March 14, 2017 CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Room #1 
Tuesday, March 14, 2017 
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve February 2017 minutes. Discuss:

NJ DOH Medicinal Marijuana Program Review Panel held a Public Hearing in Trenton 2/22/17 for additional testimony to 45 Petitions that would add qualifying conditions to the MMP. Additional comments are accepted through 3/8/17. The Panel will make initial recommendations to the DOH Commissioner, after which there will be a 60 public comment period, followed by the Panel’s final recommendations.  Then the Commissioner has 180 days to make final decision.

NJ legalization bill expected soon—what do we hope will be in it? Home cultivation? Expungement of records? Workplace protection? Reparations to minorities? What strategies support the legalization in NJ in 2017? Educational efforts, Coalition building, demonstrations, Media & Social Media outreach.

PA Auditor General says, “Regulate and tax marijuana.”

Upcoming Events:  Harrisburg, PA: Decriminalization Rally 4/19/17 11:30 am.
“CMMNJ TV” will next tape on March 21, 2017, 10 am to 2 pm. Guests?
“Meet the Experts, Atlantic City B2B Spring Break” 3/18&19 http://www.meetexperts.org/
ASA Unity Conference, The Role of Cannabis in Modern Medicine, Washington, D.C., 4/7-11.
http://www.nationalmedicalcannabisunityconference.org/
Patients Out of Time 11th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics:
Cannabis: Protecting Patients and Reducing Harm, May 18-20, 2017, Berkeley, CA http://www.medicalcannabis.com/2017-national-clinical-conference-on-cannabis-therapeutics/

Recent Events:  
What Nurses Need to Know about Medical Cannabis; UMCP 2/18; 5CEUs for 100 RN’s.

Treasury report: Checking: $2673; PayPal: $2680 (70 t-shirts purchased). 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, MPA
(609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com http://www.cmmnj.org
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
February 14, 2017

January 2017 Minutes approved.

NJ DOH Panel will consider 45 Petitions to add qualifying conditions to the Medicinal Marijuana Program. A Public Comment period is expected soon—be prepared! For a list of the conditions, see: http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2017/01/petitions-to-nj-doh-panel.html              
For links to each Petition, see:
http://www.nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/review-panel/petitions2016.shtml

Re: Tourette Syndrome (MMP -042) Diana spoke of her 17 y/o son with TS and the severe symptoms he experienced (tics, screams, destructive behavior and abuse by peers) and the remarkable response he had to a trial dose of cannabinoids.
Re: Opioid Use Disorder (MMP – 063) Jack spoke of his son Tom’s heroin addiction, the 5 stints in rehab, the 20% addiction cure rate, the 5% Drug Court cure rate & the need for marijuana Rx.
These are the stories that the Medical Review Panel needs to hear!

NJ legalization bill expected soon. What strategies should we pursue to advance the support for legalization of marijuana in NJ in 2017? Educational efforts, Coalition building, demonstrations, Media & Social Media outreach.  New website touts NJ reform: https://www.3fronts.org/
Randy Thompson’s work in A. P. discussed (getting mayor & council to endorse legalization).

New Jersey Cannabusiness Association (NJCBA): Trade association focused on supporting the growing legal cannabis industry. http://www.newjerseycannabusiness.com/

Upcoming Events:  
“CMMNJ TV” will next tape on 2/28/17 (Ricardo Rivera & Brian Haydon of 3fronts scheduled).
What Nurses Need to Know about Medical Cannabis; UMCP 2/18/17, 8am – 1pm.
“Meet the Experts, Atlantic City B2B Spring Break” 3/18&19 http://www.meetexperts.org/
“Benefits of medical marijuana” at MS self-help group, Hunterdon Co., 2/25 noon

Treasury report: Checking: $3152; PayPal: $2622.

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

N.J. lawmakers will vote on legalizing marijuana despite Trump's new Attorney General
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/nj_lawmakers_will_vote_on_legalizing_pot_despite_t.html

N.J. migraine, chronic pain patients seek OK to use medical marijuana
http://www.philly.com/philly/news/new_jersey/NJ-migraine-chronic-pain-patients-seek-OK-to-use-medical-marijuana-.html

14 Marijuana Jobs In New Jersey: ‘Cannabusiness’ Grows In The Garden State
http://patch.com/new-jersey/montclair/14-marijuana-jobs-new-jersey-cannabusiness-grows-garden-state

When Retirement Comes With a Daily Dose of Cannabis
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/19/nyregion/retirement-medicinal-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20170219&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0

What should medical marijuana treat in N.J.? Public gets its say Wednesday
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/what_should_medical_marijuana_treat_public_gets_it.html

Chronic pain considered for medical marijuana use in New Jersey
http://www.philly.com/philly/health/Chronic-pain-considered-for-medical-marijuana-use-in-New-Jersey.html

Panel Considers Adding Ailments Medical Marijuana Can Treat
http://www.njtvonline.org/news/video/panel-considers-adding-ailments-medical-marijuana-can-treat/

N.J. patients beg: Treat pain with medical marijuana instead of opioids
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/patients_beg_to_let_medical_marijuana_treat_pain_m.html

NJ mulls expanding medical marijuana — Could this help combat heroin epidemic?
http://nj1015.com/nj-mulls-expanding-medical-marijuana-could-this-help-combat-heroin-epidemic/?trackback=tsmclip

PAIN PATIENTS URGE NJ MEDICINAL MARIJUANA PANEL TO INCLUDE THEM IN PROGRAM
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/17/02/22/pain-patients-urge-nj-medicinal-marijuana-panel-to-include-them-in-program/

Everything you need to know about N.J.'s medical marijuana program
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/02/heres_how_njs_medical_marijuana_grew_last_year.html

See why this medical marijuana producer is selling the most in the state
http://www.nj.com/camden/index.ssf/2017/02/see_why_south_jersey_medical_marijuana_producer_is.html

It's time to expand N.J.'s medical marijuana program | Editorial
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/02/its_time_to_expand_the_medical_marijuana_program_e.html

As Trump Said in the Campaign, Leave Pot to the States
https://www.nytimes.com/2017/02/27/opinion/as-trump-said-in-the-campaign-leave-pot-to-the-states.html?emc=edit_tnt_20170227&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y

Despite what Trump and Christie say, truth is cannabis more beneficial than not | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/03/trump_christie_are_misinformed_cannabis_is_more_beneficial_than_not.html

Auditor General DePasquale Recommends Regulating, Taxing Marijuana as Right Move to Help Deal with Critical Issues
http://www.paauditor.gov/press-releases/auditor-general-depasquale-recommends-regulating-taxing-marijuana-as-right-move-to-help-deal-with-critical-issues

MEET THE EXPERTS, B2B Spring Break, Atlantic City, March 18th & 19th
https://www.meetexperts.org/

Using marijuana to treat chronic pain might help cut down on opioid abuse
https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/using-marijuana-to-treat-chronic-pain-might-help-cut-down-on-opioid-abuse/2017/02/24/518fbec2-f84e-11e6-bf01-d47f8cf9b643_story.html?utm_term=.6d70e518ceb5

Dr. Oz Looks at Medical Marijuana as a Potential Cure for Opioid Addiction
https://healthimpactnews.com/2016/dr-oz-looks-at-medical-marijuana-as-a-potential-cure-for-opioid-addiction/

15 Nursing Contact Hours! All Inclusive Medical Cannabis Conference Montego Bay, Jamaica
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/15-nursing-contact-hours-all-inclusive-medical-cannabis-conference-at-iberostar-in-montego-bay-tickets-28970659021?aff=MontegoBay&afu=39231686818

NJ Weedman arrested on witness tampering
http://www.app.com/story/news/crime/jersey-mayhem/2017/03/03/nj-weedman-arrested-witness-tampering/98719178/

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for September 13, 2016

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #2 
Tuesday, September 13, 2016 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve August 2016 minutes. Discuss:

NJ DOH accepted Petitions to add qualifying conditions to the state’s MMP between 8/1/16 and 8/31/16. DPA submitted Petitions for Chronic Pain and PTSD; CMMNJ submitted Petitions for Osteoarthritis, Opiate Use Disorder, Autism, Anxiety, Migraine Headaches, & Neuropathic Pain.

NJ Senate passed A457 (to add PTSD to NJ's MMP) on 8/1/16, 28 – 9. (The bill passed in the entire Assembly on 6/16/16, 56 – 13.) The bill went to the governor’s desk for his action on 8/1.

DEA again insists marijuana belongs in its absurd Schedule I classification—46 years of federal propaganda—exaggeration of the dangers and denial of marijuana’s medical benefits--continues.

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

Excellent interview with Jim Miller on NJ Capitol Report.

“CMMNJ TV” taped 9/6/16 in Princeton; next taping date is scheduled for October 18, 2016.

NJWeedman Update: Ed Forchion to argue that his ‘cannabis temple’ deserves religious freedom. VICE TV reporting extensively on the case.

Upcoming Events: CMMNJ to table at Lawrence Community Day on 10/2/16.
Boston Freedom Rally, 9/17 & 18/2016.
NJ Celebrates Recovery, 9/18/16 Middletown Arts Center, 1 pm (CMMNJ table and speakers).
Dana Beal’s efforts to urge candidate Clinton to reschedule marijuana—9/7/16 at the Intrepid, NYC, 5 pm to 9 pm and TBA.

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: Slightly Stoopid concert, Stone Pony 8/19 (Thanks to Amanda, & Eric).
Compassionate Sciences (CS) ATC expects to have lozenges and topicals soon. CS ATC had an educational program on PTSD on 8/24/16.
Jessie Sanders court date was 8/23/16; the court dismissed the case!
Patient Outreach at “The Joint” in Trenton.
Sudden deaths of Roger Barbour, Esq., and husband of JoAnne Zito.

Treasury report: Checking: $2092; 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, 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 
August 9, 2016

June 2016 minutes approved. (No July 2016 meeting.)

NJ DOH to 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. DPA to submit Petitions for Chronic Pain and PTSD; CMMNJ to submit Petitions for Osteoarthritis (Ken), Opiate Use Disorder & Autism (Vanessa W. and Mike), Anxiety & Migraine Headaches (Bob), & Neuropathic Pain (Peter).

Senate Health Committee passed S2345/A457 (to add PTSD to NJ's MMP) 6-3 on 6/16/16, and the bill passed in the entire Assembly on the same day, 56 -13. On 8/1/16 the bill passed in the Senate, 28 – 9. The bill went to the governor’s desk for his action.

Over 50 Thursday Podcasts (“Telling It Like It Is”) at the Trenton Statehouse continue 11-2 pm, with plans to continue through Thanksgiving. Governor passed by about 1/3 of the Podcasts. Coverage includes News 12 NJ among other media.

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 9/6/16, 10 am – 2 pm.

INE tours continue with Sativa Cross.

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.

Recent Events:
DNC events in Philadelphia: Connie’s Ric Rac 7/25/16; East Coast Cannabis Coalition Rally Municipal Bldg. on 7/26/16 (Jo Anne attended).
“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.
CMMNJ tabled at Hemp Heals, 7/22/16—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.

Upcoming events: 
Slightly Stoopid concert, Stone Pony 8/19 (Mike, Amanda, & Eric).
Compassionate Sciences ATC expects to have lozenges and topicals available next week! CS ATC also plans an educational program on PTSD on 8/24/16.
Jessie Sanders court date is now 8/23/16; she asks for community show of support.
CMMNJ to table at Lawrence Community Day on 10/2/16.
Patient Outreach at The Joint in Trenton 8/16 & 8/17.
What Nurses Need to know about Medical Cannabis, Lehigh Carbon County Community College, 9/28/16, 8 AM to 1 PM Schnecksville, PA.

Treasury report: Checking: $2053; PayPal: $3629.

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:

New Jersey Celebrates Recovery: http://www.helpnothandcuffs.org/
or, Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/New-Jersey-Celebrates-Recovery-852038501549589/

N.J. veterans seek medical marijuana for PTSD
http://articles.philly.com/2016-08-01/news/74791012_1_ptsd-governor-christie-health-committee

Poll: Should medical marijuana be legal for people with PTSD? (97% of respondents say, “Yes.”)
http://www.nj.com/healthfit/index.ssf/2016/08/poll_should_medical_marijuana_be_legal_for_people.html

Please help us get this important bill signed by automatically sending a message to Governor Christie: A457 adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of medical conditions that would qualify a patient to receive medical marijuana in New Jersey. (DPA capwiz):
https://engage.drugpolicy.org/secure/tell-gov-christie-expand-access-medical-marijuana?ms=2A2_1608NJMMJClist&utm_campaign=fy17advocacy&cid=701U0000000xybsIAA

Thousands petition Christie for PTSD in N.J. medical marijuana program
http://www.phillyvoice.com/thousands-petition-christie-ptsd-medical-marijuana-provision/

Government won't reclassify marijuana, N.J. experts hope for a change in the future
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/news/government-won-t-reclassify-marijuana-n-j-experts-hope-for/article_43593d2a-600e-11e6-80bb-5ff0c6b6fbdc.html

The medical marijuana movement just got some really bad news
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/feds_reject_petitions_to_allow_medical_research_on.html

American Legion Calls for Marijuana Rescheduling
http://www.marijuana.com/blog/news/2016/09/american-legion-calls-for-marijuana-rescheduling/

D.E.A. Keeps Marijuana on List of Dangerous Drugs, Frustrating Advocates
http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/12/health/dea-keeps-marijuana-on-list-of-dangerous-drugs-frustrating-advocates.html?emc=edit_tnt_20160811&nlid=17961243&tntemail0=y&_r=0

WATCH: NJ vets fight to use medical marijuana for PTSD
http://www.app.com/story/news/military/veterans/2016/08/12/nj-vets-fight-use-medical-marijuana-ptsd/88605734/

Most say pot use OK for PTSD; researcher seeks volunteers to smoke it
http://articles.philly.com/2016-08-16/news/75011545_1_ptsd-marijuana-use-veterans-affairs

Prosecutors fight to keep secret informant in NJ Weedman’s drug case
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20160822/prosecutors-fight-to-keep-secret-informant-in-nj-weedmans-drug-case

Pot-Smoking Politician Takes His Biggest Hit Yet: 11 Drug Charges
http://dailycaller.com/2016/08/11/pot-smoking-politician-takes-his-biggest-hit-yet-11-drug-charges/#ixzz4JaGpPTcD

Medical pot user sues Sparta cops over alleged false arrest, report says
http://www.nj.com/sussex-county/index.ssf/2016/08/medical_marijuana_user_sues_sparta_cops_over_false.html

Coming soon: A brand new way to take medical marijuana in N.J.
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/08/medical_marijuana_now_includes_edible_drops_and_lo.html
Dad who changed N.J. medical marijuana law dies suddenly
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2016/09/nj_dad_who_won_fight_to_permit_edible_marijuana_in.html
SativaCross.com Podcast from the Governor's office
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cu7SOdp73d8                 
Maiden name kept woman from medical marijuana
http://www.app.com/story/money/business/consumer/press-on-your-side/2016/07/29/medical-marijuana/87338244/

Medical Marijuana Policy Approved at LTPS
http://mercerme.com/medical-marijuana-policy-approved-at-ltps/

NJ DOH Rules to Add Conditions that Qualify for Marijuana Therapy

SUBCHAPTER 5. ESTABLISHMENT OF ADDITIONAL DEBILITATING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

8:64-5.1 Review cycle for accepting petitions for additional qualifying debilitating medical
condition

(a) The Commissioner shall take no action concerning the acceptance of petitions to approve other medical conditions or the treatment thereof as debilitating medical conditions pursuant to (b) below, before completing at least two annual reports required pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:64-4.2.
1. The Department shall publish notice of an open period to accept petitions in the New Jersey Register.
(b) The process for review of petitions to approve other medical conditions or the treatment thereof as debilitating medical conditions pursuant to the definition at N.J.S.A. 24:6I-3 of “debilitating medical condition” at paragraph (5) shall include one review cycle each year, subject to (a) above.
(c) The beginning of each cycle shall be the first business day of the month.
(d) The Department shall accept petitions on the first business day of each cycle.
(e) The Department shall return to the petitioner a petition submitted in any month outside of the review cycle as not accepted for processing.

8:64-5.2 Panel to review petitions and make recommendations for identification and approval of additional debilitating medical conditions; membership; responsibilities

(a) The Commissioner shall appoint a review panel (panel) to make recommendations to the Commissioner regarding approval or denial of a petition submitted pursuant to this subchapter.
(b) The panel shall consist of not more than 15 health care professionals, among whom shall be:
1. The President of the Board of Medical Examiners or the President’s designee; and
2. Other physicians and non-physicians who are knowledgeable about the condition as to which the petition seeks approval;
i. Each physician appointed to the review panel shall be nationally board-certified in his or her area of specialty; and
3. At least three physicians appointed to the review panel shall have expertise in pain and symptom management.
(c) The majority of the panel shall be physicians.
(d) The Department shall convene the panel at least once per year to review petitions.
1. The panel may examine scientific and medical evidence and research pertaining to the petition, and may gather information, in person or in writing, from other parties knowledgeable about the addition of the debilitating medical conditions being considered.
2. The petitioner shall be given the opportunity to address the panel in person or by telephone.
3. The petitioner may request that his or her individual identifiable health information remain
confidential.
4. The Department shall provide staff support to the panel and other administrative support.
5. The meetings will be considered open public meetings.
(e) The panel shall make a written recommendation to the Commissioner regarding approval or denial of the addition of a qualifying debilitating medical condition.
1. A quorum of the panel shall concur with the recommendation in order to be considered a final recommendation of the panel.
i. For purposes of this subsection, a majority of the members appointed and serving on the panel constitute a quorum.

8:64-5.3 Addition of qualifying debilitating medical condition

(a) In order for the petition to be accepted for processing, the petitioner shall send a letter by
certified mail to the Medicinal Marijuana Program that contains the following information:
1. The extent to which the condition is generally accepted by the medical community and other experts as a valid, existing medical condition;
2. If one or more treatments of the condition, rather than the condition itself, are alleged to be the cause of the patient’s suffering, the extent to which the treatments causing suffering are generally accepted by the medical community and other experts as valid treatments for the condition;
3. The extent to which the condition itself and/or the treatments thereof cause severe suffering, such as severe and/or chronic pain, severe nausea and/or vomiting or otherwise severely impair the patient’s ability to carry on activities of daily living;
4. The availability of conventional medical therapies other than those that cause suffering to alleviate suffering caused by the condition and/or the treatment thereof;
5. The extent to which evidence that is generally accepted among the medical community and other experts supports a finding that the use of marijuana alleviates suffering caused by the condition and/or the treatment thereof; and
6. Letters of support from physicians or other licensed health care professionals knowledgeable about the condition.
(b) Upon review of materials submitted pursuant to (a) above, the Commissioner shall make a
final determination as to whether:
1. The petition is frivolous and, if so, to deny a petition without further review; or
2. The petition is bona fide and, if so, to accept the petition for further review.
(c) If the petition is accepted, the Department shall refer the written petition to the review panel established pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:64-5.2.
(d) Within 60 days of the receipt of the petition, the review panel shall consider the petition in view of the factors identified in (a) above and shall issue an initial written recommendation to the Commissioner as to whether:
1. The medical condition and/or the treatment thereof is/are debilitating;
2. Marijuana is more likely than not to have the potential to be beneficial to treat or alleviate the debilitation associated with the medical condition and/or the treatment thereof; and
3. Other matters that the panel recommends that the Commissioner consider that are relevant to the approval or the denial of the petition.
(e) Upon receipt of the panel’s recommendation, the Department shall:
1. Post the review panel’s recommendations on the Department’s website for 60-day public comment period;
2. Post notice of a public meeting no fewer than 10 days prior to the public meeting; and
3. Hold a public hearing within the 60-day public comment period.
(f) After the public hearing, the Department shall forward the comments made during the public
hearing to the review panel for its consideration.
1. If, based on a review of the comments, the panel determines substantive changes should be
made to its initial recommendation, the Commissioner shall deny the petition and the Department shall provide the petitioner with a copy of the initial recommendation and an explanation of the substantive changes and the petitioner may resubmit the petition to the Department at any time.
2. If, based on a review of the comments, the panel determines to recommend no changes to its initial recommendation, the initial recommendation shall be deemed a final recommendation and the Commissioner will make a final determination on the petition within 180 days of receipt of the petition.

8:64-5.4 Denial of a petition considered final agency action subject to judicial review

(a) If a condition in a petition is the same as, or is, as determined by the Commissioner, substantially similar to a condition of which the Commissioner has issued a previous determination denying approval as a debilitating medical condition pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:64-5.3, the Commissioner may deny the new petition unless new scientific research supporting the
request is brought forward.
(b) A decision of the Commissioner issued pursuant to N.J.A.C. 8:64-5.3 or this section is a final agency decision, of which jurisdiction and venue for judicial review are vested in the New Jersey Superior Court, Appellate Division.

Irish Legislature (Oireachtas) Urged to Reform Drug Policy

Response to Public Comment Request by The Oireachtas Joint Committee on Justice, Defense and Equality

July 27, 2015

Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the Committee:

My name is Robert Kane and I am writing this letter with the hope of effecting a change in the national drug policy of Ireland. As a citizen of both the United States of America and Ireland, it is an honor to address such an important issue.

My college years in the 1970s and 1980s were, like those of many young people, a time of experimentation with drugs and alcohol. It was only thanks to the discretion and compassion of a law enforcement officer, that I did not incur an arrest record for a small amount of cannabis.

As a parent, I feel that my ability to openly discuss drug-related issues with our children helps to keep our family close knit and well adjusted. It is unrealistic to expect that my kids abstain completely
from the use of drugs and/or alcohol as they grow older. I believe (as does my wife) that a harm reduction approach is what works best in our home. The last several decades have shown that the global “War on Drugs” cannot be won, and that the casualties include countless broken families left to struggle when a family member goes to jail for a drug related offence. Under current U.S. laws, even a small amount of cannabis can, in some states, result in lengthy prison terms and costs of $10,000.00 or more in legal fees. This is unacceptable.

Ireland has the opportunity to serve as a leader in drug policy reform. It is the moral imperative of any legislative body to preserve the integrity of the family unit, as this is the foundation of a healthy modern society.

The world is growing weary of the mass incarceration of those convicted of victimless crimes and non violent drug offences. Our prison population (in the U.S.) has quadrupled since the 1980’s; largely due to excessive mandatory minimum sentences.

I propose that Ireland adopt a policy similar to the Portuguese Decriminalization Model. Portugal should not be the only place where an E.U. citizen can go to live and not have to worry that they might be incarcerated for possession of a personal amount of any drug. I urge legislators in Ireland to adopt steering and oversight committees which could expand on the Portugal Model in several positive ways.

Bearing in mind the fact that drug use will likely not rise upon decriminalization, the Government of Ireland can and should take the progressive step of allowing addicts to legally procure prescriptions from doctors; and safe access centers be created with social workers, mental health and medical staff on hand for the usage of controlled substances. The goal would be to assist the addict through counseling, education, rehabilitation and ultimately re-introduction into society as part of a productive workforce. This concept could potentially reduce petty thefts and other crimes addicts commit to fund their habits; thereby enabling law enforcement to focus efforts on white collar and violent crime. If the government controlled the supply of hard drugs, these substances could then be closely regulated and dispensed via medical professionals. This approach would insure that quality and purity of various substances are held to pharmaceutical industry standards and are free of unwanted adulterants; while effectively displacing the criminal syndicates which now supply the demand. Cannabis should be legalized for personal use with regulations and taxation implemented. The revenue generated could be used for education similar to the U.S. State of Colorado.
 
While many countries are undergoing a paradigm shift on this topic, the timing seems right for Ireland to transform its drug policy and become the standard to which other nations will aspire to replicate. The potential for medical and psychological clinical research is virtually unlimited once restrictions are eased. Studies presently underway in Israel, the Beckley Foundation in the U.K. and elsewhere show exciting promise with such diseases as Alzheimer’s, many cancers, digestive disorders and depression among others. Cannabis shows promise of alleviating opioid dependence and certain cancers. Easing restrictions on medical and clinical research of previously banned substances could pave the way for universities and corporations to develop new treatments and improve the public’s overall quality of life. This would involve U.N. restrictions to be relaxed, which may be plausible in the near future as evidence mounts in favor of decriminalization.

In summation, it is time for a change in our collective attitudes from that of a punitive culture of judgment, where those with illness and addictions are treated as criminals, to one of compassion and acceptance. When the mystique and allure is stripped from the drug, people may find that moderation is and always will be the key to a healthy and balanced life.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Kane
Ocean View, New Jersey