NJ Medical Marijuana Patient Advisory Group at Jersey City Hall

EVENT: Patient meeting
LOCATION: Jersey City, City Hall
TIME: 7:00PM ET

NJ Medical Marijuana Patient Advisory Group at Jersey City Hall

On October 20, 2010 the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) is hosting a meeting of the Patient Advisory Group (PAG) in Jersey City.

New Jersey residents who are potentially qualifying medical marijuana patients, their caregivers and physicians are invited to attend. Patients with conditions not specifically designated in the law are also welcome to attend.

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law in January 2010. After a 90-day delay was approved this summer the state is attempting to fully implement the program in January 2011.

This week legislators began challenging the draft regulations issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services. The proposed rules for the program are viewed as overly restrictive and outside of the intent of the law.

As part of CMMNJ's on-going educational program focused on NJ’s medical cannabis patient/caregiver/medical community, the PAG goal is to facilitate networking and information sharing among these stakeholders in medical marijuana.

This includes helping affected citizens organize to request coverage for additional medical conditions under the law.

Tonight’s meeting will offer a general overview of the law and ask for patient perspectives on the new program.

CMMNJ is a 501(c)(3) public charity providing education about the benefits of safe and legal access to medical marijuana and has been working for the legalization of medical marijuana since 2003.

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) www.cmmnj.org

Read the full text of NJ's medical marijuana law http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey
(609) 394-2137

Medical Marijuana Press Conference in Jersey City on 6/17

MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/14/2010

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ)
www.cmmnj.org

Medical Marijuana Press Conference in Jersey City on 6/17
City officials work on guidelines; patients, professionals seek timely regulations

On Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 1 PM, New Jersey medical marijuana advocacy groups will hold a press conference in front of City Hall in Jersey City.

Local cannabis policy experts are working closely with Jersey City officials to create municipal guidelines for the placement of an Alternative Treatment Center. The second largest city in New Jersey is seeking to welcome local, non-profit medical marijuana providers once they can be licensed for operation.

"Guidelines in Jersey City and other towns will assure a local infrastructure is ready for regulated cannabis facilities to serve patients as quickly as possible," said CMMNJ/NORMLNJ advocate Chris Goldstein

Last month a request was made by Governor Christie for a six to twelve month extension on the issuance of the medical marijuana program regulations. The extension would require additional legislation.

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law January, 11 2010. As passed, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) was to issue draft regulations in July. Patients are anticipating access to a running program by the fall.

CMMNJ and NORML-NJ do not see any need for a delay.

Ken Wolski, a Registered Nurse and Executive Director of CMMNJ said, “If the DHSS cannot write these regulations in 6 months, there is no guarantee they will be able to write them in 18 months. Patients are suffering as they continue to wait for the program.”

Anne M. Davis, Executive Director of NORML-NJ said, “This is a law and there are no exceptions. There are patients with chronic or even terminal illnesses that cannot get an extension on life.”

The 6/17/10 press conference will feature brief statements along with a Q&A.

Speakers will include potential medical marijuana patients, medical professionals and supporters of the new law who will address the proposed delay in implementing the state's therapeutic cannabis program.

Media may contact:
Ken Wolski: ohamkrw@aol.com (609) 394-2137
Anne Davis: law@annemdavis.com (732) 477-4700
Chris Goldstein: media@cmmnj.org

WHAT: Medical marijuana press conference
WHERE: Jersey City, NJ – In front of City Hall – 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
WHEN: June 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM
WHY: Timely implementation of New Jersey’s medical marijuana law, local ATC guidelines

NBC 4 Video: CMMNJ Jersey City Meeting 4/23

CMMNJ held a Town Hall meeting to discuss the new medical marijuana law. Potential patients and those who are interested in opening an ATC heard short presentations from Victor Pinho, Ken Wolski and Chris Goldstein. The audience then participated in a lively exchange of questions and answers. NBC 4 NY was there to report on the event:

If you would like to hold a Medical Marijuana Town Hall Meeting in your community, please email Chris Goldstein media@cmmnj.org or call Ken Wolski 609 394 2137