CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for 1/14/20

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #1 (Most meetings in 2020 will be in Room #1.)
Tuesday, January 14, 2020 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve December 2019 minutes. Discuss:

Cannabis legalization in NJ will be a ballot question on November 3, 2020. SCR183/ACR840 was passed by the Senate (24-16) and passed by the Assembly (49-24-1) on 12/16/2019, after Senate and Assembly hearings on 12/12/19. #VoteCannabis2020: Register to vote and vote in the General Elections on November 3, 2020. Let's ALL have a consistent message this year! Join and share! https://www.facebook.com/groups/670147976851082/

CMMNJ produced a video in support of legalization, and sent out a Press Release. LTE:  Problems with Neese’s column Op Ed: NJ voters should take the leap on marijuana question

CMMNJ Board members and friends met with NJ DOH officials on 12/12/19 re: home grow and vigorous implementation of the Jake Honig law. CMMNJ also plans to produce a video in support of home cultivation in 2020. Op Ed: Allow home cultivation of medical marijuana

The Green Thumb Industries (GTI) store, RISE Paterson, opened on Saturday, 12/21/19, becoming the 7th medical marijuana ATC in NJ serving over 63,000 patients.

Gov. Murphy signed “clean slate” expungement bill into law! New law sets the stage for automatic expungement of minor marijuana offenses (after 10 years). Last year New Jersey was third in the nation in total marijuana arrests.

Military Matters podcast: Explores issues important to service members, veterans, and the communities that support them. Episode 1: Cannabis – what are the facts, and can it be helpful?

Illinois: Legal marijuana sales began 1/1/20.

Upcoming Events: 
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” JCC, Edison, NJ, 2/11/20, 10:30 – 11:30 am.
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” Princeton Present Day Club, 3/4/20, 12:30 – 2:15 pm.
Patients Out of Time 14th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, May 28-30, 2020 (also the 25th anniversary of POT).

Recent events: Rutgers Cannabis Symposium, Somerset, NJ, 12/18/19.
Marijuana reform in Delaware, Repeal Day Rally & Soiree, Wilmington, Dec. 7.
Garden State NORML lobby day, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 12/16/19.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.
Interview with Dean Becker of Drug Truth Network: 1/2/20 & 1/3/20.

Treasury report: Checking: $3718; PayPal: $2511.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
December 10, 2019

November 2019 minutes approved.

NJ legislators said they will not vote on the marijuana legalization bill, (S2703), in 2019, shortly after a State House Press Conference for the adult use bill on 11/18/19. CMMNJ supports this legislation and the efforts to force a vote continued. Now, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020. CMMNJ produced a video in support of S2703, and sent out a Press Release.

Legislative vote coming 12/16/19: ACR 840/SCR183: 
“Proposes constitutional amendment to legalize cannabis for personal, non-medical use by adults who are age 21 years or older, subject to regulation by Cannabis Regulatory Commission.” 

Do you approve amending the Constitution to legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis”?

     Only adults at least 21 years of age could use cannabis.  The State commission created to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program would also oversee the new, personal use cannabis market. 

     Cannabis products would be subject to the State sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

     This amendment would legalize a controlled form of marijuana called “cannabis.”  Only persons at least 21 years of age could use cannabis products legally.

     The Cannabis Regulatory Commission would oversee the new adult cannabis market.  This commission was created in 2019 to oversee the State’s medical cannabis program.  The scope of the commission’s new authority would be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.

     All retail sales of cannabis products in the new adult cannabis market would be subject to the State’s sales tax.  If authorized by the Legislature, a municipality may pass a local ordinance to charge a local tax on cannabis products.

CMMNJ also plans to produce a video in support of home cultivation in 2020. Ken was interviewed on 101.5 FM about ATC prices and advocated for home cultivation for patients.
CMMNJ participated in a rally in Trenton for home cultivation on 11/25/19. The first step!

CMMNJ Board members and friends are scheduled to meet with NJ DOH officials on 12/12/19 re: home grow and vigorous implementation of the Jake Honig law.

Ed Tobias, Esq. filed a legal appeal after the DOH rejected his ATC application on 11/18/19. Linda Graves, MD and others anxiously await the DOH decision on who will be approved for the next round of ATCs.

House passes MORE Act out of committee! Federal marijuana reform progress.

Michigan: Legal marijuana sales began 12/1/19.
Illinois: Legal marijuana sales to begin 1/1/20.

Medical Cannabis: What Nurses Need to Know: article in American Nurse Today by ACNA nurses. The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that 2020 is The Year of the Nurse and the Midwife.

The Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway at the Trenton State House on 11/28/19 was very successful. In addition to the food and clothes, many people appreciated the packets of personal hygiene supplies. What was not taken at the State House was delivered to the Trenton Rescue Mission. Many thanks to all those who donated time, money and things.

Upcoming Events: Rutgers Cannabis Symposium, Somerset, NJ, 12/18/19, 9 am – 4 pm.
Marijuana reform in Delaware, Repeal Day Rally & Soiree, Wilmington, Dec. 7, 4:20 pm.
Garden State NORML lobby day, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 12/16/19.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” JCC, Edison, NJ, 2/11/20, 10:30 – 11:30 am.
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” Princeton Present Day Club, 3/4/20, 12:30 – 2:15 pm.
Patients Out of Time 14th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, Bethesda, MD, May 28-30, 2020 (also the 25th anniversary of POT).
Interview with Dean Becker, 12/23/19.

Recent events: “NJ Marijuana Update,” Trenton YMCA, 11/9/19, 1:00 pm.
“Medical Marijuana & the Elderly,” Acorn Glen, Princeton, NJ, 11/12/19, 9 am.
“#94 & NO MORE,” NJUMR State House Press Conference, Trenton, 11/18/19.
Rally for Home Cultivation, War Memorial, Trenton, 11/25/19.
Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway, Trenton State House, 11/28/19, 8:30 am - 11:30 am.
Treasury report: Checking: $3781; PayPal: $2690.

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.

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for December 10, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 (Most meetings in 2020 will be in Room #1.)
Tuesday, December 10, 2019, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve November 2019 minutes. Discuss:

NJ legislators said they will not vote on the marijuana legalization bill, (S2703), in 2019, shortly after a State House Press Conference for the adult use bill on 11/18/19. CMMNJ supports this legislation and the efforts to force a vote continue. CMMNJ produced a video in support of S2703, and sent out a Press Release.

Now, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020.

CMMNJ also plans to produce a video in support of home cultivation in 2020. Ken was interviewed on 101.5 FM about ATC prices and advocated for home cultivation for patients. CMMNJ participated in a rally in Trenton for home cultivation on 11/25/19. The first step!

House passes MORE Act out of committee! Federal marijuana reform progress.

Upcoming Events: Rutgers Cannabis Symposium, Somerset, NJ, 12/18/19, 9 am – 4 pm.
Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway, Trenton State House, 11/28/19, 8:30 am - 11:30 am.
Marijuana reform in Delaware, Repeal Day Rally & Soiree, Wilmington, Dec. 7, 4:20 pm.
Garden State NORML lobby day, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 12/16/19.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn., Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” JCC, Edison, NJ, 2/11/20, 10:30 – 11:30 am.
“Seniors and Medical Marijuana,” Princeton Present Day Club, 3/4/20, 12:30 – 2:15 pm.

Recent events: “NJ Marijuana Update,” Trenton YMCA, 11/9/19.
“Medical Marijuana & the Elderly,” Acorn Glen, Princeton, NJ, 11/12/19.
“#94 & NO MORE,” NJUMR State House Press Conference, Trenton, 11/18/19.
Rally for Home Cultivation, War Memorial, Trenton, 11/25/19.

Treasury report: Checking: $3781; PayPal: $2690.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 

November 12, 2019

October 2019 minutes approved. 

CMMNJ mourned the untimely death of Terry Harris with a moment of silence at this meeting.

Zoe Patchell gave an update on marijuana reform events in Delaware via phone. Dec. 7 is the 86th anniversary of the repeal of alcohol prohibition in the U.S.

The NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703), may get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session (after Election Day, Nov. 5th  until early Jan., 2020.) CMMNJ supports this legislation. Reach out to organizations and ask them to tell their members to support this bill! (Otherwise, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020.) Send an email to your legislators! Sign the NJUMR letter! Two-thirds of Americans favor legalizing marijuana according to Gallup. Plans made to oppose Sen. Ron Rice’s Op Ed opposing marijuana legalization. A State House Press Conference is planned by NJUMR for 11/18/19. 

CMMNJ just completed a 13-minute video in support of S2703. Press Release planned.

CMMNJ also plans to produce a video in support of home cultivation in 2020. 

Ken won “Community Recognition” from the Capital City Area Black Caucus on 11/9/19 for, “Your Commitment to Persons of Color & Minority Participation in NJ’s Cannabis Community.”

Jahan Marcu’s “Journal of Endocannabinoid Medicine” launch 11/15/19, & ABC7 report.

Feds continue to prohibit the Department of Justice from using its resources to prosecute individuals acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.

“Thank you” to all who contributed food, clothing and cash to the CMMNJ & Sativa Cross Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway at the Trenton State House, 11/28/19, 8:30 - 11:30 am.

Upcoming Events: “NJ Marijuana Update,” Trenton YMCA, 11/9/19, 1:00 pm.

Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway, Trenton State House, 11/28/19, 8:30 am - 11:30 am.

“Medical Marijuana & the Elderly,” Acorn Glen, Princeton, NJ, 11/12/19, 9 am.

Garden State NORML lobby days, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 11/18 & 12/16/19.

Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 11/20, 4 PM – 7 PM.

American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.

Recent events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.

Black Cannabis Mixer, Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 10/20/19, 4 PM – 7 PM.

Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Treasury report: Checking: $3875; PayPal: $2690.

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.

CMMNJ Video Supports Adult Use Cannabis Bill

CMMNJ Video Supports Adult Use Cannabis Bill

                                                           For more information, contact:
                                                           Ken (609) 394-2137 
                                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHO  Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) 
WHAT:    Video: “Why We Must End Cannabis Prohibition In New Jersey”
WHERE:  YouTube: https://youtu.be/wQilF2QvjIk
WHY:    Four (4) organizations explain why cannabis must be legalized in New Jersey

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey produced a 13-minute video where representatives of four (4) organizations explain why cannabis must be legalized in New Jersey. This video can be seen on YouTube at https://youtu.be/wQilF2QvjIk

The video includes compelling statements by:

1) Scott Rudder - The New Jersey Cannabusiness Association (NJCA)
“New Jersey arrests 94 people every day for marijuana possession.”

2) Charlana McKeithen - Garden State NORML
“For a fair and just society, New Jersey must legalize marijuana.”

3) Dr. David Nathan - Doctors For Cannabis Regulation (DFCR)
“This drug should never have been made against the law in the first place.”

4) Ken Wolski - The Coalition for Medical Marijuana (CMMNJ)
“Legalization of marijuana benefits the residents of New Jersey in many ways.”

CMMNJ urges the New Jersey Legislature to pass a bill to legalize, tax and regulate the adult use of marijuana/cannabis before the end of the current lame duck session.

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

CMMNJ was founded in 2003 as a statewide, all-volunteer, 501(c)(3) public charity whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of safe and legal access to medical marijuana.  In 2014, CMMNJ endorsed legalization of marijuana/cannabis.

November 12, 2019 Public Meeting Agenda & October 2019 Minutes

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #2 
Tuesday, November 12, 2019, 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve October 2019 minutes. Discuss:

The NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703), may get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session (from Nov. 5th until early Jan., 2020.) CMMNJ supports this legislation. Reach out to organizations and ask them to tell their members to support this bill! (Otherwise, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020.) Send an email to your legislators! Sign the NJUMR letter! Two-thirds of Americans favor legalizing marijuana according to Gallup.

CMMNJ is producing a video in support of S2703.
CMMNJ also plans to produce a video in support of home cultivation in 2020.

Feds continue to prohibit the Department of Justice from using its resources to prosecute individuals acting in compliance with state medical marijuana laws.

Upcoming Events: “NJ Marijuana Update,” Trenton YMCA, 11/9/19, 1:00 pm.
Thanksgiving Food & Clothing Giveaway, Trenton State House, 11/28/19, 8:30 am - 11:30 am.
“Medical Marijuana & the Elderly,” Acorn Glen, Princeton, NJ, 11/12/19, 9 am.
Garden State NORML lobby days, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 11/18 & 12/16/19.
Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 11/20, 4 PM – 7 PM.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.

Recent events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
Black Cannabis Mixer, Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 10/20/19, 4 PM – 7 PM.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Treasury report: Checking: $3875; PayPal: $2690.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
October 8, 2019

September 2019 minutes approved.

The NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703), may get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session (early Nov. to early Jan., 2020.) CMMNJ supports this legislation and asks for a home cultivation bill for patients in 2020. Reach out to organizations and ask them to tell their members to support this bill! (Otherwise, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020 and then, even if it passes, the issue will return to the legislature for final bill wording.) Send an email to your legislators! CMMNJ is working on a video in support of S2703. CMMNJ plans to work on a video in support of home cultivation in January 2020.

Jim Miller is doing solo demonstrations for home cultivation in front of the governor’s office. He reports being hassled by state troopers and dealing effectively with it.

NJ’s first death associated with vaping noted. NJ DOH MMP: no reports of serious lung illness associated with products sold in NJ ATCs. The problem should spur legislators to make vaping safer through regulations, not bans, just as we made cars safer in response to traffic deaths.

House passes historic SAFE Act that would allow cannabis businesses to open bank accounts

Applications for 24 new ATCs in NJ were due in August. Good luck to the applicants!

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
Garden State NORML lobby days, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 10/21, 11/18 & 12/16/19.
Black Cannabis Mixer, Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 10/20/19, 4 PM – 7 PM. Additional Black Cannabis meetings on the 20th of each month.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
NORML Conference, Washington, D.C. September 8 -10, 2019.
Cannabis Career Fair, Stockton University Student Center, 9/13/19, 9 am- 4 pm.
NJTV News: Cannabis Country: Balancing legalization, etc., 9/4, 8pm.
CAPITAL CITY AREA BLACK CAUCUS: "The Color of Cannabis: Challenges, Choices and Opportunities," MCCC-James Kerney Campus, Trenton, Sept. 11, 5 pm – 8 pm.
Garden State NORML Rally and Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 9/23/19, 12 noon.
“Medical marijuana’s impact on people living with HIV” at the "Paterson-Passaic-Bergen County HIV Health Services Planning Council" on Oct. 1st in Paterson, NJ 07514.
Medical Marijuana: Medicinal & Therapeutic Uses, Union County College, 9/19/19.

Treasury report: Checking: $3940; PayPal: $2690.

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.

Agenda for the October 8, 2019 CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, October 8, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve September 2019 minutes. Discuss:

The NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703), may get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session (early Nov. to early Jan., 2020.) CMMNJ supports this legislation and asks for a home cultivation bill for patients in 2020. Reach out to organizations and ask them to tell their members to support this bill! (Otherwise, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020 and then, even if it passes, the issue will return to the legislature for final bill wording.) Send an email to your legislators! CMMNJ is working on a video in support of S2703.

NJ’s first death associated with vaping noted. NJ DOH MMP: no reports of serious lung illness associated with products sold in NJ ATCs.

House passes historic legislation to allow cannabis businesses to open bank accounts.

Applications for 24 new ATCs in NJ were due in August. Good luck to the applicants!

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
Garden State NORML lobby days, 12 noon, Trenton State House: 10/21, 11/18 & 12/16/19.
Black Cannabis Mixer, Black Cannabis, Coopers Riverview, 10/20/19, 4 PM – 7 PM.
American Cannabis Nurses Assn, Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, New Orleans 12/4 – 6.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
NORML Conference, Washington, D.C. September 8 -10, 2019.
Cannabis Career Fair, Stockton University Student Center, 9/13/19, 9 am- 4 pm.
NJTV News: Cannabis Country: Balancing legalization, etc., 9/4, 8pm.
CAPITAL CITY AREA BLACK CAUCUS: "The Color of Cannabis: Challenges, Choices and Opportunities," MCCC-James Kerney Campus, Trenton, Sept. 11, 5 pm – 8 pm.
Garden State NORML Rally and Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 9/23/19, 12 noon.
“Medical marijuana’s impact on people living with HIV” at the "Paterson-Passaic-Bergen County HIV Health Services Planning Council" on Oct. 1st in Paterson, NJ 07514.
Medical Marijuana: Medicinal & Therapeutic Uses, Union County College, 9/19/19.

Treasury report: Checking: $3940; PayPal: $2690.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
September 10, 2019

August 2019 minutes approved.

Applications for 24 new ATCs in NJ were due on 8/21 for Dispensaries and 8/22 for Cultivation & Vertically Integrated facilities. Good luck. Linda Graves of Wellness Springs LLC got her application in for a dispensary in Paterson. It was a great deal of time and money developing policies and procedures, a Board, documentation of security, etc. There were reportedly 200 applications, with 149 deemed responsive to the state’s RFA. A public hearing on dispensaries in Boonton will be coming in November.

NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703/A4497), may yet get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session. CMMNJ showing support for this legislation and asking for home cultivation bill for patients to be introduced in 2020. Reach out to organizations and tell them to tell their members to support this bill! (Otherwise, legalization will be a ballot question in Nov. 2020.

Drug Enforcement Administration’s announcement: it will begin processing applications to cultivate marijuana for research. Reg proposal first. Hemp is no longer a controlled substance.

Dr. Winn in Collingswood does $25 recertifications for patients.

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
NORML Conference, Washington, D.C. September 8 -10, 2019.
Cannabis Career Fair, Stockton University Student Center, 9/13/19, 9 am- 4 pm.
NJTV News: Cannabis Country: Balancing legalization, etc., 9/4, 8pm.
CAPITAL CITY AREA BLACK CAUCUS: "The Color of Cannabis: Challenges, Choices and Opportunities," MCCC-James Kerney Campus, Trenton, Sept. 11, 5 pm – 8 pm.
American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA), Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, Astor Crowne Plaza, New Orleans French Quarter, LA, 12/4-12/6/2019.
Garden State NORML Rally and Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 9/23/19, 12 noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: Garden State NORML Rally And Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 8/27.
“We All Die, And Marijuana Improves The Quality Of Life Of The Dying Like No Other Drug” Interview With Activist and Medical Marijuana Patient Ken Wolski
#JusticeforJawara: Bergen County is hoping to avoid civil litigation over a 2017 jail attack that left Jawara McIntosh with severe brain injuries.

Treasury report: Checking: $4002; PayPal: $2690.

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.

Safety of New Jersey ATC Vape Carts

Because of the recent issues regarding vaping, especially the use of thinners or other additives, there has been some concern raised about the short- and long-term safety of the NJ dispensary vape carts. I talked to some of the player's in New Jersey's medical marijuana program about this and here's what I got:

1. I talked to Annie at Breakwater. She said their cartridges are made of ethanol extracted ( with the ethanol removed) cannabis oil plus their house-derived terpenes and nothing else.
2. Bridgette, dispensary manager at Curaleaf, NJ said that their strain-specific vape carts use their CO2 cannabis oil plus natural terpenes. The only exception to this formulation is Curaleaf's 1:1 vape pens (equal amounts of THC and CBD) which have a small amount of MCT oil in them and use approved flavoring agents.
3. I communicated with the New Jersey Medical Marijuana Program assistant commissioner, Jeff Brown. He confirmed these are all the ingredients used in the vape carts and said all formulations must be reviewed and approved by the Dept. of Health and that they are subject to routine inspections.
4. The physical carts at Curaleaf are Jupiter CCELL carts. I believe, but need to verify, that these are also used by Breakwater. The CCELLs use a porous ceramic core to wick in the oil to the embedded heater. It is designed to work with thick oils which is why, I think, the NJ vape pens don't need the cutting agents/thinners that are concerning in black market vape carts. I am not an expert in this area but from what I have (briefly) read, this is the safest of all the vape cart technologies.
5. In most other states, vape carts are made by third-party companies without state oversight. Even if you buy them in a state dispensary they have not been regulated. New Jersey is, I think, the first state to impose strict regulations of the process and ingredients used to make vape carts. I can't say if they are absolutely safe, but they are probably as safe as you are going to find with our current knowledge. They are going to be far safer than you can find elsewhere.

That's all I've got

Peter Rosenfeld, CMMNJ

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for Sept. 10, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, September 10, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve August 2019 minutes. Discuss:

Applications for 24 new ATCs in NJ were due on 8/21 for Dispensaries and 8/22 for Cultivation & Vertically Integrated facilities. Good luck to the applicants.

NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703/A4497), may yet get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session. CMMNJ supports this legislation and asks for a home cultivation bill for patients to be introduced in 2020. Reach out to organizations and tell them to tell their members to support this bill! Otherwise, legalization will face more delays as a ballot question in Nov. 2020.

Drug Enforcement Administration’s announcement: it will begin processing applications to cultivate marijuana for research. Regulatory proposals and public comments come first. Hemp is no longer a controlled substance.

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
NORML Conference, Washington, D.C. September 8 -10, 2019.
Cannabis Career Fair, Stockton University Student Center, 9/13, 9-4 pm.
NJTV News: Cannabis Country: Balancing legalization, etc., 9/4, 8pm.
CAPITAL CITY AREA BLACK CAUCUS: "The Color of Cannabis: Challenges, Choices & Opportunities," MCCC Kerney Campus, Trenton, 9/11, 5–8 pm.
American Cannabis Nurses Association (ACNA), Cannabis Care 2019 Conference, Astor Crowne Plaza, New Orleans French Quarter, LA, 12/4-12/6/2019.
Garden State NORML Rally and Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 9/23/19, 12 noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: Garden State NORML Rally And Lobby Day, State House, Trenton, 8/27.
“We All Die, And Marijuana Improves The Quality Of Life Of The Dying Like No Other Drug” Interview With Activist and Medical Marijuana Patient Ken Wolski
#JusticeforJawara: Bergen County is hoping to avoid civil litigation over a 2017 jail attack that left Jawara McIntosh with severe brain injuries.

Treasury report: Checking: $4002; PayPal: $2690.

CMMNJ’s free, public 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/
Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey: https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/

CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
August 13, 2019

July 2019 minutes approved with date corrections.

NJ DOH’s Request for Applications (RFA) for 24 new ATCs in NJ, for up to 8 in the north, 8 in central NJ, 7 in the south, and 1 “at-large”; these include 5 for cultivation, 15 dispensaries, and 4 vertically integrated permits. Application forms posted; due on 8/21 (Dispensary) and 8/22 (Cultivation & Vertically Integrated). Pre-Application Webinar 8/2/19. CMMNJ’s proposed public/private partnership for the State of NJ to grow, process and distribute cannabis to all state institutions was discussed.

Gov. Murphy signed A5322 to allow hemp farming in NJ after registration with Dept. of Ag.

Change.org petition for Nobel Prize for Raphael Mechoulam supported.

Governor Murphy signed the medical marijuana expansion act, S20/A20 into law on 7/2/19, effective immediately. Includes: Patients may reduce doctor visits to 1X/year (patients c/o price gouging by MDs); increase limits to 3 ounces for all & unlimited in hospice; APNs & PA’s OK to recommend marijuana (when will this start?); edibles, tinctures, and sublinguals OK for all; patient protections; elimination of sales tax in 2022 (but added 2% tax); institutional caregivers; education; research; out-of-state ID cards honored, etc. Discussion about intricacies of law, LEO awareness, response of nursing homes, hospitals, physicians, assisted living facilities. Patients complain MDs refuse to discuss cannabis with their patients—documentation requested—who, what, when, where, why…

NJ marijuana legalization bill (S2703/A4497), may yet get a legislative floor vote in the lame duck session. Otherwise, legalization will be on the ballot in NJ in November 2020. Reach out to organizations and tell them to tell their members to support this bill!

N.J. Supreme Court takes case of funeral director fired for using medical marijuana; oral arguments?

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
WEEDSTOCK, DE NORML, 8/16 & 17. (Char has a couple passes.)
ACNA: “Pharmacologic Concepts of Cannabis Therapeutics” webinar 8/27/19, 6:30 -7:30 pm.
Garden State NORML Lobby Days, State House Annex, starting 8/27/19 & monthly; more info contact Char McKeithen, 609.351.5121.
NORML Conference, Washington, D.C. September 8 -10, 2019.
Cannabis Career Fair, Stockton University Student Center, 9/13/19, 9 am- 4 pm.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: 
“The Grassroots Cannabis Forum” Kennedy Park, Asbury Park, 7/6/19.
Everything Cannabis, Porta, 911 Kingsley St., Asbury Park, 7/10/19.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15.
Jawara McIntosh (Peter Tosh’s son) suffered brain injuries in Bergen Co. Jail after being incarcerated for a non-violent marijuana offense. Bergen Co. denies responsibility.

Treasury report: Checking: $4191; PayPal: $2690.

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.