CMMNJ Public Zoom Meeting for November 15, 2022

 

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for November 15, 2022 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 822 7419 4430  Passcode: 349681 

Or click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82274194430?pwd=bitEcUcvMWRnYUlnNkFPZzU2Q3ZWZz09 

Agenda: Election Day, November 8, 2022. How did marijuana reform do? Odds to vote Yes: MD-83%; MO-60%; ND-52%; SD-52%; AR-35%. Bookies.com

Federal Drug Policy: On October 6, 2022, President Biden pardoned federal convictions for simple marijuana possession offenses. Biden urged all Governors to do the same for state offenses. Biden also directed federal officials to review expeditiously how marijuana is Schedule I under the federal Controlled Substances Act. “This is a high point,” said Rep. Earl Blumenauer, D-Ore., co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

Firearms: A federal judge agreed that people who use marijuana are engaging in criminal activity at the federal level and there’s precedent to deny them the right to have firearms. DOJ says medical marijuana users are unfit to possess firearms.

Sen. Cory Booker (D-NJ) promotes access to psychedelics for their therapeutic potential. He seeks to clarify that the Right to Try law means that patients with terminal health conditions can obtain and use Schedule I controlled substances.

More Plant Medicine: Stockton U. psychedelic education event, via Zoom, Sat., Nov. 12 from 1-4 p.m. Live panel of psychedelics experts recruited by CMMNJ Board member Gaetano Lardieri followed by over 30 recorded 5-minute segments covering psychedelics from multiple angles. Register here. 

CMMNJ endorsed NJ's S2934, the Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access & Services Act. 

The NJ Assembly approved Asw. Quijano’s bill, A3946, to allow deductions for marijuana business expenses on state tax returns. The bill now goes to the Senate. 

Employees at Curaleaf’s Edgewater, NJ. dispensary voted to join United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) union, Local 360.

Cannabis is the No. 1 cash crop in NJ, and the 6th largest in the U.S. ($5B in 2022).

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): Meeting: Dec. 8, at 1 pm. The social equity excise fee will direct money to communities hardest hit by the War on Drugs. Which programs will these fees go to? The CRC wants to hear from you. Three virtual meetings will be held from 7 – 9 pm for residents and organizations of South Jersey on 11/15; for Central Jersey on 11/16; and for North Jersey on 11/17. 

The CRC recommended the state’s Department of the Treasury fund the Cannabis Training Academy to provide technical assistance to entrepreneurs establishing cannabis businesses within the state. There are other cannabis lending sources. The Office of Diversity will be compiling an equity scorecard as it relates to social equity initiatives. The CRC approved the first 18 annual licenses for cannabis businesses.

CMMNJ’s post legalization goals include medical cannabis Insurance coverage; Home cultivation rights; Hospital & Institutional Access; and Expanded qualifying conditions. 

Medical Cannabis Insurance bills:

• S313 / A3248: 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. 
• S309 / A3511: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage. 
• S782 / A3932: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: Web site: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/ 

• S342/A997: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.     
• A1422: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use      
• A3657/S353: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

(NJ’s bill subscription service allows you to create a list of bills, track legislative action & stay up to date on topics you care about.) 

Gov. Murphy said NJ should “revisit” criminalization of homegrown marijuana for personal use—but after the commercial market has matured.

TJ Finnerty’s Grace Grower Org., a 501(c)(3) is seeking board members good at raising funds and awareness. Contact: ceo@gracegrower.org or 973-420-3049.

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes, and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis, despite a state law allowing it. Implement the Jake Honig law’s Institutional Caregivers!

CMMNJ has seven (7) Board members on Insider NJ’s 2022 Cannabis Power List: Ken Wolski #6, JoAnne Zito #26, Jim & Cheryl Miller #28, Amanda Hoffman #55, Peter Rosenfeld #65, Guy Lardieri #72, and Mike Brennan #82.

Ken Wolski is now chairman of Trenton’s Cannabis Advisory Committee. 

Upcoming Events: 
F.E.M PREAACH - Psychedelics Panel, Stockton U., 11/12, 1 – 4 pm.
Heady NJ: Cannabis Gathering, UFCW Union Hall, West Berlin, 11/12, 1- 5 pm.
Ewing FOP: Marijuana Presentation, Ewing Hollowbrook Center 11/9, 7 pm.
Thanksgiving Giveaway, State House, Trenton, 11/24, 11 – 1pm.

Recent events: 
CannaBash, Trenton, 10/8/22.
CannaOne, Edison, 10/10 -10/12. CMMNJ presentation 10/12 at 4 pm.
National Hispanic Cannabis Council, Jersey City, City Hall, 10/15.
NJ NORML’s Home Grow Lobby Day, Trenton State House, 10/27.

Treasury report: Checking: $13,395; PayPal: $3.  

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

More info: Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: https://www.cmmnj.org 
Twitter: @CMM_NJ
CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ won the 2021 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award Volunteer Group category.

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

October 11, 2022 CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda

 

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for October 11, 2022 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: 

Meeting ID: 838 7225 3251 Passcode: 875809 

Or click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83872253251?pwd=NUgvRnhKZEZZZTE3N0VmQWZhWjZrdz09

Agenda: Election Day, November 8, 2022.

Register to Vote! Voter Registration Deadline for the General Election is October 18, 2022. There are three (3) Ways to Vote in New Jersey.

CMMNJ’s post legalization goals include: Insurance coverage for medical cannabis; Home cultivation rights; and Hospital & Institutional Access to medical cannabis for qualified patients. (NJ’s bill subscription service allows you to create a list of bills, track legislative action & stay up to date on topics you care about.) 

Medical Cannabis Insurance bills:

• S313/A3248: 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. OLS Fiscal Estimate is here.
• S309/ A3511: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage. 
• S782 /A3932: Subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: 

Web site: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

·        S342/A997: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.

·        A1422: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.

·        A3657/S353: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ patients who are in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice are unable to access medical cannabis though they need it, qualify for it, and are entitled to it. Patient outcomes would improve, and health care costs would be reduced if these patients had access to medical cannabis. Implement the Jake Honig law’s institutional caregivers!

More Plant Medicine: The CMMNJ Board of Directors endorsed Senator Scutari’s Bill S2934, Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act.

CMMNJ testimony on 9/29/22 to the Assembly Committee in support of A3946, a bill to allow business deductions for cannabis companies licensed and regulated by NJ.

Cannabis Certification Classes are at 8 NJ Community Colleges.

Ken Wolski applied to join Trenton’s Cannabis Advisory Committee, 10/4/22. 

New York State started home grow 10/5/22. 

Federal Drug Policy Reform: New Jersey’s U.S. Sen. Cory Booker: “Federal marijuana prohibition is beginning to be more and more absurd.” Sen. Booker’s Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) will remove marijuana from the federal Controlled Substances Act entirely.

U.S. Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) is monitoring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics “very closely,” but is not yet VA “standard of care.” RTT v. DEA.

DOJ says medical marijuana users are unfit to possess firearms.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): Meetings: Oct. 27, and Dec. 8, both at 1 pm. The CRC awarded 505 conditional cannabis licenses so far. The CRC issued guidelines for workplace impairment. CMMNJ endorsed ACLU-NJ’s recommendations for CRC’s proposed rules. As of September 12, a patient account is necessary to participate in the Medicinal Cannabis Program and to renew your ID card. NJ cannabis arrests plummet.

Upcoming Events: 

CannaBash, Trenton, rescheduled to 10/8/22, 11 - 6 pm.

CannaOne, Edison, 10/10 -10/12. CMMNJ presentation 10/12 at 4 pm.

National Hispanic Cannabis Council, Jersey City, City Hall, 10/15, 10 - 1 pm.

Home Grow Lobby Day, Trenton State House, 10/27, 11 – 1 pm.

F.E.M. PREAACH - Psychedelics Panel, Stockton U., 11/12, 1 – 4 pm.

Heady NJ: Cannabis Gathering, UFCW Union Hall, West Berlin, 11/12, 1- 5 pm.

Cannabis Quality Conference & Expo, Parsippany, 10/17 – 19. 

Recent events: 

NE CANN, Atlantic City, 9/9&10/22.

420 Expo, Edison, NJ, 9/16-18/22. 

TCNJ Community Fest, Ewing, 9/24.

Treasury report: Checking: $14,387; PayPal: $92. 

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

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

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

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: https://www.cmmnj.org 

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ won the 2021 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award Volunteer Group category.

 

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

CMMNJ September 13, 2022 Public Meeting Agenda

 

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for September 13, 2022 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82287935390?pwd=dXdqOHh0bVVzci9tbkd5Zk5MWWZSdz09

Meeting ID: 822 8793 5390 Passcode: 979798

Agenda: 

The NJ Legislature returns from its 2022 summer break on the following dates in September: 9/15, 9/22 and 9/29. 

CMMNJ’s post legalization goals include:

Medical Cannabis Insurance bills:

• S313/A3248: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed Senate and Assembly Health Committees and were referred to the Senate Budget Committee and the Assembly Oversight Committee. OLS Fiscal Estimate is here.

·        S309: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage.

·        S782: Will subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills: 

Web site: https://www.letpatientsgrownj.com/

·        S342/A997: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.

·        A1422: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.

·        A3657/S353: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Hospital and Institutional Access: NJ Disabled American Veteran Dan Brady died in hospice in a New Jersey nursing home in July, unable to access medical cannabis. He needed it, wanted it, and was entitled to it. He suffered needlessly without it, as do so many other hospitalized, and institutionalized patients.

More Plant Medicine: NJ Senate President Scutari Files Bill S2934, Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act; CMMNJ Board of Directors endorse it.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s letter asked President Biden to end the federal ban on cannabis, and let states decide on legalizing it.

In July, Sen. Booker introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely.

Dr. Shareef Elnahal, VA undersecretary of health, said marijuana needs to be descheduled at the federal level. “We are stuck with: Scant research funding; Limited to no access in hospitals/nursing homes; High costs for patients.”

Sen. Scutari’s S3012 permits interstate cannabis sales when federal law changes.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): 

Meetings: Sept. 9, Oct. 20, and Dec. 8, all at 1 pm. 

The CRC’s proposed new rules are here. Public comments will be accepted until 9/30/22. Sign here to endorse the ACLU-NJ’s rule recommendations. 

$80M in NJ pot sales in first 10 weeks. Home delivery. 

Find an adult use ATC in NJ. 

Upcoming Events:

NE CANN, Atlantic City, 9/9&10/22; Volunteers needed to help CMMNJ table.

420 Expo, Edison, NJ, 9/16-18/22; Volunteers needed.

TCNJ Community Fest, Ewing, 9/24, 10-4pm; Volunteers needed.

Delaware Weedstock, 9/30- 10/2; Volunteers needed.

HeadyNJ: Cannabis Policy Discussion, Hackensack, NJ 9/25, 1 – 5 pm

NJ Cannabis Insider Job Fair, online, 9/26-10/26/22 & Bootcamp, 9/15, Princeton.

Recent events:

SHORE GROW Patient Aid fundraiser, Ocean NJ, 8/20/22. Over $1,700 raised!

Curaleaf ATC’s raised $3,000 in donations for CMMNJ from our hemp bracelets!

Treasury report: Checking: $13,895; PayPal: $45. 

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

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

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

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: https://www.cmmnj.org 

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ won the 2021 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award Volunteer Group category.

 

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

CMMNJ Zoom Meeting Agenda for August 9, 2022

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for August 9, 2022 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: 

Meeting ID: 830 6097 3936 Passcode: 513706

Agenda: The NJ Legislature will return from its summer break in September. CMMNJ’s post legalization goals include:

Medical Cannabis Insurance Bills:

• S313/A3248: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. The bills passed Senate and Assembly Health Committees and were referred to the Senate Budget Committee and the Assembly Oversight Committee. OLS Fiscal Estimate is here.

• S309: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage. 

• S782: Will subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Wolski said CMMNJ continues to push for “insurance coverage for medical patients…Insurance coverage would be a real game changer for patients. I mean, imagine paying a $15 co-pay for an ounce of marijuana," he said.

Home cultivation bills: 

• S342/A997: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A1422: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• A3657/S353: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Institutional access now!

NJ Disabled American Veteran and marijuana reform activist Dan Brady died in a South Jersey nursing home on 7/22/22, unable to access the medical cannabis he was entitled to as a hospice patient. He suffered needlessly, as did his family and friends, as a result. 

Psilocybin Legalization Bill: 

NJ Senate President Files Psilocybin Legalization Bill; CMMNJ Board of Directors endorsed Bill S2934, Psilocybin Behavioral Health Access and Services Act.

National Issues:

On July 6, 2022, U.S. Sen. Cory Booker’s letter asked President Biden to end the federal ban on cannabis, and allow states to decide on legalizing the drug.

On 7/21/22, Sen. Booker introduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA) to remove marijuana from the Controlled Substances Act entirely.

Senate Confirms Dr. Shareef Elnahal as VA undersecretary of health. @ShereefElnahal: Marijuana needs to be descheduled at the federal level. Patients on #MedicalMarijuana deserve better. We are stuck with: 

• Scant research funding 
• Limited to no access in hospitals/nursing homes 
• High costs for patients.

In a Gallup poll, a record 68% of Americans support legalizing cannabis, with 32% in opposition. (NJ’s numbers for the 11/20 ballot question to legalize cannabis—67% to 32%!) 

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): 

CRC Meetings: July 28, Sept. 22, Oct. 20, and Dec. 8, all at 1 pm. 

The CRC Issued 81 new licenses that include 22 for cultivators, 11 for manufacturers and 48 for retailers. Find an adult use dispensary in NJ.

Trichome Analytical, NJ’s first accredited cannabis and hemp testing lab, won the state’s first annual testing license, License #TL000001, in the adult-use program. 

Five ATC’s fined $360K for selling to adult use customers during patient-only hours in NJ’s legal weed launch.

Ewing ATC, BLOC, opens with hopes of selling adult weed in the fall.

New Jersey labor unions are making real progress representing workers in legal cannabis sales.

Towns have the power to put justice in cannabis legalization — they must use it.

On July 1, NJ  state sales tax was eliminated for medical cannabis purchases. But municipalities may continue to charge a 2% tax on dispensary sales.

NORML News Releases.

International Association for Cannabinoid Medicines: IACM-Bulletin of 17 July 2022; latest research.

Travelling this summer? Which states accept out-of-state medical marijuana cards?

Upcoming Events: 

• SHORE GROW Patient Aid fundraiser, 3329A Doris Ave., Ocean NJ, 8/20/22.
• NE CANN, Atlantic City, 9/9&10/22;
• 420 Expo, Edison, NJ, 9/16-18/22.
• Delaware Weedstock, 9/30- 10/2.
• Who can help CMMNJ table at the above events?
• HeadyNJ: Cannabis Policy Discussion Hackensack, NJ 9/25, 1 – 5 pm 

Recent events: 

• Cannabis Patient Awareness Day/NJ Cannabis Cup! Trenton, 7/10/22, 11 am.

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,247; PayPal: $45. 

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to: 

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Hemp bracelets are available for donations at Curaleaf’s NJ ATC’s!

More info: 

• Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com 
• Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
• Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: https://www.cmmnj.org 
• Twitter: @CMM_NJ
• CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
• CMMNJ won the 2021 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award Volunteer Group category.

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

June14, 2022 Public Zoom Meeting Agenda

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for June 14, 2022 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: 

https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85192634613?pwd=MVhEZ2tpUEdsQWp4bDFJZWZkL0hiQT09 

Meeting ID: 851 9263 4613 

Passcode: 574487

Agenda: 

Legal, adult use sales of cannabis began in NJ on 4/21/22!. The first month of sales (4/21 – 5/21) = $24M & 212K transactions.

NJ Sen. Scutari began State House hearings May 12. CMMNJ: Testimony to the Senate Judiciary Committee RE: implementation of recreational cannabis in NJ.

Ken’s 12 minute testimony starts at 1:57:10, followed by Leo Bridgewater's.

NJ Spotlight News: Medical sellers get faster into recreational weed market.

Cannabis nurses need the support of their state boards of nursing, in compliance with the NCSBN National Nursing Guidelines for Medical Marijuana.

Princeton: Council Pulls the Plug on Pot Shop Proposal

Bennabis Health To Make Medical Cannabis More Affordable

NJ Cannabis Insider 2022 Awards: Lifetime Achievement winner: Bill Caruso!

Rhode Island became the 19th state to legalize cannabis for adults, 5/25/22!

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) meeting 5/24, 1pm. Meeting slides. Six new medical marijuana dispensaries OK'd for recreational sales

Next CRC meeting: Thursday, June 23, 1 p.m. Register to speak here. 

Medical Cannabis Insurance bills:

• S313/A3248: Costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. Assembly Health Committee Voting: 5/24/2022 – released favorably: Yes: 10; No: 2; Not Voting: 0.
• S309: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage. 
• S782: Will subsidize medical cannabis in Medicaid or NJ Family Care.

Home cultivation bills:

• S342/A997: Authorizes home cultivation of medical cannabis.
• A1422: Legalizes possession of six marijuana plants for personal use.
• A3657/S353: Legalizes six plants for personal use and 10 plants for medical.

Upcoming Events: 

NJCBA: Johnny Mac House of Spirits, Asbury Park, 6/15/22, 6 - 8 PM: Fee.

DFCR Webinar: “Cannabis and the Opioid Crisis” 6/22/22, 7 pm. Register here. 

Cannabis Patient Awareness Day/NJ Cannabis Cup! Trenton, 7/10/22, 11 am.

SHORE GROW Patient Aid fundraiser, 3329A Doris Ave., Ocean NJ, 8/20/22.

Recent events: 

Pennington Day, 5/21, 10 to 4 pm. 

Patients Out of Time: “The Endocannabinoid System & Beyond” June 9 – 11.

New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA) “Lunch and Learn.” “New Jersey Cannabis History - The Patient Advocacy Path to Legalization.” 

OVERRIDE THE LEGALIZATION VETO! Rally, Dover, DE, 6/7/22.

Trentonian: Better city government possible: marijuana legalization is the key.

HGRNJ and Ken Wolski discuss Legalization of Cannabis in New Jersey, 4/21/22.

Finally, A Commercial for Legalizing Weed!

Treasury report: 

Checking: $9,835; PayPal: $45. 

Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to: 

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.

Hemp bracelets are available for donations at all three of Curaleaf’s NJ ATC’s!

More info: 

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

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

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: https://www.cmmnj.org 

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ won the 2021 NJ Governor's Jefferson Award Volunteer Group category.

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