; jury nullification attempt.
Smoke Down Prohibition 2.0: The Return, Friday, 7/10/15 at 4 pm in Love Park, Philly.
Slightly Stoopid, Stone Pony, Asbury Park, 7/11/15—Eric & Amanda volunteered.
Oaksterdam Certification Class, Washington, D.C., 6/27 & 6/28 ($600 for 13 hours).
Barbour lawsuit against LARC School & Maple Shade BOE.
Fundraiser for CMMNJ? CMMNJ needs to participate in more community events to raise funds and to collect more email addresses.

Recent events: "Patients Out of Time" conference, W. Palm Beach, Florida, 5/21-23/15.
NJWeedman’s appellate court oral arguments, 5/27, Hughes Justice Complex. Trenton.
NJ United for Marijuana Reform conference call, 5/7/15. https://www.njumr.org

Treasury report: Checking: $2401; PayPal: $3749.

CMMNJ's meetings are the second 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

Senate votes to re-evaluate medical marijuana rules

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 12/13/2010

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey CMMNJ

www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

Chris Goldstein media@cmmnj.org

Senate votes to re-evaluate medical marijuana rules

Today the New Jersey state Senate passed resolution ACR 151/SCR 130 by a vote of 22 to 16.

The entire legislature has now agreed that Governor Christie's proposed rules are outside the intent of the law. The Assembly passed the resolution on November 22nd.

CMMNJ is pleased that the New Jersey Legislature heard the concerns of severely ill residents in the continued fight for fair and legal access to marijuana. The vote today sends a strong message to the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) as well as Governor Christie that officials need to craft more reasonable rules for the medical cannabis program. This can only be accomplished by engaging in a transparent process that involves patients and advocates.

Now that the resolution has passed in the Senate and the Assembly there is a 30-day window for DHSS to re-write the regulations.

If the re-write is not accomplished or not crafted to the approval of the legislature then either house may call a public hearing on the medical marijuana regulations. The transcript of those hearings would be placed on the desk of all legislators for consideration on how to proceed.

CMMNJ hopes that Governor Christie is sincere in his effort to bring legal cannabis to qualifying NJ residents as soon as possible rather than continuing a protracted effort to alter the law.

More info is at www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

Chris Goldstein 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.