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
Monday, June 14, 2010
NJ DHSS email to medical marijuana advocates
The following email was received by CMMNJ Board member Peter Rosenfeld from the New Jersey department of Health and Senior Services:
From: Medical.Marijuana@doh.state.nj.us
At this time, the Department is not reviewing proposals or receiving documents, nor is the Department meeting with potential vendors, advocacy groups, lobbyists or other interested parties to present business plans, strategies or offers of assistance. Given the large numbers and diverse recommendations, we believe this is the best way to assure an objective, science based strategy.
As you are aware, medical marijuana is not available in the state of New Jersey. The Department must first establish a process to register qualified patients, caregivers and alternate treatment centers. This includes the continuation of coordinated implementation strategies amongst all state agencies to ensure all issues are addressed adequately. Full implementation of the New Jersey Compassionate Use of Marijuana Act awaits completion of this mandated process, which will assure the intent of the Act is accessible to those patients with designated medical conditions, while ensuring that it is implemented in a safe and effective manner.
For additional information regarding this topic, please visit our website at www.nj.gov/health for the most current information about the implementation of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, including frequently asked questions.
Final version of NJ medical marijuana law published
Read the final version of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Media coverage of CMMNJ/NORMLNJ press conference
By - Diane Fornbacher : CMMNJ Advisory Board
On Friday 6/4/2010, the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey and NORML New Jersey had a press conference regarding our governor's desire to change the law and get an extension on implementing the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
Our team included Anne Davis from NORMLNJ, Ken Wolski RN the Exec director of CMMNJ, Jim Miller of CMMNJ, Attorney William Buckman of NORMLNJ, CMMNJ Board member Peter Rosenfeld, Chris Goldstein from CMMNJ/ NORMLNJ/PhillyNORML along with dozens of patients and supporters. It was one of the best press conferences/rallies I have ever attended.
Here are some links to the coverage we received from the conference on the NJ Statehouse steps:
Star Ledger (nj.com): http://www.nj.com/news/index.ssf/2010/06/legal_medical_marijuana_advoca.html
WHYY: http://whyy.org/cms/news/government-politics/2010/06/04/delay-for-medical-pot-in-new-jersey/39595
NJN (public tv/radio): http://www.njn.net/television/webcast/njnnews/friday.html
NBC New York: http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local-beat/NJs-New-Medical-Marijuana-Law-in-Limbo-95634059.html
More stories are trickling in so if you want, please check the CMMNJ blog periodically at: http://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
I also have a photo set on facebook, which can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=62462971150&ref=ts#!/album.php?aid=216869&id=687188618&ref=pb
Victory will be ours and the patients will get their medicine.
Best,
Diane
Friday, June 4, 2010
Trenton Rally - No Delay, It's Not Rocket Science
Jersey's New Medical Marijuana Law Still Hazy
By BRIAN THOMPSON
So far it's pass, pass, puff.
New Jersey's "Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act" was signed into law back in January, but cannot take effect until the Department of Health and Senior Services actually draws up the rules and regulations that will run the program.
And Governor Chris Christie's recent request to the Legislature for a six month to one year delay is not going over well with patients and advocates who helped shape the bill.
"We expect the law to be followed we expect the time line to be followed," said advocate Chris Goldstein, of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana -- New Jersey.
The original time line would have the proposed rules drawn up by August 1st, and patients lighting up by this Fall.
But that's not enough time for the Christie Administration.
"We are now going to become a distributor of a controlled substance," said Christie's Press Secretary Mike Drewniak in explaining why the Governor, who supports the law, wants more time.
Gusciora - No Delay or Let Patients Buy Legally Now
By Susan K. Livio/Statehouse Bureau
TRENTON —Chronically ill patients who qualify under New Jersey’s new medical marijuana law should be allowed to buy the drug on their own while Gov. Chris Christie and lawmakers haggle over when the state run-program should begin, the law’s sponsor said today.
Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer), said Vermont, Rhode Island, Maryland and other states gave patients this freedom when they legalized marijuana for medicinal use.
“Certainly we can create this window where we allow them to obtain it on their own,” Gusciora said. “It could helps alleviate a lot of suffering.”
Gusciora suggested the idea during a Statehouse demonstration today over Christie’s request to miss the anticipated July deadline to announce rules outlining how the program will work.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Medical Marijuana press conference in Trenton on 6/4
MEDIA ADVISORY - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 1, 2010The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ)
www.cmmnj.org
NORML-NJ
www.normlnj.org
Medical Marijuana press conference in Trenton on 6/4
Patients, professionals seek timely regulations
On Friday June 4, 2010 at 1PM local medical marijuana advocacy groups will hold a press conference at the State House in Trenton. Potential medical marijuana patients, doctors, nurses and supporters of the new law will address recent news of a proposed delay for implementing the program.
The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was voted and signed in law in January 2010. As passed, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) was to issue draft regulations in July and patients were anticipating access to a running program by the fall.
Last week a request was made for an additional 6 months to 1 year before the draft medical marijuana program regulations are issued. The extension would require legislation.
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 6/4/10 press conference will feature brief statements along with a Q&A. A full list of participants will be released on Thursday June 3, 2010.
CMMNJ and NORML-NJ are addressing two main points:
- Timely implementation of the medical marijuana law
- A request that those in the Christie Administration meet with New Jersey’s local medical cannabis experts and advocates to discuss the law
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: Trenton, NJ – State House – State Street entrance steps
WHEN: June 4, 2010 at 1:00PM
WHY: Timely implementation of the medical marijuana law
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