CMMNJ to protest DEA’s ruling that marijuana is not medicine

For more info, contact: Ken @ (609) 394-2137

CMMNJ to protest DEA’s ruling that marijuana is not medicine

WHO: The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org

WHAT: Will destroy a copy of the DEA’s recent ruling that marijuana is not medicine

WHEN: Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12 noon

WHERE: Trenton Federal Building, 402 E. State St., Trenton, NJ 08608

WHY: New Jersey is one of 16 states that recognize marijuana as medicine

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) will publicly destroy a copy of the Federal Register that contains a ruling by the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) that marijuana is not medicine. The demonstration is planned for Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 12 noon in front of the Trenton Federal Building at 402 E. State St., Trenton, NJ. The demonstration will coincide with similar demonstrations across the country in honor of national Medical Marijuana Week (Feb. 13-17).

The Federal Register Vol. 76 No.131 dated July 8, 2011 contains the DEA’s most recent denial of a petition to reschedule marijuana. The DEA continues to insist that marijuana is appropriate as a Schedule I drug. Schedule I drugs have “no currently accepted medical use in treatment in the United States;” lack “accepted safety for use under medical supervision;” and, have “a high potential for abuse.”

Ken Wolski, RN, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) said, “It is an outrage that the federal government continues to deny the benefits, and exaggerate the dangers of marijuana. This is an affront to the laws of 16 states, an affront to scores of healthcare organizations, an affront to the emerging science of medical marijuana, and an affront to countless patients nationwide who use marijuana with their doctor’s recommendation.”

Americans for Safe Access, a national medical marijuana organization, suggests specific actions during Medical Marijuana Week:

1. Monday, February 13: Call the White House at 202-456-1111 and tell President Obama to keep his promise not to use Justice Department resources to undermine state laws.

2. Tuesday, February 14: Contact Congress, 202-224-3121, and urge your representative to sponsor legislation to reclassify cannabis and end federal interference in state programs.

3. Wednesday, February 15: Ask your Governor to sign the DEA Rescheduling Petition. Find your Governor's contact information by clicking here.

4. Thursday, February 16 @ Noon: Join a rally near you! Click here for a full list of rallies.

5. Friday, February 17: Help fund the fight for safe access. Find out how by clicking here.

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

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

Jim Miller returns to Washington, D.C.

This is the second of a series of blogs that I will write to chronicle the trips I will be making to Washington DC on behalf of U.S. military veterans with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), as well as anybody else suffering from post traumatic stress. New Jersey has the most restrictive medical marijuana law in the country. Legislators who were in favor of it's passage were barraged with the concept of our state becoming like "the wild west of California" where anybody with a headache or a hangnail can get a registration card. In a misguided effort to ensure that wouldn't happen, supportive legislators decided they would take it upon themselves to decide who should get medical marijuana and who shouldn't. They stepped in between doctor and patient in the case of thousands of vulnerable New Jersey residents. Even though PTSD is an acceptable reason to be issued a medical marijuana registration card in other states, our legislators did not consider the scars of veterans' sacrifice to their country when they decided to play doctor. No card for you!

Now, according provisions in our state law, those wishing to have the Health Dept. add currently unapproved conditions to the acceptable list of indications for a medical marijuana registration card will need a clinical study in hand to apply. It is unacceptable that there is an FDA approved medical marijuana/veteran PTSD clinical study being blocked by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). I thank the CMMNJ for their support that allows me the ability to ensure everybody that all thirteen congressmen from NJ can no longer claim ignorance of the problem as an excuse for doing nothing about it. I don't go to DC to argue with them. I can't force them to take part. I can however make their reaction to my efforts to educate them public, something they would rather not happen. For many legislators it is a test to see if their fear of marijuana is greater than their fear of clinical tests being federally blocked that could save veterans' lives.

I love walking along the hallways of the congressional office buildings in Washington DC and looking at the legislator's names on the office doors that I pass. I get to walk right into the offices of friend and foe alike, at any office that I want, to represent any issue that is important to me. It is a right of mine as a U.S. citizen that I consider to be more valuable than my right to vote. Don't get me wrong. I vote every year even though my singular vote has never been the difference in an election, but that has never been enough for me. I want to not just have a voice, I want my voice to be heard, especially when it represents the views of seriously ill and injured Americans who cannot show up for themselves.

The cage rattling began on Dec. 6, 2011. I put the congressional delegation from NJ on notice that they had been served, so to speak, and left them with enough information to see if they would go further on their own or not. I told each that I would be by their office every couple of weeks to help keep them in the loop and get answers to any questions that they might have.

http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2011/12/jim-miller-travels-to-dc-on-behalf-of.html

The real fun began on my return two weeks later on Dec. 20. I had over a dozen letters from constituents of representatives of other states to deliver to their congressional offices as well as followups to do at the NJ offices. I was able to take on the extra visits because CMMNJ supporter Larry Vargo volunteered to go with me and do some stops himself. After getting a late start at 5:00 AM, we made it to our first Senate Office Building in time for a bagel and coffee in the cafeteria before our goal of a 9:00 start. Then we headed off to the Senate offices we were going to go to together. We did initial visits to the offices of Senators Menendez (D-NJ), Lautenberg (D-NJ), Kohl (D-WI), Johnson (D-WI) Schumer (D-NY), and Feinstein(-CA) together before moving to the congressional offices on the other side of the Capitol Building. We did the first two followups together in the Cannon House Office Building at the offices of Rep. Frank Pallone and Rep. Leonard Lance. I was correct in my prediction to Larry that they would have done nothing in the two weeks since they were advised of the situation. Basically though, we were simply setting the hook for the third visit. I advised each available staff member that statistically speaking, 250 US military veterans had killed themselves in the two weeks since I first made them aware of NIDA's blockade of the FDA approved veteran suicide PTSD/medical marijuana clinical trial. I then stated the obvious, that doing nothing was not a good look for them, and it would only get worse as the weeks passed while the number of suicides of veterans with PTSD grew on their watch. I assured them that I would be making their response, or lack thereof, a part of their "permanent record' in the form of a soon to be established website for all to see. Now I apparently have to get a website up and running. Say, anybody want to help make that happen? It is exactly the "big stick" that Teddy Roosevelt talked about. The threat of public awareness.

Larry got started on his own followup visits to 9 of NJ's representatives while I did initial stops at several out of state legislators offices as well as followups at the offices of NJ Reps. Runyan and Holt. I was talking to the staffer manning the desk at the door of Rep.Holt's Longworth office and trying to convince him that he should ask Patrick to see me for a few minutes when in walked Rush Holt. He recognized me from a 20 second chat we had eight years earlier and walked over to me with that "hey...I know you" look. In the 10 minute conversation that followed he showed why he was the the first person one who was smart enough to beat the Jeopardy computer. There was a certain sort of irony when Rep. Holt called Patrick out of his office to introduce him to me instead of the other way around. Rep. Holt confirmed that he is a supporter of medical marijuana and agreed that this deserved looking into. Needless to say, I now have the attention of Holt's Senior Policy Advisor for Defense and Intelligence who will also be his point man on this issue. Then, after Larry and I were finished with the remainder of our otherwise uneventful day of "setting hooks" in anticipation of my third visit, we headed back to Union Station for a quick meal at the food court before delving into the inevitable traffic delays getting out of DC. Let them all have a nice holiday recess and put all of this talk of veteran suicide on hold while they enjoy time with their families.

It turned out that I didn't get back to DC again until five weeks later on Jan. 25. That gave everybody ample time to either assess the situation for themselves or do nothing at all. I visited all 13 NJ congressional offices and made an initial visit to Ron Paul's office as well. Rep. Paul had met Cheryl and me at a Capitol Hill press conference the year before Cheryl died. He was deeply affected by Cheryl's commitment to medical marijuana rights, as displayed by her willingness to travel to DC in such an advanced stage of MS. We talked in his office a month after Cheryl died, and now I was back to ask him for help, and to offer him an opportunity to possibly spring this issue on his rivals at a future Republican presidential debate. I was treated like an old friend by his staff and Adam gave me all the time I needed to make my point, a point easily made in THAT office. They clearly remembered Cheryl's activism and enjoyed a couple of stories that they had not heard as well. I will be following up with additional information for Adam to ponder as requested. Then I was off to inform New Jersey's 13 US Representatives that there had been 875 veteran suicides since my initial visit to their offices seven weeks earlier, many while everybody else was having a good holiday celebration with their families.

My third visits to the offices of Rothman, Pascrell, and Sires showed me that they had done some vetting of the issue. Andrews had a recent change in staff setting us back one visit in the timeline, but he figures to be a supporter anyway. Payne's office and Frelinghuysen's office told me that they would get me a statement by the end of the week. They did not. Kate, from Smith's office took the time to have a productive unhurried visit with me and took copious notes. I waited until the end of our conversation to tell her that I was no stranger to her boss and that our previous encounters had been acrimonious at best. I'm not sure that she believed me when I told her that I brought Cheryl's funeral flowers to his Whiting office so he could watch them die instead of me. I'm guessing the fourth visit will be interesting. Pallone's office had apparently done nothing, and I chose to NOT tell his staff yet that I had picketed his 1175 Ocean Ave. Long Branch home with Cheryl's "memorial" wheelchair a month after she died. The fact that they did NOT know who I was certainly indicates that this issue hadn't yet reached Pallone yet.

Patrick was not in at Holt's office, leaving that follow up to an email when I got back. No need to worry there though. Gene from Sire's office had not only done his homework, he seemed to be taking the issue pragmatically for a republican rather than seeing it as a partisan issue. He rightfully took me to task for not having all of the information he needed to know whether or not NIDA was willing to work with the researchers at the Multidiciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies (MAPS) in order to meet the requirements for selling them government marijuana for the study. Considering that the FDA had had worked with MAPS in order to give their approval of the protocol for the study, it was indeed a logical question. My guess that NIDA will not relent was not good enough. Good one Gene! The others from New Jersey also expressed an interest in focusing on the exact stumbling block in NIDA'S refusal. All except David at Scott Garret's office. Not only was he condescending, he had absolutely no concept of the possibility that a Schedule 1 substance (marijuana) was even allowed to be studied in the US. He said it is his (Garrett's) position that they would not be looking into this unless somebody else initiates a response first. Then, and only maybe then, they might look into it. He actually asked me if I was recording him, as if he was worried that I might be able to accurately quote him.

Finally stopping by my representative's office (Jon Runyan) office last, I found Jennifer to be more cordial than she was at our first encounter. I'm not saying that the potential threat of media exposure had anything to do with it, but that IS what legislators respond to. She is now anxiously awaiting my followup email with a more precise evaluation of what needs to be done. Fair enough for now. My next scheduled trip to DC is Feb. 18, two days before over a thousand veterans will assemble at the Washington Monument and march to the White House in support of Ron Paul. http://fr33agents.com/1000-veterans-to-march-on-the-white-house-for-ron-paul/ I have met the organizer, Adam Kokesh, and hope he will include information about Rep. Paul's support for getting this study done during his event.

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Lawrence Township Library, Room #1

Tuesday, February 14, 2012; 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

7:00 PM: Call meeting to order. Approve January 2012 minutes. Discuss:

January 18, 2012 Press Release and State House press conference. See media coverage, below.

National Medical Marijuana Week, 2/12-18; Rally at Trenton Federal Bldg., 2/16/12 at noon.

CO, RI, WA & VT Gov.’s petition the feds to reschedule marijuana. Encourage NJ to join.

CMMNJ supports FDA-approved study on marijuana for veterans with PTSD; stalled by NIDA. Jim Miller’s update of his ongoing efforts to educate congressmen in D.C. See also Facebook page: Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access

ATC hearing at Camden City Hall on Monday 2/6/12 at 5:30 pm; public testimony invited. Contact Frank Fulbrook at (856) 966-5340.

Upcoming events:

Rally to support Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion at Burlington Co. Court, Mt. Holly, April 10, 2012.

NORML NJ meeting at 7 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month, Joe’s, Trenton;

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Trenton, 3/17/12.

Major CMMNJ fund raiser planned for Feb. 24 & 25, 2012.

Seventh National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, 4/26-28/12, Tucson, AZ.

Metuchen MS Self-Help Group, 2/21/12 at 10 AM.

CMMNJ Board meeting scheduled for March 3, 2012 at noon at Ken’s house.

Treasury report: Checking: $2791; PayPal: $3046.

CMMNJ 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 their endorsement of our issue.) For more info, contact:

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

219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

(609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com

www.cmmnj.org

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes

January 10, 2012

7:00 PM: Call meeting to order. December 2011 minutes approved. Discussion:

January 18, 2012, the second anniversary of the NJ Compassionate Use Act; CMMNJ plans a Press Release and State House press conference. Chris to send invitations to legislators, et al. Ed to draft suggested bill amendments.

Four states (CO, RI, WA & VT) petition the feds to reschedule marijuana. Encourage NJ to join.

NJ.com 12/28/11: OP ED: Upper Freehold's plan to ban medical marijuana farms relies on flawed federal law

CMMNJ supports FDA-approved study on marijuana for veterans with PTSD; stalled by NIDA. Jim Miller gave an update on his ongoing efforts to educate congressmen in D.C. See also Facebook page: Veterans for Medical Cannabis Access

CMMNJ Board meeting scheduled for March 3, 2012 at noon at Ken’s house.

Frank Fulbrook’s update on ATC hearings at Camden City Hall. Next one is 2/6/12 at 5:30 pm; public testimony invited.

Upcoming events: Major CMMNJ fund raiser planned for Feb. 24 & 25, 2012. Save the dates!

Rally to support Ed (NJWeedman) Forchion at Burlington Co. Court, Mt Holly, April 10, 2012.

NORML NJ meeting at 7 pm on the 2nd Monday of each month, Joe’s, Trenton;

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Trenton, 3/17/12.

Seventh National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, 4/26-28/12, Tucson, AZ.

Treasury report: Checking: $3424; PayPal: $3072.

Next CMMNJ meeting: Feb. 14, 2012 from 7 -9 PM at the Lawrence Twp. Library. For more info, contact: Ken Wolski, RN (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com www.cmmnj.org

Recent Media Coverage and Blogs:

NJ’s failure to implement medical marijuana law after two full years:

Patients to protest 2-year delay of medical marijuana law in Trenton, 1/18/12

http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2012/01/patients-to-protest-2-year-delay-of.html

Medical Marijuana law: patients demand amendments and implementation

http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2012/01/medical-marijuana-law-patients-demand.html

Open Letter to Governor Christie: Another hospice patient dies in needless pain

http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2012/01/open-letter-to-governor-christie.html

NJ communities resistant to medical marijuana centers; patients still seeking relief

http://www.nj.com/gloucester-county/index.ssf/2012/01/nj_communities_resistant_to_me.html

Opinion: Medicinal pot program must be done right

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/marijuana_012512.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150552931114917_21734742_10150553098319917#f37294707c

Make Medical Marijuana a Reality in New Jersey

https://secure2.convio.net/dpa/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=787

Opinion: Don’t Let NIMBY Derail NJ’s Medical Marijuana Law

http://www.njspotlight.com/stories/12/0103/1615/

2 years after being approved, N.J. medical marijuana program still at seedling stage

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/2_years_after_being_approved_n.html

Neighbors blunt about medicinal marijuana dispensary plan

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120116/NEWS01/301160019/Neighbors-blunt-about-medicinal-marijuana-dispensary-plan

Time to embrace medical marijuana centers

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/opinion/letters_to_editor/time-to-embrace-medical-marijuana-centers/article_05d45794-0752-5a24-b97c-135b18d06511.html

Five Ways To Get Medical Marijuana Working in New Jersey

http://www.freedomisgreen.com/five-ways-to-get-medical-marijuana-working-in-new-jersey/

Questions remain on South Jersey medical marijuana facility

http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20120110/NEWS02/301100030?fb_ref=artrectop&fb_source=profile_multiline

Lawsuit brewing over N.J. medical marijuana program

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/lawsuit_brewing_over_nj_medica.html

Editorial: Opposition to medical marijuana by towns is bred by misplaced fear

http://www.nj.com/times-opinion/index.ssf/2012/01/editorial_opposition_to_medica.html

Lawmaker proposes to protect medical marijuana growers

http://www.northjersey.com/news/state/011112_Lawmaker_proposes_to_protect_medical_marijuana

_growers.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150608729397652_25712907_10150609086722652#f998fc838

Christie: Won't force NJ communities to accept medical pot farm, dispensary

http://www.northjersey.com/news/Christie_Wont_force_NJ_communities_to_accept_a_medical_pot_

farm_dispensary.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150520329249291_20902267_10150522627964291#f146934f1c

N.J. towns need a nudge on medical marijuana

http://blog.nj.com/njv_editorial_page/2012/01/nj_towns_need_a_nudge_on_medic.html

LA Talk Radio, 12/30/11:

http://www.latalkradio.com/Cannabis.php

NORML SHOW LIVE #837 – I Have a Dream, Too

http://stash.norml.org/norml-show-live-837-i-have-a-dream-too

Medical Pot Advocates Rally in Trenton [VIDEO]

http://nj1015.com/medical-pot-advocates-rally-in-trenton-video/

Rally Held In Trenton For Medical Marijuana

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2012/01/18/rally-held-in-trenton-for-medical-marijuana/

Medical Marijuana Rally at the Statehouse in Trenton (1/18/12)

http://www.app.com/videonetwork/1400427615001?odyssey=mod%7Ctvideo%7Carticle

Video: New Jersey medical marijuana

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/video-new-jersey-medical-marijuana/youtube_b29d596e-f181-505e-995e-3c608aee905a.html

Medical Marijuana

http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/burlington_county_times_news/medical-marijuana/collection_4913aab4-df3f-5b86-bfbf-f4b181780835.html?fb_ref=.TxeTOwJLK94.like&fb_source=profile_oneline

Herald News: Medical pot law stalls

http://www.northjersey.com/news/opinions/137651543_Medical_pot_law_stalls_.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150701018287656_24187764_10150703421452656#f333291514

N.J. legislators get busy removing medical marijuana roadblocks

http://articles.philly.com/2012-01-30/news/31006048_1_marijuana-businesses-medical-marijuana-marijuana-operations

Garden State’s Medical Marijuana Has Not Taken Root in Two Years

http://www.capemaycountyherald.com/article/government/80012-garden%20state%E2%80%99s%20medical%20marijuana%20has%20not%20taken%20root%20two%20years

State rep. seeks to remove roadblocks to pot program

http://tri.gmnews.com/news/2012-02-02/Front_Page/State_rep_seeks_to_remove_roadblocks_to_pot_progra.html

John Wilson and other current victims:

N.J. Supreme Court won't hear case of multiple sclerosis patient jailed for growing marijuana

http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2012/01/nj_supreme_court_wont_hear_cas.html

NJTV Video coverage of John Wilson 1/27/12:

http://watch.njtvonline.org/video/2190862071/

NJ Gov Christie Last Hope for Medical Marijuana Patient

http://www.freedomisgreen.com/nj-gov-christie-last-hope-for-medical-marijuana-patient/

NJ Supreme Court: 5 Years in Prison for MS Patient Growing Marijuana

http://www.politickernj.com/54244/nj-supreme-court-5-years-prison-ms-patient-growing-marijuana

Pot-growing MS patient / Commute sentence

http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/article_5d76da3e-1b11-5752-a8e8-12f5b81827b5.html?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150494022532251_20175864_10150494866062251#f3f483d1b4

Medical Marijuana Patient Surrenders Today; Pardon Sought from Gov Christie

http://www.politickernj.com/54345/medical-marijuana-patient-surrenders-today-pardon-sought-gov-christie

The Panic Hour Presents: New Jersey is MS’ed up

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyqSDEMxZdI

Chris Christie: The Drug War Has Failed

http://www.forbes.com/sites/erikkain/2011/11/30/chris-christie-the-drug-war-has-failed/

Also, follow John Wilson of Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Support-John-Ray-Wilson-New-Jersey-MS-Patient/104540271138

Eric Hafner is another victim of New Jersey's failure to enact its overly restrictive law.

http://kiwi6.com/file/eum92653to?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150544248234574_22597357_10150545591749574#f3e53aec84

FAIR HAVEN MAN VOWS FIGHT OVER POT BUST

http://www.redbankgreen.com/2012/01/fair-haven-man-vows-fight-over-pot-bust.html

More on Eric Hafner: “I’m Not Going to Plead Guilty to Using My Medicine.”

http://foodforthethinkers.com/2012/01/27/im-not-going-to-plead-guilty-to-using-my-medicine/

Ed Forchion (NJWeedman):

Times are not so high for N.J. pot advocate

http://articles.philly.com/2012-01-16/news/30632140_1_marijuana-chills-nullification

Recent News:

Marijuana Smoking Not Linked to Chronic Breathing Problems

http://www.webmd.com/lung/news/20120103/marijuana-smoking-not-linked_to-chronic-breathing-problems

Medical marijuana helped cancer patient improve

http://www.app.com/article/20120127/NJOPINION02/301270015?fb_comment_id=fbc_10150555039718467_20846867_10150557092838467

42 Wash. lawmakers ask DEA to reclassify marijuana

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2012/01/30/2005166/42-wash-lawmakers-ask-dea-to-reclassify.html

The Case for Treating PTSD in Veterans With Medical Marijuana

http://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2012/01/the-case-for-treating-ptsd-in-veterans-with-medical-marijuana/251466/

Iraq War Veterans Turn to Marijuana for Managing PTSD Symptoms

http://www.philadelphiaweekly.com/news-and-opinion/138000863.html

Decriminalize marijuana in New Jersey

http://ssdp.org/action/decriminalize-marijuana-in-new-jersey

Israeli researchers say more doctors should recommend marijuana to cancer patients

http://www.haaretz.com/print-edition/news/israeli-researchers-say-more-doctors-should-recommend-marijuana-to-cancer-patients-1.409918

Tucson Will Be Toke Town In April: Medical Cannabis Conference

http://www.tokeofthetown.com/2012/01/tucson_will_be_toke_town_in_april_medical_cannabis.php

Also, follow CMMNJ on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

Open Letter to Governor Christie: Another hospice patient dies in needless pain

January 20, 2012

Dear Governor Christie,

I am writing to you in regard to the Medical Marijuana (MM) issue. Recently, I lost my mom. She was receiving hospice services at home after her return from the hospital. She was being administered morphine, methadone and God knows what else. After her hospital stay she became worse and at home all hospice could do was to medicate her and assist her in what they deem a comfortable death experience.

I contacted a doctor at Hackensack Medical Center that was enrolled in the MM program that had the permission to write a MM prescription. However, I was told that the program was on hold and that he could not follow through and that dispensaries were not yet in place. My moms’ pain management physician was all for it but had no idea how to do it. I had a contact that manufactures MM for California dispensaries but due to Federal law I could not attain it and I was not going to attempt anything illegal. I called the Governor’s office but that was as frustrating as anything could ever be. I’m not saying that the MM treatment could have saved my mom but maybe it could have managed the pain better and induced some appetite rather than having her literally starve to death and more or less dry up inside from the medication that was given her. Maybe it could have given her a few weeks of peace and happiness. Is that so bad?

All life is precious and sacred and particularly to me in this case. This was my one and only mom and I wanted to leave no stone unturned. Some research says that MM can destroy cancerous brain cells. The hold that pharmaceuticals seem to have on our system is not only ludicrous but also criminal. The intent of lawmakers seems just as bad. I’m not saying that MM should be available for recreational use but I’m not so sure it shouldn’t be either since alcohol and tobacco are much worse. At least make it available to hospice patients.

Why is New Jersey always the last with everything? Can’t we for once step up and be a leader. I voted for you and believed in you but now I’m not so sure about either party with the mess our nation is in. It seems that politicians / lawmakers are always putting themselves first and forgetting about the well being of the people, the individual and our nation.

I am a singer songwriter musician. I’ve just produced a music video called “Home America”. I’m telling you this because I put my effort and time into this because I love this country and I want you to know this. I may not be a scholar but I am no simpleton either. Please visit my video at: www.charleslallo.com. Also I’ve had the good fortune to have star of stage and screen, actor/singer Danny Aiello also record my song on his latest album called “Bridges”. I intend to do my part to make our nation better beginning right here in New Jersey; this state that I truly love being a part of, raised and bred.

As people we have to stop appearing to be doing the right things and begin to truly do the right things. This MM issue can be dispensed, marketed and presented in a way that can enlighten people to doing things in a certain way, in a way that is beneficial for everyone. We need to be educated in the essence of human nature and the sacredness of life. Let’s make the MM issue work for us and not for the underground community.

Needless to say I have anger in my heart because I have been personally affected by my mom’s death. I believe the scenario could have been different if we had a more clear perspective and open hearts and minds on this subject of MM. This is a God-given plant. My mom was in great shape at the age of 90. People’s first reaction is that she had a full life and at 90 maybe her time was due. This may be so but then again there is not a rule book that says one must die at 90 or 80 or even 60. People are living longer these days and if we were a more enlightened society this could be. But instead we choose to poison our foods, our air, our water and even our thoughts. Our capitalist society is suffering because we have sacrificed our integrity. Capitalism is great when integrity and caring are implemented factors.

She didn’t have to die and MM would not have turned her into a drug addict at age 90. God gave us this plant that has been used throughout the ages as a medicinal. It is natural and some may make the arguments that so are heroin and cocaine natural. Well, cocaine is not natural. In its natural form it is the cocoa leaf, which is still used in South America to help with menstrual cramps, fever and many other ailments. It is the warped sense of humankind that turns it into the dangerous substance of cocaine. As for heroin, I believe that with pure and proper intent it can be used to help those with deep psychological problems and trauma under strict restricted use. But as people we are so greedy, corrupt and downright evil all too often. It is time for America to wake up and become somewhat enlightened to the fact that no nation can stand divided and that now more than ever we need to care for each other and recognize truth and righteousness and not put up a façade. I wish I could have your ear and the opportunity to make this argument. I believe I am correct in my thinking and perspective and not carry the frustration of not being able to make my case.

I thank you for reading this and I hope your aides do allow this to get through to you. I am one that was in favor of you being our president but then again you are only human and that means that you are not perfect either. Therefore, I ask that you keep an open mind and heart and do this MM in a way that helps. There is no known lethal dose for MM. I’m sure every drug addict began with marijuana and every alcoholic with a beer. But not everyone that smoked a joint or drank a beer becomes an addict. Please consider what I am saying. Thank you again.

Very truly and respectfully yours,

Charles A. Lallo Jr.

charl@charleslallo.com

NJ Supreme Court Agrees: MS Patient Must Spend 5 Years in State Prison

WHO: New Jersey Supreme Court

WHAT: Refused to hear the appeal of MS patient John Ray Wilson who was denied a medical defense for his use of marijuana

WHEN: January 20, 2012

WHERE: Trenton, NJ

WHY: The Supreme Court agrees there is no “personal use” exemption for the charge of "manufacturing" marijuana

New Jersey multiple sclerosis (MS) patient John Ray Wilson is preparing to resume his 5-year prison sentence after the state Supreme Court denied certification, refusing to hear his appeal, on January 20, 2012, according to his lawyer, William Buckman. Buckman called the Appellate Court decision that the Supreme Court let stand, “wrongheaded and a vicious travesty.”

Wilson was arrested on August 18, 2008 and was charged with “manufacturing” 17 marijuana plants that he used to treat his MS. Wilson faced 20 years in state prison for this crime. At trial, Superior Court Judge Robert Reed would not let the jury hear the reason that Wilson grew the marijuana plants, essentially removing Wilson’s only defense. Many members of the community felt this was an injustice and protested outside the court house in Somerville. In December 2009 Wilson was acquitted of the most serious charge, but he was convicted of a second degree charge of manufacturing marijuana. He was sentenced to five years in prison on March 19, 2010.

On July 26, 2011, an Appellate Court affirmed the conviction and sentencing. The Appellate Court agreed with the trial judge that there was no “personal use” exemption to the charge of manufacturing over ten marijuana plants. It did not matter that Wilson was using the marijuana to treat his MS, the Appellate Court ruled. They agreed that five years in prison for this crime was an appropriate sentence.

Governor Chris Christie has so far ignored appeals from State Senators Scutari and Lesniak for a pardon for Wilson. Ken Wolski, RN, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) said, “This is further proof that there is no justice for medical marijuana patients in New Jersey.”

The National MS Society confirmed in an Expert Opinion Paper that standard therapies often provide inadequate relief for the symptoms of MS and that marijuana helps with MS symptoms such as pain and spasticity and could limit disease progression. An estimated 15% of people with the disease use marijuana for symptom relief, according to the MS Society. MS is a qualifying condition for marijuana therapy in New Jersey according to the two-year-old Compassionate Use Act, but the state’s Medicinal Marijuana Program is not operational yet.

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

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

info@cmmnj.org

Medical marijuana law: patients demand amendments and implementation

WHO: Medical marijuana patients, families and advocates

WHAT: Hold a Press Conference to demand that the Governor and the Legislature amend and implement the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, after two full years

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon

WHERE: The State House steps, Trenton, NJ

WHY: The governor has delayed this law since he took office; patients have no legal protection

Medical marijuana patients and advocates will demand that Governor Chris Christie and the New Jersey Legislature amend and implement New Jersey’s medical marijuana law at a Press Conference at the State House steps in Trenton, NJ on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon.

The “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" was signed into law on January 18, 2010. Still, not a single patient in this state has enjoyed the legal protection that this law was designed to provide. Ken Wolski, RN, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) said, “Gov. Christie has delayed and obstructed this law since he took office. The Legislature is also abandoning the seriously ill residents that this law was passed to protect. Qualifying New Jersey residents deserve to have this law working”

New Jersey passed the first compassionate use law in the country that did not include provisions for patients or their caregivers to grow cannabis. Language to allow micro-plots of up to six plants was stripped away from the legislation at the Assembly Health Committee hearing chaired by Herb Conaway on June 4, 2009. The Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in the original bill were registered collective gardens but were re-designed as quasi-pharmacies after that hearing. Now seriously ill residents must rely on six regional ATCs for all of their marijuana. But ATCs have struggled to open, leaving NJ patients with no marijuana at all. Home cultivation is permitted in 14 states and guarantees safe and legal access to qualified, registered patients.

CMMNJ is calling on the Governor and the Legislature to support amendments to the Compassionate Use Act:

• restore home cultivation (six plants per patient/caregiver);

• restore ATCs as collective gardens, in addition to quasi-pharmacies;

• restore chronic pain from any cause as a qualifying condition and respect out-of-state ID cards;

• add explicit workplace and housing protection for registered patients;

• stop the physician registry and start the patient registry; and,

• reschedule marijuana to a more appropriate schedule that acknowledges marijuana’s accepted medical uses in the U.S., its safety profile and its low addiction potential.

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides education about the benefits medical marijuana.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director

Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.

219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

609.394.2137 www.cmmnj.org ohamkrw@aol.com

PRESS RELEASE: Patients demand Gov. Christie, Legislature amend and implement medical marijuana law

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey - CMMNJ

PRESS RELEASE - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 17, 2012

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

Patients demand Gov. Christie, Legislature amend and implement medical marijuana law

(Trenton) - Medical marijuana patients and advocates will demand that Governor Chris Christie and the New Jersey Legislature amend and implement New Jersey’s medical marijuana law. A CMMNJ Press Conference will be held at the State House steps in Trenton, NJ on Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon.

The “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" was signed into law on January 18, 2010. The bill was originally introduced in January, 2005. Today, not a single patient in this state has enjoyed the legal protection that this law was created to provide.

Ken Wolski, RN, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) said, “Gov. Christie has delayed and obstructed this law since he took office. The Legislature is abandoning the seriously ill residents that this law was passed to protect. Qualifying NJ residents deserve to have this law working.”

New Jersey passed the first compassionate use law in the country that did not include provisions for patients or their caregivers to grow cannabis. Language to allow micro-plots of up to six plants was stripped away from the legislation at the Assembly Health Committee hearing chaired by Herb Conaway on June 4, 2009.

The Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs) in the original bill were registered collective gardens but were re-designed as quasi-pharmacies after that hearing. Now seriously ill residents must rely on six regional ATCs for all of their marijuana. But ATCs have struggled to open, leaving NJ patients with no marijuana at all. Home cultivation is permitted in 14 states and this method guarantees safe and legal access to qualified, registered patients.

CMMNJ is calling on the Governor and Legislature to amend the Compassionate Use Act to restore the features that will move the program forward:

- Stop the physician registry and start the patient registry

- Restore home cultivation (six plants per patient/caregiver)

- Restore ATCs as collective gardens in addition to quasi-pharmacies

- Respect out-of-state ID cards

- Include explicit workplace and housing protection for registered patients

In addition CMMNJ reinforces our call on Governor Christie, the State Attorney General and the NJ Division of Consumer Affairs to immediately re-schedule marijuana under NJ controlled substances coding.

WHO: Medical marijuana patients, families and advocates

WHAT: Press Conference to demand that Governor Christie and the amend and the Legislature implement the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, two full years after it was signed into law

WHEN: Wednesday, January 18, 2012 at 12:00 noon

WHERE: The State House steps, Trenton, NJ

WHY: The governor has consistently delayed this law since he took office - patients have no legal protections

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137

CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, provides education about the benefits medical marijuana.

Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137 www.cmmnj.org ohamkrw@aol.com