CMMNJ Zoom Meeting Agenda for April 8, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for April 8, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 813 1866 3344   Passcode: 551985 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81318663344?pwd=N0EDtN0Ic1UdsARXO27x9HbPbc10Vx.1

One tap mobile: +1 (646) 558-8656, 813 1866 3344#,*551985# US (New York)

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kcOfwaPzhm

Agenda:  

NJ Governor's race: The four Democrats hoping to be our next governor who support home grow for recreational and medical cannabis are Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Mikie Sherrill, and teachers’ union chief Sean Spiller. Steve Sweeney, the former NJ Senate leader now running for governor says “it is time” to allow medical marijuana patients to grow their own cannabis plants for personal use. Republicans Mario Kranjac, a former mayor of Englewood Cliffs, and Jack Ciattarelli, a former assemblyman support allowing home grow for medical marijuana patients only. Former radio talk show host Bill Spadea supports home grow for recreational cannabis, too. Republican candidate State Sen. Jon Bramnick, did not respond to a request for comment.

Support is growing for NJ’s medical cannabis home cultivation bill S1393. Senators Joseph Vitale (D-Middlesex) and Nisla Cruz-Perez (D- Camden) recently joined the bipartisan effort as co-sponsors. The identical Assembly bill is A846.

Sign and share NORML's S1393 action alert 

Follow the NJ Homegrow Coalition at:   www.njhomegrow.com and https://www.instagram.com/njhomegrow/

NJ currently has some of the highest prices in the country for medical cannabis. 

NJ Senator Scutari’s bill S4154, could send police back out to target peaceful cannabis consumers. S4154 would make selling or even purchasing 'illicit marijuana' a crime...again. Sign NORML's S4154 action alert. 

Radio station 101.5 Looks inside Zenleaf, on Route 1 in Lawrence, among their many other locations. A look inside one of NJ's biggest weed dispensaries |

Support the independent publisher Marijuana Moment and ensure that as many voters as possible have access to the most in-depth cannabis reporting out there.

• Ken Wolski of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey, Inc.:  “I appreciate your independent journalism, and your thorough coverage of cannabis reform, especially as it relates to my home state of New Jersey.”

A bill to allow those with sickle cell anemia to become medical cannabis patients passed the NJ Assembly Health Committee recently.

Regulated cannabis products for sale in NJ failed recent independent safety tests for molds and pathogens. Cannabinoid levels for THC were also routinely inflated. 

Let Advanced Practice Nurses Recommend Medical Cannabis: NORML Petition

Four students at STEMCivics Charter School in Ewing Township, NJ were taken to the hospital after allegedly eating weed gummies.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next meeting: Thursday, April 3, 2025 will be virtual. Watch on Zoom or on YouTube

Virtual Town Halls were held on March 19, 25 and 26, as the CRC sought feedback from patients and healthcare providers as it reviewed the medicinal cannabis regulations to enhance patient benefits.

The CRC recently released the full updated cannabis lab testing rules they announced at their last meeting. HeadyNJ article.

CRC: Cannabis Testing Guidelines and How to Read a Certificate of Analysis

Amelia Mapp made her debut at a CRC meeting as a Commissioner replacing social justice champion Charles Barker.

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2^nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2^nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2^nd, from everyone else.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

Howard Wooldridge said a White House representative welcomed proposals to discuss his plan to advise the administration to adopt a pro-legalization position.

Advocates for military veterans are putting pressure on Congress to free up access to marijuana and psychedelics as alternative treatment options.

Marijuana companies spent $1.6 million last year pushing Pennsylvania lawmakers to legalize recreational use of the drug.

PA State Rep. Chris Rabb reintroduced a bill in Harrisburg that would protect unimpaired drivers who are legal users of medical cannabis.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 

• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.

• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.

• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.

• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: 
NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis.

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics:

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

NJCBA: MJ Unpacked; April 29- May 1, Atlantic City

Archer & Greiner, P.C. is hosting a health fair again this year and would love to have CMMNJ back, at 1025 Laurel Oak Road, Voorhees, NJ, May 8^th from 10am to 2pm.

Earth Day event/press conference at the Statehouse, 4/22/25(?). 4/20/25=Easter.

2025 LGBTQ+ Pride, Asbury Park, Sun., June 1^st, Noon-7pm.  Volunteers?

Health Summit, public cannabis education, S. Jersey, 8/2-3/25. Elucidation

Patients Out of Time: The Road to 30, Ep. 1 tells the story of the start of U.S. medical marijuana. It leads to The 16th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics, From Prohibition to Recognition, in Charlottesville, VA, 9/14-16/2025.

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,950; PayPal: $27. 

Fundraising ideas are always welcome.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org,

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 

Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;

2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"

2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;

2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

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

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for March 11, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for March 11, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 898 1621 4304   Passcode: 505385 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89816214304?pwd=q96ST6LtrwpYcBwfoUIWAX5JOJuOTY.1

One tap mobile: +1 (309) 205-3325; ID: 898 1621 4304 # Passcode: *505385#

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kewxJVEKpi

Agenda:  

NJ Home Grow Campaign Progresses as Legalization Hits 4th Anniversary; more than 50 cannabis businesses and advocacy groups formed the NJ Home Grow Coalition. Senators Troy Singleton and Vin Gopal sponsored S1393/A846 to allow medical cannabis patients to grow a small amount of weed at home.

N.J. medical cannabis patients feel betrayed as legal weed business booms.

N.J.: Allow Patients to Grow Their Own Medicine: NORML letter.

Price Gouging is Killing NJ’s Medical Cannabis Program: The products in NJ are far more expensive than in nearby states.

The NJ Business Action Center (NJBAC) reported over 1,000 students have registered for the Cannabis Training Academy since its 10/24 launch.

NJ Senate President Nick Scutari’s bill S 4154, “Establishes crime of selling or purchasing marijuana from unlicensed businesses” will re-criminalizing legacy operators and those who buy from them. Trenton wants to enforce its ordinance against illegal dispensaries that compete with the legal industry, but this bill also criminalizes the "knowing" purchase from the illegal dispensaries with a 6-month jail term and a fine as a Disorderly Person. Oppose this bill through NORML.

Another Scutari bill, S4074 would allow medical cannabis dispensaries to begin selling recreational weed without municipal approval.

NJ Gov. Murphy: “Just last year, our adult-use cannabis market surpassed $1 billion in sales. The tax revenue from the sale provides funding to support violence intervention programs across our state…In just 5 years, cannabis has gone from destroying lives in the form of excessive criminal sentences, to helping save lives,” he said.

NJ Governor's race 2025: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka told Jelani Gibson at NJ Cannabis Insider, "As for renters versus homeowners, cannabis shouldn’t be treated any differently than other restrictions on indoor or outdoor gardening, so long as it’s not commercial and is not in a public space where minors would have access." Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop said, "I would be fully supportive of allowing home cultivation of cannabis for personal recreational and medical use with some commonsense guardrails in place to prevent unregulated commercial activities and to protect quality of life."

NJ Office of the Attorney General: Ken’s letter: “Please recognize that for some medical marijuana patients, homegrow is a matter of survival for them. It serves no public policy to prosecute such patients.” If you have not received a reply within 10 business days, please call 609-984-5828, the Office of Constituent Services. The letter was also sent to the NJ Prosecutor’s Assn.

NJ courts have said it is the state's constitutional obligation to provide adequate healthcare to inmates, and this obligation extended to providing care that met current standards in the community. It appears that legal action will be required to allow inmates who have qualifying conditions to have access to medicinal cannabis.

Guy Lardieri hosts talks on Psychedelics, Tuesdays, 6 pm:  See: https://www.talkradio.nyc/post/2025-02-25-the-legal-landscape-of-psychedelics-in-new-jersey-and-beyond-and-a-patient-advocates-personal-push-for-psychedelics

Let Advanced Practice Nurses Recommend Medical Cannabis: NORML Petition

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Since 2012, New Jersey's Medicinal Cannabis Program has been helping patients access cannabis treatment. Now, 13 years later, the NJ-CRC is beginning the review process to update medicinal cannabis regulations.  We want to hear from patients, caregivers, healthcare providers, and others with interest in the program as we seek to enhance patient benefits.  

Join us on *ZOOM on the following dates to have your voice heard:  

• Wednesday, March 19, 2025, at 6 p.m. Register to speak here 

• Tuesday, March 25, 2025, at Noon.  Register to speak here 

• Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 6 p.m.  Register to speak here 

Can't speak at the Virtual Town Hall?

Submit a written comment.

*A Zoom link for each Town Hall will be shared as we get closer to the event dates.

Bill A913: Authorizes medical cannabis for sickle cell anemia; Assembly Health Committee hearing; 3/6/25; why legislation for additional qualifying conditions?

The CRC released the updated cannabis lab testing rules at their last meeting.

More than $6 million collected from a cannabis tax has been sitting unused even though the CRC has sent spending recommendations to the Legislature for three years. 

Current job opportunities with the NJ-CRC: Investigator Trainee.

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2^nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2^nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2^nd, from everyone else.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

North Carolina Voters Support Legalizing Medical Marijuana In New Poll, With Strong Backing Across Party Lines. NC is one of just a handful of states without some form of legal medical marijuana.

PA Gov. Josh Shapiro again proposed legalizing recreational marijuana as part of his recent $51.5 billion budget pitch; taxing cannabis sales could rake in a total of $1.3 billion in the first five years.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 

• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.

• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.

• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.

• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: 
NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis.
Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics:

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

7th Annual Cannabis & Psychedelic Law Symposium, 3/12/25, NJ State Bar Assn., New Brunswick. Register: https://njsba.com/event/the-7th-annual-cannabis-and-psychedelics-law-symposium/

Moorestown Day is on June 1, 2025: https://www.moorestown.nj.us/Calendar.aspx?EID=2263  

Earth Day event/press conference at the Statehouse, 4/22/25(?). 4/20/25=Easter.

2025 LGBTQ+ Pride, Asbury Park, June 1^st, 12 - 7pm. If volunteers are available.

Health Summit, public cannabis education, S. Jersey, 8/2-3/25. Elucidation 

Patients Out of Time: From Prohibition to Recognition, Charlottesville, VA, 9/14-16

Treasury report: 

Checking: $10,367; PayPal: $27. 

Fundraising ideas are always welcome.

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org,

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 

Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 
CMMNJ awards:
2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

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

NJ OAG: Compassionate treatment of patients who grow marijuana at home

219 Woodside Ave.
Trenton, NJ 08618

January 24, 2025

Office of the Attorney General
25 Market Street, PO Box 081
Trenton, NJ 08625-0081 

Subject: Compassionate treatment of patients who grow marijuana at home 

Dear Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin: 

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey was instrumental in getting the Compassionate Use Marijuana Act (CUMMA) passed in 2010. The original CUMMA allowed patients to grow marijuana plants, but this was removed from the bill just before it was signed into law. 

Many New Jersey medical cannabis patients either cannot afford the cannabis in the state’s Alternative Treatment Centers, or they need strains that are not available there. There are currently bills in the legislature that would allow home cultivation of cannabis plants for medical patients (S1393 and S1985). However, these bills have not even had informational hearings. 

Over three years ago, Senate President Nicholas Scutari said, “I do see that (homegrow) will happen. I’m not against marijuana being grown at home. But we’ve got to let the industry get off the ground.”* In 2024, the legal cannabis industry in New Jersey sold over $1 billion in product. 

Earlier this month, Sen. Scutari said, “I don’t think anybody’s been arrested for growing plants at home right now."**  But it is still a felony offense to do so without a license. 

Please recognize that for some medical marijuana patients, homegrow is  a necessity. It is a matter of survival for them, and it serves no public policy to prosecute such patients. New Jersey law enforcement officers should be advised not to arrest patients who have a modest homegrow, for example, in a plot that is less than, or equal to, 10 feet by 10 feet in area.

It is essential to avoid burdening patients with a criminal record for an offense that will not exist in the foreseeable future. Thank you for your consideration of patients already suffering.

Sincerely,

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
609.394.2137, ohamkrw@aol.com

* https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VwqKNvOmoq0

**https://link.nj.com/view/5eebc80a183a5b26f15d2821mpvqv.2r/6279de81

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for February 11, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for February 11, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 842 3542 0151   Passcode: 529650 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84235420151?pwd=qf61kWMsUFnjRbpACljcwYEIw32Bgd.1

One tap mobile: +1 305.224.1968; ID: 842 3542 0151# Passcode: *529650# 

Agenda:  

NJ Governor's race: Cannabis missing at first forum; Six Democrats took part: Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop, Rep. Miki Sherrill, Rep. Josh Gottheimer, NJEA's Sean Spiller, and former NJ Senate President Steve Sweeny. The next debate is on 2/4 for the current Republican candidates. 

NJ Office of the Attorney General: Your correspondence will be reviewed by the Office of Constituent Services. If you have not received a reply within 10 business days, to speak to an OCS representative, please call 609-984-5828:

“Please recognize that for some medical marijuana patients, homegrow is a necessity. It is a matter of survival for them, and it serves no public policy to prosecute such patients. New Jersey law enforcement officers should be advised not to arrest patients who have a modest homegrow, for example, in a plot that is less than, or equal to, 10 feet by 10 feet in area. It is essential to avoid burdening patients with a criminal record for an offense that will not exist in the foreseeable future.”

Legacy to Legal Cannabis Pathways Explored at Heady NJ Forum. 

Guy Lardieri is hosting a series of talks on Psychedelics. His premiere podcast on TalkRadioNYC was 2/4/25 with Denise Rue - MA, MFA, MSW - Founder, New Jersey Psychedelics Therapy Association. See: The Happy Spot - A Therapist Insights and Perspective on Psychedelics

Chris Goldstein's survey of dispensary menus shows NJ's products are far more expensive than in Maryland, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and New York. . 

Cannabis Research Institute, William Paterson University Webinars.

Love and the Endocannabinoid System

Cannabis: The Last Option No One Mentions: Ben Caplan, MD

Breakwater Treatment and Wellness, based in Cranbury, wants to begin selling legal weed to adult-use customers at their satellite dispensary in Roselle Park.

“Now that the state’s legal cannabis industry (is) doing $1 billion in yearly sales, it is time for Murphy to enhance his legacy by asking state Senate President Nick Scutari to advance S-1393, (the) bill to authorize home cultivation of medical-use cannabis.” LTE  Neil Vincent Scheck, Belmar

Let Advanced Practice Nurses Recommend Medical Cannabis: NORML Petition (please sign)

End the Blockade on NJ Senate bill S1393: Homegrow petition (please sign) 

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next meeting: Thursday, March 6, 2025 will be virtual.

Growth, Equity, and Impact: NJ-CRC 2024 Year in Review

Current job opportunities with the NJ-CRC: Investigator Trainee.

There are reports that patients are waiting 1-2 months simply for the issuance of the digital patient ID card. Also there is the lack of clarity regarding patients with out-of-state medical ID cards. Is there any more info on this?

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2nd, from everyone else.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee to lead the U.S. Department of HHS, says he will defer to the DEA on marijuana rescheduling if confirmed.

The new head of the DEA, Derek Maltz, who retired from the agency in 2014 after 28 years of service, claims that cannabis is a gateway drug and the rescheduling push is politically motivated. DEA has 10,000 employees.

Administrative hearings on the rescheduling proposal that were scheduled to begin on 1/21/25 have been delayed at least three months, with a DEA judge granting an appeal from pro-reform witnesses amid allegations of improper communications between DEA and rescheduling opponents.

Sen. Warren (D-MA) is urging Elon Musk, chair of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), to target “unnecessary” federal enforcement against marijuana consumers and businesses as a key to reduce spending hundreds of millions of dollars each year by the federal government.

60 Minutes joined nine veterans to the west coast of Mexico for a psychedelic journey they hoped would finally help ease their pain.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: 

NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis.

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics:

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

Educational event, Hub 13, Feb. 8th, 5 to 8 pm (afterparty 8-11) panels (financial literacy and home grow), seed/clone prep demonstrations, food drive, seed swap, favorite strain competition (legal/seeds), raffles, masseuse, dab bar (HFX featuring MPX), food available by Manja la Ganja.

Earth Day event/press conference at the Statehouse, 4/22/25(?). 4/20/25=Easter.

2025 LGBTQ+ Pride, Asbury Park, Sun., June 1st, Noon-7pm.  Volunteers?

Health Summit, public cannabis education, S. Jersey, 8/2-3/25. Elucidation 

Patients Out of Time: From Prohibition to Recognition, Charlottesville, VA, 9/14-16

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,550; PayPal: $888. 

January 13, 2025

Jesse Marie Villars 
Baked by the River
8 Church Street
Lambertville, NJ 08530

Dear Jessie:

On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ), I would like to personally thank you for your very generous donation of $484. This includes $242 in donations raised from hemp bracelets in your store, and a $242 donation matched by Baked by the River. As CMMNJ is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, your donation is income tax deductible. All funds donated to CMMNJ are used to provide education about the medical benefits of marijuana/cannabis.

Your donation will aid CMMNJ in working towards our post-legalization goals, including:

• Home cultivation rights;
• Establishing insurance coverage for medical cannabis; and,
• Providing medical cannabis to qualified hospitalized and institutionalized residents.

With your support, we are confident that CMMNJ will achieve its mission of having safe and legal access to medical cannabis for all New Jersey residents who can benefit from this therapeutic agent. Greater access to cannabis will make New Jersey a healthier, wealthier, and safer state.

Thanks again, Jessie!

Fundraising ideas are always welcome. Hemp wristbands available!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

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

CMMNJ Zoom Meeting Agenda for January 14, 2025

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for January 14, 2025 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: ID: 818 4041 1047  Passcode: 944156 Or, click: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81840411047?pwd=KbB46gRiMzoAzsorniBJsvQV8JgJNV.1

One tap mobile: +1 (305) 224-1968 ID: 818 4041 1047# Passcode: 944156#  

Find your local number: https://us02web.zoom.us/u/kbCapu7d55

Agenda:  

Got 10 Minutes? Help Shape the Future of Medical Cannabis Access! Are you satisfied with current cannabis laws and access? Or frustrated? Americans for Safe Access (ASA) fights for safe and legal access but can’t do it without your insights.

NJ Home Grow Coalition was named Reformer of the Year! Help us legalize home grow - NJhomegrow.com, Cannademix, Trichome Analytical (Cannabis Testing Laboratory), NORML

U.S. appeals court: a NJ law barring employment discrimination against cannabis users does not allow for private lawsuits, and tossed out a proposed class action against Walmart… a significant setback for both cannabis and employment law.

The federal government has awarded Rutgers University more than half a million dollars to study the effects of medical cannabis for 5 years. Researchers will examine the risk for Cannabis Use Disorder. 

NJ marijuana sales have exceeded $1 billion for 2024, the CRC said. Combined recreational and medical marijuana purchases reached $1,004,826,946—marking a 25 percent increase over 2023’s total.

The Top International Cannabis Stories From 2024

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

Next meeting: Thursday, February 6, 11 a.m. 

Location: 44 South Clinton Avenue, Trenton NJ. Watch on YouTube. 

Register to speak by February 4th at 5 p.m. Submit comments in writing to the CRC here by February 7th at 5 p.m.

The NJCRC set the Social Equity Excise Fee (SEEF) at $2.50 for an ounce of cannabis, up from $1.24, starting on January 1. The fee goes into a fund dedicated to social equity programs and reinvesting in communities harmed by marijuana criminalization. A portion also goes to programs to divert youth from cannabis use.

The CRC December 12th meeting on YouTube.

The CRC began accepting applications for Cannabis Consumption Areas on January 2nd from Social Equity and Economically Disadvantaged Area businesses only. On April 2nd, micro and diversely owned, and on July 2nd, from everyone else.

NJ Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) wanted to eliminate patient-only hours at Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs), and the CRC agreed. 

There are 383 adult-use cannabis companies operating now. The patient count is down to 66,378.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

DEA Administrative Law Judge (ALJ) John Mulrooney scheduled testimony in the cannabis rescheduling process, now set to begin on January 21:

1/21/2025 Government

1/22/2025 Hemp for Victory (HFV)

1/23/2025 Cannabis Bioscience International Holdings (CBIH)

1/28/2025 Connecticut Office of the Cannabis Ombudsman (OCO)

1/29/2025 National Cannabis Industry Association (NCIA)

1/30/2025 Village Farms International (VFI)

2/4/2025 The Commonwealth Project (TCP)

2/5/2025 Veterans Initiative 22 (VI22)2/6/2025 Dr. Ari Kirshenbaum

Americans for Safe Access will hold a virtual hearing with respect to the proposed rescheduling of marijuana into schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

Doctors for Drug Policy Reform (D4DPR) is challenging DEA’s denial of its participation in the proceedings and is asking the DEA judge to stay the hearings.

The Journal of the American Medical Association finds that psilocybin-assisted therapy “resulted in a significant, sustained reduction of symptoms of depression.”

Editorial: Harm reduction must replace punitive drug policies: The Lancet Global Health; The Global Commission on Drug Policy called for a re-evaluation of the global drug response. 

It will now be up to the First Circuit to decide whether broad federal cannabis prohibition is constitutional.

CMMNJ’s medical cannabis ongoing goals:

Insurance bills:

• S1944: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed both Health Committees and are in the Senate and Assembly Budget and Oversight Committees. 
• S1943/A4371: Requires workers’ compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.
• A898/S2828: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills:
Website: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

• S1393/A846: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A414: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• S1985: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical 

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis..

Psychedelic research and the safe use of psychedelics.

A3852/S2283 "Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act"

Upcoming Events: 

Special Zoom Webinar: “Shaping Federal Cannabis/Cannabinoid Policy Under Fire” by Steph Sherer (Americans for Safe Access) Jan 9, 12:00 - 1:00 PM. Register.

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,708. PayPal; $414.

Fundraising ideas are always welcome. Hemp wristbands available!

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, 

or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Or scan:

More info: 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/ 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey website being redesigned. Join the “CMMNJ Tech Team” to help with website, etc. Text Nick Mellis @ 609.331.9304

CMMNJ awards:

2021: NJ Governor's Jefferson Award in the Volunteer Group category;
2023: NJ State Governor's Volunteerism Award in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Champion for Justice Category "for extraordinary service to your community;"
2023: Ken Wolski won a Lifetime Achievement award;
2023: NJ Senate and Assembly Joint Legislative Resolution affirmed CMMNJ's importance as a "catalyst for the legalization of both medical and recreational marijuana in the State" and paid “tribute to all who have contributed to its success and renown.”

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