CMMNJ Agenda for January 11, 2022 at 7 pm
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Agenda:
January 11th 2022 marks the start of the new, two-year legislative session in New Jersey. All bills from the previous session that did not pass into law will have to be re-introduced and given new numbers. Barring last minute action, these bills include:
Insurance coverage bills for medical cannabis:
- S3799/A5760: Medical cannabis costs to be reimbursed by Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program, Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD), Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, and Criminal Injuries Compensation Act of 1971.
- A1708/S3406: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis.
Home cultivation for patients:
- A5363/S3420 legalizes cultivation of eight medical cannabis plants.
- S3407/A5435 legalizes cultivation of six plants for any NJ adult.
- S3582/A5552 legalizes cultivation of six plants for personal use, and 10 plants for medical use, by adults.
The New Jersey State Assembly is set to reorganize on January 11 at the War Memorial, when fourteen newly elected Assembly members will take the oath for the first time. Governor Phil Murphy plans to move forward on an in-person inauguration on January 18.
Jo Anne Zito of CMMNJ believes that the new year will be a good one for the state’s medical marijuana patients, equity, and also for social justice.
The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC), on 12/7/21, approved 30 new licenses to sell medicinal marijuana, 10 each in the central, northern, and southern regions of the state. This was part of the 2019 RFA, delayed by legal challenges. There are now 23 dispensaries serving an average of about 5,300 patients per retail site and 121,100 registered patients statewide. The licenses are provisional. Awardees have up to 12 months from the date of the award to become fully permitted.
The CRC began to accept applications for recreational cannabis licenses on 12/15/21. Within the first four hours, 500 people had submitted their applications, with 635 accounts created by the end of the day. Jeff Brown said, “We can officially mark the launch of the state’s recreational cannabis industry. Getting cultivators, manufacturers, and testing labs licensed and operating will set the framework and establish supply for retailers who will start licensing in March 2022.” The highest priority will be given to “Social Equity Businesses, diversely-owned businesses, microbusinesses, and conditional license applicants” when being reviewed. (Applicants who were previously convicted for cannabis crimes, live in “economically disadvantaged areas,” or fit the criteria of minority, women, or disabled-veteran owned businesses.)
There are fears that recreational pot sales could deprive medical patients. CMMNJ plans frequent contact with the New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) to ensure access to medical cannabis is the priority in NJ.
Upcoming CRC Meetings:
- Friday, January 7, 1 p.m. Register to speak here by: 1/7/22, 9 a.m.
- Thursday, January 27, 1 p.m.
- Thursday, February 24, 1 p.m.
- You may also submit comments in writing to the Commission here.
National:
The U.S. Supreme Court was asked to decide if employers can be forced to reimburse workers for the cost of medical cannabis used to treat job-related injuries. State courts have come to differing conclusions on the issue.
Cannabis decriminalization is reducing the racial disparity in arrests for possession.
Retail price differences in cannabis flowers across 14 states
Upcoming Events:
Cannabusiness Info Session, 1/6/22, 6 p.m.
An Afternoon of Cannabis with Heady NJ! S. Hackensack, 1/9/22, 12–5 PM.
Recent Events:
Tabling at the New Brunswick train station.
Treasury report:
Checking: $10,867; PayPal: $942.
Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to:
CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618.
Hemp wristbands are available, including wholesale prices. Will your store or dispensary display our colorful, all-hemp bracelets, so patrons can make donations to CMMNJ? We are deeply grateful for all support.
More info:
Ken Wolski, RN, MPA (609) 394-2137 ohamkrw@aol.com
- Facebook: Friends of CMMNJ: https://www.facebook.com/groups/62462971150/
- Coalition for Medical Marijuana-New Jersey: http://www.cmmnj.org
- Twitter: @CMM_NJ
- CMMNJ blog: https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/
CMMNJ is a proud winner of the 2021 NJ State Governor's Jefferson Award.
CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.
