CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for December 12, 2017

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #1 
Tuesday, December 12, 2017 
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve November 2017 minutes. Discuss:

Governor-elect Phil Murphy reaffirms plans to legalize marijuana in the first 100 days of 2018! Who is contacting whom in the new Administration about moving forward with advances for patient access and decriminalization/expungement? Gov. Christie finishes his second term at noon on Jan. 16.
NJ’s legalization bill (S3195): Facebook’s “Friends of CMMNJ” letter template in support of home cultivation, addressing concerns. Also, Press Conference at Artworks, Trenton, 12/7/17 at 4:00 pm.

The Medicinal Marijuana Program (MMP) Review Panel gave final approval to 43 petitions to add conditions (chronic pain, anxiety, migraines, and Tourette’s syndrome) to the MMP on 10/25/17. Now the DOH commissioner has 180 days to follow those recommendations. CUMMA amendments?

Marijuana Justice Act of 2017 (S1689): Congressional co-sponsors sought for Sen. Cory Booker’s federal bill. Take action: Capwiz from DPA and NORML.

Final 2017 Statehouse Podcast (100th) concluded with Thanksgiving Day lunch outside the Annex.

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

Upcoming Events:
“CMMNJ TV” taping, Princeton TV studio, 1/18.
Patients Out of Time conference, Jersey City, NJ, May 10 – 12, 2018.
Recent Events: 5th year anniversary of medical marijuana availability in NJ—12/6/17.
Medical Cannabis Conference, Montego Bay Jamaica, Nov. 10 -15, 2017. Atecam.com

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

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 
November 14, 2017

3 Board members in attendance- 7 others.  Oct. 2017 minutes approved.

All Items on Agenda covered-Notes of discussions below.

Election- Despite new Gov’s intent to sign a legalization Bill quickly, it is doubtful that legal MJ will be available for a year because of details to be worked out in Regs.  However, activists can push for tangential issues that can be immediately implemented such as prohibiting any arrests for use, expunging all use arrests and those for supplying friends (i.e., all those not major dealers).

Also, provision must be made to support minority representation in gaining licenses to sell with reduced license fees in minority communities and eliminating any bar due to MJ arrest or those charges related thereto (resisting arrest, etc).

 As part of legalization we can advocate for patient growing for own use and other useful expansions of the CUMMA (my note and eliminating many of the unjust burdens like requiring Dr. registrations-esp with Trump admin.)  On growing we should emphasize it was in the original Bill and unjustly eliminated in secret.

Review Panel Approvals- Main point is that we know Gov. Christie is running out the clock so we need to quickly contact new Health Commissioner to immediately sign approval-we have contacts (e.g. Bill Caruso) to get us an inside track. I recommended contacting the DOH transition team. There is no need to delay for the full 180 days. This can be done the first day the new Commissioner takes over if we do advance planning.

Appellate Court action – despite the euphoria I pointed out that the court did not mandate a change only instructed the Director that he had the ability and he should review his position. This is wasted on a Christie appointee.  Again-we need to have the new Admin take Immediate action on this as a priority -even if just to help patients with issues such as use on school grounds.

Podcast last one for this year (and the 100th) is on Thanksgiving and it will provide food. Hoping for media coverage and food donations.
Brunch on Nov 18th at Studio B in Trenton (formerly Prayer Brunch-and no Al Sharpton) Cost is $25. There are speakers. 
Jason has contacts in the Senate majority office we can use.  Jim reported that Scutari dropped charges against Lefty Grimes in Linden and he and Joanne will do a Bergen County forum on Nov. 16th. 

Next Meeting should specify who is contacting whom in the new Admin about moving forward with advances for patient access and discuss specifics.
Treasury report: Checking: $3434; PayPal: $3122.

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

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

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:


With Phil Murphy's win, it's 'full steam ahead' for legal marijuana
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2017/11/hold_murphys_victory_is_the_first_step_toward_a_ma.html

Supporters Say Recreational Marijuana Could Be Legal In New Jersey By Next Summer Thanks To Murphy Win
http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2017/11/08/supporters-say-recreational-marijuana-could-be-legal-in-new-jersey-by-next-summer/

Marijuana legalization gets support with Murphy's win
http://newjersey.news12.com/story/36798931/marijuana-legalization-gets-support-with-murphys-win

Bamboozled: Could these medical marijuana scams come to N.J.? You bet
http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2017/11/bamboozled_could_these_medical_marijuana_scams_com.html

Letter: Countering Ocean City Prosecutor's Stance On Marijuana
https://patch.com/new-jersey/oceancity/letter-countering-ocean-city-prosecutors-stance-marijuana

Princeton resident is new head New Jersey Cannabis Industry Association board
https://planetprinceton.com/2017/11/16/princeton-resident-is-new-head-new-jersey-cannabis-industry-association-board/

Time to reclassify N.J.'s relationship with marijuana
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/time-to-reclassify-n-j-s-relationship-with-marijuana/article_21a11f52-5558-5095-a2fa-07e680541983.html

Amid talk of legalizing marijuana, one expert says 'slow down'
http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/bergen/paramus/2017/11/16/amid-push-legal-marijuana-in-one-expert-says-slow-down/868289001/

ASA: Medical Cannabis Access for Pain Treatment
https://d3n8a8pro7vhmx.cloudfront.net/americansforsafeaccess/pages/8900/attachments/original/1470426683/Medical_Cannabis_Access_for_Pain_Treatment-_A_Viable_Strategy_to_Address_the_Opiod_Crisis_8-5-16__3_49.pdf?1470426683

Can Marijuana Alleviate the Opioid Crisis?
The federal government should stop blocking research into the drug’s medical potential.
https://www.wsj.com/articles/can-marijuana-alleviate-the-opioid-crisis-1511104543#comments_sector

Murphy's win boosts prospects for legal marijuana in New Jersey
http://www.northjersey.com/story/news/new-jersey/2017/11/24/marijuana-could-coming-new-jersey/849505001/

High time to legalize recreational marijuana in NJ
http://www.dailyprincetonian.com/article/2017/11/cannabis-article

Smell of new business in the weed industry luring N.J. lawyers
http://www.nj.com/marijuana/2017/12/lawyers_prepare_for_business_boom_if_weed_is_legal.html

Legalize weed? We should not empower an industry that profits from addiction | Opinion
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/12/legalize_weed_we_should_not_empower_an_industry_that_profits_from_addiction_opinion.html

Ricardo Rivera of Tuffysfght.com
https://vimeo.com/245390762?utm_source=email&utm_medium=vimeo-cliptranscode-201504&utm_campaign=28749

New Jersey Should Legalize Marijuana
https://www.aclu.org/blog/criminal-law-reform/drug-law-reform/new-jersey-should-legalize-marijuana

Will you be able to grow weed at home? Here's what we know about the N.J. pot bill
http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2017/11/nj_marijuana_bill_could_soon_see_these_changes.html

Incoming NJ Gov. Murphy names head of cannabis trade group as chief of staff
http://www.thecannabist.co/2017/11/28/new-jersey-murphy-pete-cammarano/93376/

Murphy insists NJ will make marijuana legal — ‘We want to get this right’
http://nj1015.com/murphy-insists-nj-will-make-marijuana-legal-we-want-to-get-this-right/?trackback=tsmclip

NJ legal marijuana may also mean car insurance gets high
http://www.app.com/story/news/local/new-jersey/2017/11/27/nj-legal-marijuana-may-also-mean-car-insurance-gets-high/897275001/

CMMNJ / Sativa Cross FINALE! Feeding Trenton.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sb2nh5rV3gU&feature=share

Rice on Marijuana Legalization: Proceed With Caution
http://www.njsendems.org/rice-on-marijuana-legalization-proceed-with-caution/

NJ panel OKs marijuana for more conditions
https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2017/11/nj-panel-oks-marijuana-for-more.html


Medical marijuana patients fight stigma to find relief
http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/7b3d0ba8-7152-11e7-ae8b-d7baa80e197f.html

Legalized Recreational Marjuana In NJ Might Not Be Available Soon
http://wbgo.org/post/legalized-recreational-marjuana-nj-might-not-be-available-soon#stream/0

Sativa Cross .com Ignorance Is No Excuse Potcast
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Shvq5nIRYmc&feature=youtu.be

CMMNJ PSA
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B72GooQ_L415SUhYcXBmS2xfckU/view?ts=59e9f6c7

CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda March 11, 2014

Monthly Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Twp. Library, Rm. #3
Tuesday, March 11, 2014
7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve February 2014 minutes. Discuss:

Sen. Scutari may introduce marijuana legalization legislation by March 25, 2014.

Asm. Gusciora introduces A2842, a bill that decriminalizes one ounce of marijuana in NJ.

NJ DOH produced two Medicinal Marijuana Program reports as a result of Appellate Court decision.

Upcoming Events:
NORML NJ mtng. at Joe’s Mill Hill Saloon, Trenton, 3/10/14 at 7 pm.
Sanjay Gupta’s documentary, “Weed 2” airs on CNN, 3/11/14 at 10 pm, with the Wilson family.
Sentencing of Chris Goldstein & Don DeZarn 3/26/14 in federal court for marijuana possession.
Joys of Hemp Expo, Embassy Suites Piscataway, NJ, April 4 - 6.  CMMNJ has table & talk.
ASA’s National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, April 5 – 7th, Mayflower Hotel in D.C.
4/20 Rally at the Trenton Statehouse at 4:20 pm (following march from the Train Station).
Smoke Down Prohibition 4/20/14: Independence Park, Philadelphia, PA. 3 – 4:20 pm.
Patients Out of Time Conference, May 8 – 10, Portland, Oregon.
Marijuana Legalization Debates featuring CMMNJ:
National Council on Alcoholism & Drug Dependence, 3/25/14 Bloustein School Theater, New Brunswick;
Montclair State College, 4/17/14 at 2:45 pm, Montclair, NJ.

Recent events:
Assembly Regulatory Oversight Committee Hearing on NJ’s MMP, 2/20/14.
Parents’ Medical Marijuana Press Conference, State House, 2/27/14.
“Going Away Party” for Medical Refugee Diane Fornbacher, Collingswood, NJ, 2/22/14.

Treasury report: Checking: $3929; PayPal: $3902.

CMMNJ's meetings are the second Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library, 2751 Brunswick Pike, Lawrence Twp., Tel. #609.882.9246.  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, 
February 11, 2014

CMMNJ‘s Op Ed endorses legalization of marijuana in NJ to best meet patients’ needs.  State Sen. Scutari to introduce marijuana legalization legislation. CMMNJ wants the bill to include Home Cultivation, specific workplace protection, DUI’s a function of Field Sobriety Tests—with videotape--and not some arbitrary blood or urine limit.

Medical refugees fleeing the state.

Press Conference in support of medical marijuana will be held on Thursday, 2/27/14 at 11 am in the Trenton Statehouse, Assembly Room 109.  CMMNJ urges supporters to attend.

Appellate Court: DOH must produce MMP reports within 45 days (2/27/14). The Court rejected tort claims and complaints re: regulations.

S1220/A765: (allows organ transplants for medical marijuana patients), & A4537: (OK’s OOS ID cards and medical marijuana) must be reintroduced in the new legislative session.

Upcoming Events: NORML NJ mtng. at Joe’s Mill Hill Saloon, Trenton, 3/10/14 at 7 pm.
Sentencing of Don DeZarn 3/26/14: guilty in federal court of marijuana possession.
Joys of Hemp Expo, Embassy Suites Piscataway, NJ, 4/4 – 4/6/14. CMMNJ has table & talk.
4/20 Rally at the Trenton Statehouse at 4:20 pm (following march from the Train Station).
ASA’s National Medical Cannabis Unity Conference, April 5 – 7th, Mayflower Hotel in D.C.
Patients Out of Time Conference, May 8 – 10, Portland, Oregon.
Celebration of 11th Anniversary of CMMNJ in March 2014?

Recent events: Gov. Cuomo endorses medical marijuana in NY.
British TV meets CMMNJ.
Legislative hearing in Harrisburg, PA on medical marijuana bill, S 1182 on 1/28/14.

Treasury report: Checking: $3694; PayPal: $3707. CMMNJ Hoodies for sale--$25.  CMMNJ renewed Meetup.com at $72/6 months.

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:

More parents creating marijuana usable for ill children
http://articles.philly.com/2014-02-12/news/47238899_1_meghan-wilson-compassionate-care-foundation-marijuana

Assemblyman Reed Gusciora picked as chairman of Regulatory Oversight committee
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/02/gusciora_picked_as_chairman_of_the_regulatory_oversight_committee_in_state_assembly.html

U.S. Issues Marijuana Guidelines for Banks
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/15/us/us-issues-marijuana-guidelines-for-banks.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140214&tntemail0=y

Investors bet on legal marijuana as others warn of 'green rush' burn
http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2014/02/legal_marijuana_pot_arc_view_privateer_green_rush_or_bust.html

Parents move to Colorado for 'miracle' pot for children
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/02/17/moving-medical-marijuana-epilepsy-children/5255323/

MARIJUANA IN AMERICA: COLORADO POT RUSH
HTTP://WWW.CNBC.COM/ID/101412302

Will NJ Get High on Marijuana Proposal?
http://www.politickernj.com/dscarinci/71525/will-nj-lawmakers-get-high-marijuana-proposal

Medical Marijuana
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/20/opinion/medical-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140219&tntemail0=y

Fix NJ's medical marijuana program, patient advocates, dispensary operators say
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/02/fix_njs_medical_marijuana_program_patient_advocates_dispensary_operators_say.html

NJ Assembly committee: Problems with medical marijuana laws - See more at:
http://www.northjersey.com/news/Problems_with_medical_marijuana_laws_smoking_bans_halfway_house_reform_heard_in_NJ_Assembly_committee.html?c=y&page=2#sthash.FZHIorgy.dpuf

NJ medical marijuana program needs fixing
http://www.burlingtoncountytimes.com/nj-medical-marijuana-program-needs-fixing/html_17ed928c-bd32-539e-8783-d2294c8c2fe4.html

Parents plead for expanding N.J. medical marijuana program
http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/65367-parents-plead-for-expanding-nj-medical-marijuana-program?linktype=hp_topstory

Parents rally at Statehouse to clear red tape on medical marijuana for kids
http://www.trentonian.com/general-news/20140227/parents-rally-at-statehouse-to-clear-red-tape-on-medical-marijuana-for-kids

NBC 10 News Paula Joana interview
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JaR8FX1B1nY

Featured letter: Legalization of marijuana could combat harder drugs
http://www.app.com/article/20140220/NJOPINION02/302200005

Medical Marijuana Patients and Advocates Speak Out at New Jersey Oversight Hearing
http://www.ladybud.com/2014/02/20/medical-marijuana-patients-and-advocates-speak-out-at-new-jersey-oversight-hearing/

More Than Zero: Reclassifying Marijuana Could Have A Significant Impact On Drug Policy
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacobsullum/2014/02/07/more-than-zero-reclassifying-marijuana-would-have-a-significant-impact-on-drug-policy/

We Need Proof on Marijuana
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/02/13/opinion/we-need-proof-on-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140212&tntemail0=y&_r=0

Scutari's Bill Drop Imminent and a Gazillion Marijuana Myths
http://www.politickernj.com/jrlassiter/71796/scutaris-bill-drop-imminent-and-gazillion-marijuana-myths

NIH DIRECTOR FRANCIS COLLINS —IGNORANT, DISHONEST, OR BOTH?
http://www.beyondthc.com/nih-director-francis-collins-ignorant-dishonest-or-both/

NBC Visits The Medical Marijuana Patient Lounge
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnmOXQLPew4&feature=youtu.be

Family of sick toddler leaves NJ for Colorado's medical marijuana program
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/03/family_of_sick_toddler_leaves_nj_for_colorados_medical_marijuana_program.html

NJ Family Moving To Colorado To Get Liquid Marijuana For Sick Toddler
http://www.opposingviews.com/i/health/nj-family-moving-colorado-get-liquid-marijuana-sick-toddler

Sketchy sushi salesman featured in marijuana ad being peddled to NJ viewers
http://www.app.com/interactive/article/20140303/NJNEWS10/303030073/Medical-marijuana

NJ Now: February 16, 2014, Legalizing Marijuana In NJ
http://www.my9nj.com/story/24752476/nj-now-february-16-2014-legalizing-marijuana-in-nj

"The Plant" a short film about Cannabis Prohibition in Illinois
http://vimeo.com/88037439

State of New Jersey
Medicinal Marijuana Reports
• 2013 Annual Report [pdf 867k]
• 2013 Biennial Report [pdf 627k]
http://nj.gov/health/medicalmarijuana/reports.shtml

Joseph D’Souza’s Trial

If you think medical marijuana patients are no longer getting arrested in New Jersey for possession of marijuana, ask Joseph D’Souza.

Mr. D’Souza now has both a medical marijuana ID card and an arrest record for the first time in his life.

Mr. D’Souza, at 54 years of age, is a survivor of three separate bouts of cancer.  His treatment included chemotherapy, radiation therapy and multiple surgeries.  His face is permanently disfigured from surgery and he suffers from chronic pain as a result of the cancers.  He can no longer work—he’s on disability.  He qualifies for medical marijuana therapy in New Jersey and, in fact, he has a Medicinal Marijuana Program ID card from the state’s Department of Health.

Mr. D’Souza’s car was legally parked in Bayonne on February 12th when the police arrived.  His vehicle was searched and the police found a small amount of marijuana—less than a gram. Mr. D’Souza said that the marijuana belonged to a passenger.  But because Mr. D’Souza was the driver of the car he was arrested for possession of marijuana.  He is being punished because someone who obtained marijuana illegally left him holding the bag.

He is outraged that he has an ID card that would allow him to legally possess marijuana but he cannot obtain this medicine because of the months-long wait at the only Alternative Treatment Center that is open in the state.  Mr. D’Souza said that he has had his ID card for over four months.

Now Mr. D’Souza feels tremendous stress at being dragged through the criminal justice system.  He faces imprisonment and fines he cannot afford.  Mr. D’Souza also said there were eight police cars surrounding his car when he was searched and arrested, and a drug dog was brought out.  He believes this is a shameful waste of police resources.

He’s right.

In the absence of a fully functioning Medicinal Marijuana Program, New Jersey must decriminalize marijuana.  The entire Assembly agreed to this in June 2012 and the Senate should take action on this now.  Governor Christie has said that he would veto any decriminalization bill that made it to his desk.  Mr. D’Souza hopes the governor changes his mind.

Despite acknowledging the failure of the War on Drugs, the governor wants to continue to arrest 20,000 people in New Jersey each year for marijuana offenses.  Most of these arrests, like Mr. D’Souza’s, involve possession of small amounts of marijuana.  It makes no sense.

Moreover, no one knows how many of these arrestees are using marijuana medicinally.  It will be decades before New Jersey recognizes the full extent of marijuana's therapeutic potential.  Meanwhile, we must stop arresting people like Mr. D’Souza.

If you would like to show support for Mr. D’Souza, he is scheduled to have his second appearance at Bayonne Municipal Court on May 9, 2013 at 9:00 A.M.