Sen. Sweeney: we support legalization; will you support home cultivation?

Stephen M. Sweeney
Senate President
935 Kings Highway
Suite 400
West Deptford, NJ 08086

August 27, 2019

Dear Senator Sweeney:

Thank you for considering marijuana legalization in the state legislature in November 2019. The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) wishes you great success in this effort. CMMNJ stands ready to assist you in any way that we can.

Marijuana legalization involves issues of medical freedom, religious freedom and personal freedom.

With marijuana legalization comes ease of access and greater affordability of the medical benefits of marijuana to an ever-increasing number of patients. Adults could buy it over-the-counter, like aspirin.

Marijuana legalization also strikes a blow for religious freedom. There are religions in the U.S. that regard marijuana as a holy plant that is used sacramentally by sincere believers. These religions include Hindu, Rastafarian and others. They will no longer be persecuted and imprisoned for their beliefs.

Marijuana legalization will decrease mass incarceration in the state. It will decrease oppression of the inner city poor and minorities, and all the misery attendant upon the prison experience.

Marijuana legalization also includes financial benefits to society from taxes and cost avoidance. Property taxes may well go down when the state no longer has to endure the expense of arresting 34,000 residents each year, mostly for possessing small amounts of marijuana. A robust marijuana industry contributes to the state in many ways.

CMMNJ asks you, Senator Sweeney, in return for our support, to sponsor a separate bill in 2020 to allow patients who are registered in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana Program to grow six cannabis plants for their personal use. These plants may be tagged and taxed and strictly regulated. The reasons for home cultivation for patients are affordability of medicine, availability of specific therapeutic strains of cannabis, and the physical therapy of gardening itself. This means a great deal to so many patients. We trust you will meet their needs by sponsoring this legislation next year.

Thank you for your support of marijuana reform in the Garden State!

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


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

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for August 13, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, August 13, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve July 2019 minutes. Discuss:

NJ DOH Request for Applications (RFA) for 24 new ATCs in NJ: up to 8 in north Jersey, 8 in central Jersey, 7 in south Jersey, 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.

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; increase limits to 3 ounces for all & unlimited in hospice; APNs & PA’s OK to recommend marijuana; 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.

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

Upcoming Events: Jersey City Pride Festival, 8/24/19.
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 U. 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.

Treasury report: Checking: $4191; 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 
July 9, 2019

June 2019 minutes approved with date corrections.

Governor Murphy signed the medical marijuana expansion act, S20/A20 into law on 7/2/19, effective immediately. Includes: Patients may only visit doctors 1X/year; increase limits to 3 ounces for all & unlimited in hospice; APNs & PA’s OK to recommend marijuana; edibles, tinctures, and sublinguals OK for all; patient protections; elimination of sales tax in 2022 but 2% municipal tax added; institutional caregivers; education; research; out-of-state ID cards honored, etc. Home cultivation still not considered for NJ patients. Discussion.

DOH changes and reissues the RFA for 24 new ATCs in NJ on 7/1/19, inc. 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 to be posted July 15; due on 8/21 (Dispensary) and 8/22 (Cultivation & Vertically Integrated). Pre-Application Webinar 8/2/19. NJ Cannabusiness Assn. RFA workshop 7/10, New Brunswick, NJ. Legal marijuana businesses discussed. Past applications that won are online. (NJCIA costs $800/year.)

NJ marijuana legalization bill is delayed (S2703/A4497), but may yet get a legislative floor vote. Key NJ Senators say they got more calls opposing this bill than supporting it! Reach out to organizations and tell them to tell their members to support this bill! (Illinois governor signed bill to legalize marijuana for adults; 11th state to do so.)

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, 11:11 am.
“The Grassroots Cannabis Forum” Kennedy Park, Asbury Park, 7/6/19, 11am – 5pm.
Everything Cannabis, Porta, 911 Kingsley St., Asbury Park, 7/10/19, 7:30 – 10 pm.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15, noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
“How and when will we legalize marijuana?” PA Convention Center, Philly, 7/13 9 am.
“Cannabis laws & clinical trials” McNeil Center, Philly, 7/11/190 7 – 10 pm.

Recent events: NORML Advocacy Day, Trenton State House, 6/10/19, 11 am – 4 pm.
Thanks, Shore Grow Hydro, Ocean Twp. fundraiser for CMMNJ on  6/22 raised $605! 
State of marijuana in the state of New Jersey. NJ Spotlight Roundtable 6/21/19.
Human marijuana bong sings pro-medical pot songs, at various council meetings in NJ.
CannaBash, scheduled for June 15 at Mill Hill Park, Trenton, was cancelled at the last minute.

Treasury report: Checking: $4960; PayPal: $2661.

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 Agenda for July 9, 2019 Public Meeting

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

Approve June 2019 minutes. Discuss:

Governor Murphy signed the medical marijuana expansion act, S20/A20 into law on 7/2/19, effective immediately. The law includes: Patients may only visit doctors 1x/year; increase limits to 3 ounces for all & unlimited in hospice; APNs & PA’s OK to recommend marijuana; edibles, tinctures, and sublinguals OK for all; patient protections; elimination of sales tax in 2022; institutional caregivers; education; research; out-of-state ID cards honored, etc.

DOH changes and reissues the RFA for 24 new ATCs in NJ on 7/1/19, inc. 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 to be posted July 15; due on 8/21 (Dispensary) and 8/22 (Cultivation & Vertically Integrated). Pre-Application Webinar 8/2/19.

NJ marijuana legalization bill is delayed (S2703/A4497), but may yet get a legislative floor vote. Key NJ Senators say they got more calls opposing this bill than supporting it! Reach out to organizations and tell them to tell their members to support this bill! (Illinois governor signed bill to legalize marijuana for adults; 11th state to do so.)

Upcoming Events: Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.
“The Grassroots Cannabis Forum” Kennedy Park, Asbury Park, 7/6/19, 11am – 5pm.
Everything Cannabis, Porta, 911 Kingsley St., Asbury Park, 7/10/19, 7:30 – 10 pm.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15, noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.

Recent events: NORML Advocacy Day, Trenton State House, 6/10/19.
Many thanks to Shore Grow Hydro for the fundraiser for CMMNJ, 6/22/19 in Ocean Twp., NJ!
State of marijuana in the state of New Jersey. NJ Spotlight Roundtable 6/21/19.
Human marijuana bong sings pro-medical pot songs, at various council meetings in NJ.
CannaBash, scheduled for June 15 at Mill Hill Park, Trenton, was cancelled at the last minute.

Treasury report: Checking: $4960; PayPal: $2661.

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 (for old agendas, etc..): https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/

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

Monthly Public Meeting Minutes 
June 11, 2019

May 2019 minutes approved.

Illinois to be the 11th state to legalize marijuana for adults. Legislature sends bill to governor.

The Hemp Farming Act will align NJ with federal USDA. Texas legalized hemp. CBD unlawful.

DOH issues RFA for 108 new ATCs in NJ, including 24 for cultivation, 30 for manufacturing & 54 for dispensaries. Applications are due August 15. DOH adopts new rules effective 5/20/19, making it easier to add qualifying conditions. MMP expands to 47,500 patients, 950 doctors.

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/A10, passed both houses of the NJ legislature (Senate 34 - 4; Assembly 65 – 5) and is scheduled to be sent to the governor on June 10th. (An amendment will require a revote by Assembly.)

NJ marijuana legalization bill is delayed. S2703/A4497, the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” may yet get a legislative floor vote. Scott Rudder said 3 senators could flip on legalization. More likely, there will be a ballot question in November 2020. Decrim and expungement progress uncertain. Ken to make appointment with Governor’s senior staff re: descheduling marijuana in NJ.

Six CMMNJ Board members make The Insider 100: Cannabis Power List. Congratulations to Amanda, Jim, Guy, Peter, Jo Anne & Ken!

Upcoming Events: NORML Advocacy Day, Trenton State House, 6/10/19, 11 am – 4 pm.
CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am - 7 pm.
Shore Grow Hydro, Patient Aid fundraiser for CMMNJ, 6/22/19, Ocean Twp., NJ  2- 6 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15, noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.

Recent events: Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.
“Up in Smoke,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Assn., Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon – 4pm.
Trentonian LTE: Neese's inaccuracies on marijuana
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) closed their HQ in Trenton after 17 years.
May 16, 2019 was the 10th anniversary of the CMMNJ blog.

Treasury report: Checking: $4103; PayPal: $2661.

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 June 11, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda 
Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 
Tuesday, June 11, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM

Approve May 2019 minutes. Discuss:

Illinois to be the 11th state to legalize marijuana for adults. Legislature sends bill to governor.

DOH issues RFA for 108 new ATCs in NJ, including 24 for cultivation, 30 for manufacturing & 54 for dispensaries. Applications are due August 15. DOH adopts new rules effective 5/20/19, making it easier to add qualifying conditions. MMP expands to 47,500 patients, 950 doctors.

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/A10, passed both houses of the NJ legislature (Senate 34 - 4; Assembly 65 – 5) and is scheduled to be sent to the governor on June 10th. (An amendment will require a revote by Assembly.)

NJ marijuana legalization bill is delayed. S2703/A4497, the “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” may yet get a legislative floor vote. More likely, there will be a ballot question in November 2020. Decrim and expungement progress uncertain.

Six CMMNJ Board members made The Insider 100: Cannabis Power List.
Congratulations to Amanda, Guy, Jim, Jo Anne, Peter and Ken!

Upcoming Events: NORML Advocacy Day, Trenton State House, 6/10/19, 11 am – 4 pm.
CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am - 7 pm.
Shore Grow Hydro, Patient Aid fundraiser for CMMNJ, 6/22/19, Ocean Twp., NJ  2- 6 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.
Medical Marijuana & Senior Citizens, Princeton Senior Resource Center, July 15, noon.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
Podcast Trenton State House, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.

Recent events: Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.
“Up in Smoke,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Assn., Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon – 4pm.
Trentonian LTE: "Neese's inaccuracies on marijuana."
The Drug Policy Alliance (DPA) closed their HQ in Trenton after 17 years.
May 16, 2019 was the 10th anniversary of the CMMNJ blog.

Treasury report: Checking: $4103; PayPal: $2661.

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 
May 14, 2019

April 2019 minutes approved.

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” to legalize personal use of cannabis for adults passed legislative committees (11/26/18 & 3/18/19) but the floor vote was canceled on March 25. A floor vote is possible in May. Is a ballot question coming in November 2020? The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, tied to S2703. Urge your elected officials to vote “Yes” on S2703—Democrats and Republicans. NJ Republicans should Embrace Marijuana Reform. In the absence of legalization, do we support decriminalization?

A4571/S1847 eliminates 6.625% sales tax on medical marijuana. CMMNJ to support this?
Consult with CJS Systems?

See Maze calendar for upcoming cannabis activities.

Upcoming Events: Trenton State House Podcast, 4th Thursday of each month, noon.
Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.
“Up in Smoke:  Legalized Marijuana’s Impact on Mental Health, Social Justice and Substance Use Recovery in NJ,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23, 8am.
Pork Roll Festival, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 5/25/19, 10 am – 7 pm.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon.
CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am- 7 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.
Ethics Seminar, Inspira Health Network, Centerton (NJ) Country Club, 10/17/19.
Pure Puff Bake Shop Podcast, Berlin, NJ 10 am.

Recent events: 420 Rally & Podcast, Trenton State House, 4/20/19, noon.
Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19.
Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19.
Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton, NJ Library, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm.
Smoke-In for Patient Home Grow @ Sen. Sweeney's, W. Deptford, 4/4/19.
Die-in for Medical Cannabis Home Grow & OUD; 4/18/19, Trenton State House.

CMMNJ Board Meeting 4/2/19, 8 pm. CMMNJ welcomed Gaetano Lardieri onto our Board of Directors in April, 2019.

Treasury report: Checking: $3803; PayPal: $2632.

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 May 14, 2019

Monthly Public Meeting Agenda

Lawrence Township Library, Room #3 

Tuesday, May 14, 2019 7:00 PM -- 9:00 PM 

Approve April 2019 minutes. Discuss:

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” to legalize personal use of cannabis for adults passed legislative committees (11/26/18 & 3/18/19) but the floor vote was canceled on March 25. A floor vote is possible in May. Is a ballot question coming in September? 

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, tied to S2703.

Urge your elected officials to vote “Yes” on S2703—Democrats and Republicans. 

NJ Republicans should Embrace Marijuana Reform

Upcoming Events: Trenton State House Podcast, last Thursday of each month, noon.

Cannabis in the Community, Trenton Main Library, 5/8/19, 6 pm.

Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ, 5/18/19 10-4pm.

“Up in Smoke:  Legalized Marijuana’s Impact on Mental Health, Social Justice and Substance Use Recovery in NJ,” NJ Psychiatric Rehabilitation Association, Forsgate Country Club, Monroe, 5/23, 8am.

Pork Roll Festival, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, 5/25/19, 10 am – 7 pm. 

Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.

Jersey Gay Pride Festival, Asbury Park, 6/2/19, noon.

CannaBash, Mill Hill Park, Trenton, June 15, 11 am- 7 pm.

2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.

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

Recent events: 420 Rally & Podcast, Trenton State House, 4/20/19, noon.

Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19.

Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19.

Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton, NJ Library, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm. 

Die-in for Medical Cannabis Home Grow & OUD; 4/18/19, Trenton State House.

CMMNJ Board Meeting 4/2/19, 8 pm. CMMNJ welcomed Gaetano Lardieri onto our Board of Directors in April, 2019.

Treasury report: Checking: $3803; PayPal: $2632.

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  April 9, 2019 March 2019 minutes approved. NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” which legalizes personal use cannabis for adults passed legislative committees on 11/26/18 and on 3/18/19 (see testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee & Assembly Appropriations Committee) but the hoped for floor vote did not take place on March 25, as the Senate failed to get enough votes to guarantee passage.  Expungement expanded to included possession of up to 5 pounds. $42/oz tax agreement stands with local tax added. Ballot question coming if no law passed by September?  62% of NJ adults favor legalization in Feb. 2019 Monmouth U. poll. Write LTEs and Op Eds. Demonstrate support. NJUMR supports S2703.  The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, after sailing through three NJ legislative committees, also on 11/26/18 and 3/18/19. A legislative floor vote may come up again in May or June. S10 may be untied from S2703 if not passed by then. NJ DOH published MMP Biennial Report 4/1/19. Recommendations: Raise the 2 ounce per month limit; Lower prices by expanding supply, access and competition; Increase cultivation sites to 24, & add 50 dispensary sites. CMMNJ Board members interviewed. MMP has over 40 K patients. OUD OK’d for marijuana therapy in conjunction with MAT.  Appellate Court: Medical Marijuana Users May Not Be Discriminated Against In New Jersey Upcoming Events: 4/20 Rally & Podcast, Trenton State House, noon. Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19. Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19, 7 – 9 pm. Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton, NJ Library, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm.  Jersey Cannabis Network April 15, Asbury Park, Porta Asbury Park 7:30 - 10pm. Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ 5/18/19 10-4pm. Jersey Shore THC Patient Appreciation Day, 385 Adamston Rd., Brick, NJ, 5/11/19, 3-8 pm. Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm. Smoke-In for Patient Home Grow @ Sen. Sweeney's, W. Deptford, 4/4/19 12:30 – 3:30 PM. Die-in for Medical Cannabis Home Grow & OUD; 4/18/19, Trenton State House, 12-1:11pm. 2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19. Recent events: Recreational Marijuana in NJ? Supporters Speak Out: "Dave Kinchen Tonight" Treasury report: Checking: $4556; PayPal: $2613. 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.

LEGALIZE IT NJ! State House Annex Rally, 4/20, Noon - 2 pm

MEDIA ADVISORY:  April 18, 2019
CONTACT: Ken Wolski, CMMNJ, (609) 394-2137 email: ohamkrw@aol.com

Saturday April 20, Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) to host rally:

LEGALIZE IT NJ!

IN SUPPORT OF CANNABIS LEGALIZATION IN NJ

COALITION FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA - NEW JERSEY and allies will rally on the steps of the New Jersey Statehouse Annex Saturday, April 20 from 12N - 2P to demand that our legislators pass the
"NEW JERSEY CANNABIS REGULATORY AND EXPUNGEMENT AID MODERNIZATION ACT" (S2703/A4497)

We need common sense cannabis reform today! 

⚫ JOBS ⚫ TAX REVENUE ⚫ CRIME REDUCTION ⚫ BETTER ACCESS FOR PATIENTS AND DOCTORS 
⚫SOCIAL JUSTICE ⚫ EXPUNGEMENT

"NEW JERSEY CANNABIS REGULATORY AND EXPUNGEMENT AID MODERNIZATION ACT"; legalizes personal use cannabis for adults; creates Cannabis Regulatory Commission to regulate personal use and medical cannabis; provides expungement relief for certain past marijuana offenses. 

EVENT DETAILS:
WHAT: Legalize It NJ! Rally in support of New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory & Expungement Aid Modernization Act S2703/A4497
WHEN: Saturday, April 20, from 12N to 2P
WHERE: New Jersey State House Annex, 125 West State Street, Trenton, NJ 08608.  

**This event is open to the general public. TV, radio, print, and online media outlets are encouraged to come and report on our citizens’ action. 

IMPORTANT: No smoking is permitted on state house grounds but patients may legally smoke across the street.


Hosted by www.cmmnj.org: Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey

CMMNJ Agenda for April 9, 2019 & March 2019 Minutes

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

Approve March 2019 minutes. Discuss:

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” which legalizes personal use cannabis for adults passed legislative committees on 11/26/18 and on 3/18/19 (see testimony to Senate Judiciary Committee & Assembly Appropriations Committee) but the hoped for floor vote did not take place on March 25, as the Senate failed to get enough votes to guarantee passage. Expungement expanded to included possession of up to 5 pounds. $42/oz tax agreement stands with local tax added. Ballot question coming if no law passed by September? 62% of NJ adults favor legalization in Feb. 2019 Monmouth U. poll. Write LTEs and Op Eds. Demonstrate support. NJUMR supports S2703. The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, after sailing through three NJ legislative committees, also on 11/26/18 and 3/18/19.

NJ DOH published MMP Biennial Report 4/1/19. Recommendations: Raise the 2 ounce per month limit; Lower prices by expanding supply, access and competition; Increase cultivation sites to 24, & add 50 dispensary sites. CMMNJ Board members interviewed. MMP has over 40 K patients. OUD OK’d for marijuana therapy in conjunction with MAT.

Appellate Court: Medical Marijuana Users May Not Be Discriminated Against In New Jersey

Upcoming Events: Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19.
Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19, 7 – 9 pm.
Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton, NJ Library, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm.
Jersey Cannabis Network April 15, Asbury Park, Porta Asbury Park 7:30 - 10pm.
Pennington Day, Pennington, NJ 5/18/19 10-4pm.
Jersey Shore THC Patient Appreciation Day, 385 Adamston Rd., Brick, NJ, 5/11/19, 3-8 pm.
Moorestown Day, Main St., Moorestown, NJ, 6/1/19, 9am – 4pm.
Smoke-In for Patient Home Grow @ Sen. Sweeney's, W. Deptford, 4/4/19 12:30 – 3:30 PM.
Die-in for Medical Cannabis Home Grow & OUD; 4/18/19, Trenton State House, 12-1:11pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.

Recent events: Recreational Marijuana in NJ? Supporters Speak Out: "Dave Kinchen Tonight"

Treasury report: Checking: $4556; PayPal: $2613.

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 
March 12, 2019

January 2019 minutes approved.

NJ marijuana reform delayed. S2703/A4497: The “New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory and Expungement Aid Modernization Act” which legalizes personal use cannabis for adults passed legislative committees 11/26/18 but there has been no floor vote. $42/oz tax agreement, along with 3% excise tax and 2% local tax. Expungement appears to be only for possession of one ounce or less. The votes appear to be short: 5 in the Senate and 3 in the Assembly. S. Jersey effort needed.  Ballot question may be coming, and CMMNJ would support this if there is no resolution by June or September. Meanwhile, illegal, unregulated market thrives. Legalization discussions around NJ: Hackensack, Hoboken, Barnegat, Newark, Brick, E. Brunswick,  Rutgers U. 62% of NJ adults favor legalization in Feb. 2019 Monmouth U. poll.

Ask your elected official to support legalization.

Progress in PA & NY to legalize marijuana in 2019.

Compassionate Access, Research Expansion and Respect States (CARERS) Act & The Marijuana Justice Act were re-introduced in the 116th Congress. New Congressional Dems plan to hold House hearings.

Home cultivation: CMMNJ wants 30-second video testimony on why patients/caregivers need it and why co-ops are necessary and what being legal means to you.  Send to #CMMNJ:
https://www.facebook.com/CoalitionforMedicalMJNJ/
Legalization sets the table for overcoming stigma and further reforms. DPA supports home cultivation but do not appear enthused about it.

The medical marijuana expansion act, S10/2426, is also stalled, after sailing through three NJ legislative committees, also on 11/26/18. OAG suspends license of Dr. Anzalone, NJ Green MD.

NJ DOH OK’d 6 applications for ATCs on 12/17/18 for Atlantic City, Elizabeth, Ewing, Paterson, Phillipsburg & Vineland. Lawsuits challenge awards, alleging fraud in one case and questioning the scoring methods overall.  MMP has over 40 K patients. OUD OK’d for marijuana therapy in conjunction with MAT. Dr. Elnahal continues outreach to NJ MDs.

CBS refused to air medical marijuana ad during Super Bowl.

NJ DOH MMP proposed regulations: CMMNJ awaits adoption of rules: our comments.

NJ OAG: CMMNJ awaits action on re/descheduling hearings from  the spring of 2018.

Upcoming Events: Patients Out of Time (POT) conference, Tampa, FL, 4/11- 4/13/19.
Brandon Cee’s Jersey Cannabis Network April 15, Asbury Park, Porta Asbury Park 7:30 - 10pm
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) Unity Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/18 - 3/20/19.
Community Cannabis Forum, Mt. Zion Baptist Church, Pleasantville, NJ, 4/4/19, 7 – 9 pm.
SSDP Conference, 3/29 – 3/31, Rosemont, IL
5th Annual CANNAEAST Conference March 12-13, 2019 New York, NY.
Trenton Cannabis Community event, Trenton Library, NJ, 4/3/19, 6 – 8 pm.
2019 Slightly Stoopid events in Camden 6/16/19 and Asbury Park 6/29/19.

Recent events: 
Americans for Safe Access (ASA) Unity Conference, Washington, D.C., 3/18 - 3/20/19.
Medical Marijuana in New Jersey, Hackensack UMC, Pascack Valley 2/16/19.
Vanessa Waltz resigned from the CMMNJ Board. We are grateful for all that she contributed to medical marijuana in New Jersey.
Treasury report: Checking: $4556; PayPal: $2668. NJ Annual Report & IRS Form 990-N filed.

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.