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

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 Public Meeting Agenda February 2014

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3
Tuesday, February 11, 2014, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve January 2014 minutes.  Discuss:

CMMNJ‘s Op Ed endorses legalization of marijuana in NJ to best meet patients’ needs.  State Senator Nicholas Scutari says he’ll introduce marijuana legalization legislation.

Appellate Court: DOH must produce MMP reports within 45 days (from 1/13/14). The Court rejected tort claims and complaints re: regulations.

S1220/A765: (medical marijuana equivalent to any other medicine; allows organ transplants) Passed Senate and Assembly; 1/21/2014 Pocket Veto – Bill died when not Acted on by Gov. Christie at end of Legislative Session.  A4537: (OOS ID cards and medical marijuana) Passed Assembly; Gov. Christie’s threatened veto stopped Senate hearing. Bills must be
reintroduced.

Upcoming Events: NORML NJ mtng. at Joe’s Mill Hill Saloon, Trenton, 2/10/14 at 7 pm.
Sentencing of Chris Goldstein & Don DeZarn: guilty in federal court of marijuana possession.
Joys of Hemp Expo, Embassy Suites Piscataway, NJ, 4/4 – 4/6.
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.

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. Billboard campaign continues--Super Bowl?

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, 
January 14, 2013

CMMNJ Board has endorsed legalization of marijuana in NJ due to dysfunction of MMP. Op Ed, Press Conference and possible March to DOH planned.

Jim Miller confronted Gov. Christie before the State of the State speech, letting him know we were NOT done expanding the Medicinal Marijuana Program, as the governor insists.  (The gov. was characterized as having a “pea brain clouded by fat in his head.”)

NJ’s Medicinal Marijuana Program: Marijuana is selling for about $400 an ounce at the ATC’s.  Quality problems persist from CCF in Egg Harbor.  The Appellate Court said on 1/13/14 that the DOH must produce the MMP reports required by the law. Other issues were rejected.

John Wilson nears the end of 2-years probation (inc. forced attendance at Narcotics Anonymous Mtngs.) following his incarceration, for treating his MS with home-grown marijuana.

Colleen Begley faces 5 years of probation for providing medical marijuana to patients.

Mike Whiter, veteran with PTSD, pled guilty to marijuana possession in federal court; fined.

The federal marijuana possession cases of Chris Goldstein and Don DeZarn are upcoming.

Await governor’s action on S1220: (medical marijuana is the equivalent of any other prescribed medication).  A4537: Gov. Christie threatens veto of A4537 which will permit NJ patients to possess medical marijuana obtained from other jurisdictions and recognize OOS ID cards.  Sabina Rose Joana died on Dec 2, 2013, a 15 month old NJ resident with Dravet Syndrome as her parents could not obtain high CBD medical marijuana for her.

Since CMMNJ's web site has greatly improved with regular updates from Jim Price, we should take every opportunity to promote our web site on all our posts. Great job, Jim.

“Joys of Hemp” Expo April 4-6, Piscataway.  Volunteers needed for CMMNJ booth.

NORMLNJ mtngs. resume 2nd Mon. of each month at Joe’s Mill Hill Saloon, Trenton, 7 pm.

Patients Out of Time Conference, May 8 – 10, Portland, Oregon.

Treasury report: Checking: $3789; PayPal: $3707. Billboard campaign continues.

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:

Opinion: N.J. should legalize, tax and regulate marijuana
http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/opinion_nj_should_legalize_tax.html

New Jersey Senator Announces Legislation to Legalize Cannabis
http://thejointblog.com/new-jersey-senator-announces-legislation-legalize-cannabis/

Poll: More in NJ want pot than online gambling
http://www.myfoxphilly.com/story/24615710/poll-more-in-nj-want-pot-than-online-gambling?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

The case for legalizing recreational pot in NJ
http://www.msnbc.com/craig-melvin/watch/the-case-for-legal-recreational-pot-133768771740

Legally Medicating With Cannabis Around The SuperBowl
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zFNXwGgFfV0&feature=share

How New Jersey Treats Patients: A Tragedy, in One Act, and One Scene
http://www.ladybud.com/2014/01/14/how-new-jersey-treats-patients-a-tragedy-in-one-act-and-one-scene/

Pa. nurses group backs medical marijuana
http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-25/news/46567440_1_nurses-group-compassionate-use-medical-marijuana

Local debate over legalizing medical marijuana
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news%2Fspecial_reports&id=9418414

Medical marijuana hearing was historic for Pennsylvania Legislature
http://articles.mcall.com/2014-01-30/news/mc-pc-medical-marijuana-hearing-20140130_1_medical-use-marijuana-seizure

Legalized pot: NJ lawmaker says he will introduce bill
http://www.nj.com/union/index.ssf/2014/01/sen_scutari_wants_pot_legalized_in_nj.html#incart_river_default

Opinion: How America went to pot
http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2014/02/opinion_how_america_went_to_po.html

Retired Police Captain demolishes the War on Drugs
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W8yYJ_oV6xk&feature=youtu.be

New York set to legalise cannabis for medical use
http://www.itv.com/news/2014-01-08/new-york-set-to-legalise-cannabis-for-medicinal-use/

N.J. health department must produce progress report on medical marijuana program, court says
http://www.nj.com/politics/index.ssf/2014/01/nj_health_department_must_produce_report_on_medical_marijuana_programs_progress_court_says.html

Amick: Medical marijuana pushes Gov. Chris Christie's most sensitive right-wing buttons
http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2014/01/amick_medical_marijuana_pushes.html

Cuomo and Marijuana
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/14/opinion/cuomo-and-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140113&tntemail0=y&_r=0

Status Report on N.J. Pot Dispensaries Demanded
http://www.courthousenews.com/2014/01/14/64523.htm

PA Senate Law and Justice Committee schedules medical marijuana hearing
http://www.phillynorml.org/2014/01/16/pa-senate-law-justice-committee-schedules-medical-marijuana-hearing/

Reid Indicates His Support for Medical Marijuana
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/17/us/politics/reid-indicates-his-support-for-medical-marijuana.html?emc=edit_tnt_20140117&tntemail0=y

Legal impairment limit for marijuana not expected any time soon in New Jersey, Pennsylvania
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2014/01/legal_impairment_limit_for_mar.html

Dr. Jeffrey S. Pollack / Medical-marijuana program still suffering in N.J.
http://m.pressofatlanticcity.com/opinion/commentary/dr-jeffrey-s-pollack-medical-marijuana-program-still-suffering-in/article_1567a81e-730f-563f-8e5d-8df74fb92b85.html?mode=jqm

NJ’S MEDICINAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM FINALLY MOVING FORWARD
http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/14/01/20/nj-s-medicinal-marijuana-program-finally-moving-forward/

Legal Marijuana Businesses Should Have Access to Banks, Holder Says
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/01/24/us/legal-marijuana-businesses-should-have-access-to-banks-holder-says.html?mc=edit_tnt_20140123&tntemail0=y

Grandfather becomes a protester for medical marijuana
http://articles.philly.com/2014-01-25/news/46567405_1_christie-legalization-vivian-wilson

NJ man in jail for marijuana allowed to leave once a month to go smoke
http://www.upi.com/Odd_News/Blog/2014/01/27/NJ-man-in-jail-for-marijuana-allowed-to-leave-once-a-month-to-go-smoke/9731390839670/#ixzz2sTiJOuu1

These 5 pro-marijuana billboards will surround the Super Bowl
http://ftw.usatoday.com/2014/01/super-bowl-billboards-advocating-marijuana/

NJ Weedman released from jail after judge reconsiders his sentence
http://www.nj.com/mercer/index.ssf/2014/01/nj_weedman_released_from_jail_after_judge_reconsiders_his_sentence.html

Medical Marijuana: A Patient-Driven Initiative
http://nurseinsider.org/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/news-ss.pdf

Pennsylvania, New Jersey mothers frustrated with medical marijuana options
http://www.lehighvalleylive.com/breaking-news/index.ssf/2014/02/hope_township_mother_frustrate.html

Now's the time to tax, regulate and legalize marijuana for personal use in New Jersey
http://www.politickernj.com/jrlassiter/71251/nows-time-tax-regulate-and-legalize-marijuana-personal-use-new-jersey

Poll: Four in 10 Support Legalizing Marijuana in NJ [AUDIO] |
http://nj1015.com/poll-four-in-10-support-legalizing-marijuana-in-nj-audio/?trackback=tsmclip

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http://www.buffalonews.com/city-region/niagara-county/a-medical-marijuana-growth-industry-niagara-greenhouse-hopes-bumper-crop-is-at-end-of-albany-maze-20140203

Editorial: Don't let Weedman marijuana possession lessons go up in smoke
http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2014/02/editorial_dont_let_weedman_mar.html

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http://oversight.house.gov/hearing/mixed-signals-administrations-policy-marijuana/

NJ Medical Marijuana Patient Faces Seven Years in Prison

WHO: NJ medical marijuana patient and activist Ed Forchion (AKA NJWEEDMAN)

WHAT: Faces 7 years in prison for his use of marijuana

WHEN: October 18, 2011

WHERE: Superior Court of Burlington County, Mount Holly, NJ

WHY: Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act fails to recognize out-of-state ID cards

Medical marijuana patient Ed Forchion (AKA NJWEEDMAN) faces seven years in a New Jersey prison for his use of marijuana here. His trial opens Tuesday, Oct. 18, 2011 in Superior Court of Burlington County in Mount Holly, NJ. Forchion was arrested on April 1, 2010 when he was found by a State Trooper to be driving a rented car that allegedly had a pound of marijuana in it.

Forchion is a card-carrying medical marijuana patient from California. He has the legal right to purchase, use, possess and even cultivate marijuana in California, due to his medical condition. But New Jersey’s restrictive medical marijuana law does not recognize medical marijuana ID cards from out-of-state. It does not matter what condition Forchion suffers from. New Jersey’s Medicinal Marijuana Program is not even up and running despite going into effect one year ago this month. Forchion, a dual resident of New Jersey and California, runs a medical marijuana dispensary in Hollywood, called “Liberty Bell Temple.”

Forchion has a painful tumor growing out of a bone near his knee, which is the medical condition that qualifies him for marijuana use in California. Irvin Rosenfeld has a similar condition and the federal government has been supplying Rosenfeld with 300 marijuana joints every month for over 25 years. Rosenfeld claims in his book, “My Medicine” that marijuana, and marijuana alone, has kept him alive and a productive member of society. Rosenfeld is part of the federal government’s Investigational New Drug (IND) study. The IND study is not available to Forchion as this study has been closed to new applicants since 1992.

“It is an outrage that Forchion faces many years in prison for this, and that it does not even matter why he was using marijuana,” said Ken Wolski, RN, Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ). CMMNJ plans a demonstration to protest his prosecution outside the Superior Court of Burlington County, 49 Rancocas Rd., Mount Holly, NJ on Oct. 18, 2011 at 9 am.

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit organization whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of safe and legal access to medical marijuana. For more info, contact:

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA,

Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org

219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

609.394.2137 ohamkrw@aol.com