CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for September 8, 2026

 

CMMNJ Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda for September 8, 2026 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85669860687?pwd=SclxHuR9kMm9OJ7adhSxVZD9xXFtce.1

Meeting ID: 856 6986 0687
Passcode: 762252

This is a free, open, non-judgmental space for individuals to express their opinions and thoughts on current events and issues on medical marijuana. 

Agenda: New Jersey Issues

New Jersey Homegrow: What Cannabis Enthusiasts Need to Know. Bipartisan bills are pending in the legislature, and the NJ Senate and Assembly return to work on 9/10/26:   

S2564/ A4576 (Adult Use, 6 plants + Medical Use, 10 plants) in Senate Judiciary, and Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committees:

• Recreational users: Must be 21+ years old, no registration required.
• Medical patients: Must be registered in the NJ Medicinal Cannabis Program, no registration for cultivation required.
• Caregivers: Can cultivate same plant limits on behalf of patients. 

S1758/ A1674 (Medical Only) – Currently in the Senate Health, Human Services Committee and Assembly Oversight, Reform and Federal Relations Committees:

• Medical patients: Must be registered in the NJ Medicinal Cannabis Program, must notify CRC of cultivation intent;
• Caregivers: Must be registered with the CRC, same plant limits apply;
• Registration requirement: CRC maintains a registry of home cultivators. 

Current New Jersey status: Criminal offense for growing any cannabis plants:

• 1-10 plants: 3-5 years in prison, up to $25,000 fine; 
• 10-49 plants: 5-10 years in prison, up to $150,000 fine; 
• 50+ plants: up to 20 years prison, & $300,000 fine. 

Rutgers Eagleton Cannabis Survey, March 2023: “It should be legal for an adult to grow cannabis for personal use”--39.5% strongly agreed and an additional 23.6% of respondents somewhat agreed with this statement.

MPP: All but three of the other 23 legalization states allow home cultivation! Tell your lawmakers to support S2564/A4576. MoveOn: Legalize Cannabis Home Grow in the state of New Jersey. Open Letter to Governor Sherrill: please issue a Moratorium on arrests for small medical gardens of cannabis in New Jersey. 

NORML: Assembly Bill 1291 establishes additional requirements for cannabis testing laboratories to assure that consumers are not exposed to mislabeled or contaminated products. Send email. 

NJ Bill S3452/ A1642 To strengthen Employment Protections for Medical Marijuana Patients. 

NJ can’t force cannabis companies to sign pacts with labor unions, firm says. 

Weed in Atlantic City: Dispensaries, Boardwalk Rules & Casino Policies 

CMMNJ Upcoming Events (volunteers always welcome):

•  Ewing Community Fest - September 19^th, 10 - 4 pm at TCNJ       
• NJ Cannabis Convention--NECANN: September 18-19, Atlantic City.

Federal Drug Policy Reform:

Americans for Safe Access: September is ASA’s Cannabis Safety Month, a national public education campaign to address cannabis safety concerns with compassion, credible information, and practical solutions.

Monthly Federal Policy Advisory Meeting—9/17/26, 1 -2 pm; Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 832 3434 4732; Passcode: 217838.

Medical Cannabis Patients Federal Rights--ensure those rights are respected. Register to Vote here: Register to Vote!                 

Marijuana Policy Project: Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) reintroduced the Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act (CAOA), which would fully de-schedule cannabis, removing it from the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). Booker and Trump Are in Opposite Directions on Federal Cannabis Policy On average, legalization states’ cannabis arrest rates have dropped 85.53%. 

More Americans now use marijuana on a daily or near-daily basis than either alcohol or cigarettes. 

Cannabis industry encouraged as DEA rescheduling hearings conclude

FDA & HHS: Public Hearing - "Considerations for Potential Future Therapeutic Use of Psychedelic Drugs" on September 14th, 2026, 12:30 – 4:30 pm. To attend and present, register via the FDA website. Written comments must be in by 10/5/26. 

FDA is supporting the development of psychedelic drugs, including new treatments for serious mental health conditions. States Should Start Planning Now For FDA Approval Of Psychedelics. 

Harm Reduction and Risk Management; Drug Policy Facts. August 31 was International Overdose Action Day. “Trenton needs to reassess response to illegal drugs” By Ken Wolski, For The Trentonian: “Violence in Trenton can be greatly reduced by ending the War on Drugs.” 

U.S. military sinks ship used as refueling station for alleged drug-trafficking boats. 

Federally Funded Cancer Study Highlights Need To Cover Medical Marijuana Under Insurance. 

Hospital and Institutional Access: Ken asked: When will medicinal cannabis be integrated into the Capital Health System (CHS)? CHS said they formed a committee to implement in-patient and out-patient use of medicinal cannabis! 

NJ patients in hospitals, nursing homes, state institutions, group homes and hospice need access to medical cannabis. The 2019 “Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Cannabis Act" called for immediate implementation of “Institutional caregivers” in the state.  

NJ Medicinal Cannabis Insurance Bills: 

• A1023/S3984: Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances.
• S1792: Establishes program to subsidize purchase price of medical cannabis for registered patients enrolled in Medicaid or NJ FamilyCare programs.
• S4023: Allows costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. 

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC):

• Next meeting: Wed., September 9, 2026, 11 am. Watch on Zoom or on YouTube
• NJ’s Medical Marijuana Card Program Is Expanding Patient Access
• Be Cannabis S.M.A.R.T. Safe & Responsible Consumption
• NJ CRC’s pamphlet about medical cannabis patient rights/protections.
• CMMNJ Seeks SEEF Grant from NJ CRC.

Medicinal Cannabis Program Participation (as of 8/15/2026)

• Total patients: 43,690 (from a high of 129,369 in May 2022).
• Caregivers: 2,861
• Doctors: 1,555
• Month to Month Patient Numbers

Treasury report: $7,324.

CMMNJ BlogSpot: Fundraiser to Support Senior Harm-Reduction

Fundraising ideas are always welcome. CMMNJ has thousands of hemp wristbands. Can your organization use them? See the photo below.

Or scan:

The goal of CMMNJ, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is to have safe, legal, and affordable access to all plant medicine for all qualified New Jersey patients, and to end the ineffective and counterproductive War on Drugs.

CMMNJ was instrumental in getting the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act introduced into the New Jersey Legislature in 2005 and signed into law in 2010. Legal sales of medical marijuana in the state began on December 6, 2012.

In 2014, CMMNJ’s Board of Directors endorsed legalization of marijuana since legalization is the best way to get this essential medicine to the most people. Legalization will also start to undo the harm that is caused by drug prohibition. In 2021, New Jersey became the 13th state in the U.S. to fully legalize marijuana.

CMMNJ’s ongoing goals include home cultivation rights; insurance coverage; and hospital & institutional access for medical cannabis, along with safe and legal access to all plant medicine.

Please support our work and keep CMMNJ alive through 2026!

More info: 

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

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

Twitter/X: @CMM_NJ

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

CMMNJ website: https://cmmnj.org/

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.

Fundraiser to Support Senior Harm-Reduction

 

Fundraiser Appeal to Support Senior Harm-Reduction and Sustain CMMNJ’s Mission  

Dear Supporters,

I hope this message finds you well. As we embark on our 23rd year of advocacy, the Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey (CMMNJ) remains committed to representing patients and ensuring their voices are heard.

We are excited to launch a new senior harm-reduction initiative aimed at helping older adults explore cannabis safely and confidently. To make this initiative successful, we need your support to cover both our essential operating expenses and the additional costs of representing CMMNJ at key conferences.

Our annual operating budget is approximately $10,000 and covers website hosting, email marketing, office supplies, volunteer reimbursements, and more. Additionally, attending legislative sessions, workshops, and conferences requires an extra $5,000.

Your support will not only help sustain our operations but also ensure that seniors benefit from safe and informed cannabis use. As well as sustainable development and representation to keep the patient in the room. Together, we can make a meaningful impact in our community.

Thank you for your continued support and dedication.

Warm regards,

Michael Brennan, Board of Directors

Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. 

99 E 2nd Street, #B3
Moorestown, NJ 08057
1-856-266-5226
www.cmmnj.org

 

Please help. Make a tax-deductible donation via PayPal to info@cmmnj.org, or send a check to: CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

CMMNJ's Senior Cannabis Harm Reduction

CMMNJ's Senior Cannabis Harm Reduction

For 23 Years, CMMNJ Has Been Your Patient Voice.

As seniors become the largest group of new cannabis users, harm reduction is essential for safety. Yet, it’s been missing from the conversation.

We’re working to change that. Your support ensures seniors get the guidance they need, reducing risks and protecting public safety.

We need your help to continue.

$5 helps fund patient education.

$10 supports senior safety programs.

Every dollar matters.

Join us in making a difference. Your support keeps patients in the room and ensures a safer future for all.

Make A Tax-Deductible Donation Via PayPal To Info@Cmmnj.org,

Or Send A Check To:

CMMNJ, 219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey, Inc., is an IRS 501(c)3 Non-profit organization founded on March 10, 2003.

PayPal:

CMMNJ Monthly Public Zoom Meeting Agenda for April 11, 2023 at 7 pm

CMMNJ Monthly Public Meeting Agenda for April 11, 2023 at 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: Meeting ID: 897 0558 9538 Passcode: 171641 Or, click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89705589538?pwd=elI5QVplS1ltZ01zeStQMmlMMlVldz09

Agenda:  

In this month of Passover, Easter, Ramadan, and the Neopagan Spring Equinox celebrations, a Priest reminds us about drugs: “The law of the land is unjust.”

"It is clear to many that the war on drugs is not working," says Volker Türk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a remarkable statement.

Great presentation on Harm Reduction by TCNJ professor Sandy Gibson at last month’s CMMNJ meeting: We advocate for the decriminalization of drugs because it:

• Reduces the number of people involved in the criminal justice system;
• Improves cost-effectiveness of limited resources;
• Creates a climate where people who are using drugs problematically can seek treatment without stigma or fear of arrest;
• Improves treatment outcomes where treatment is called for; and,
• Removes barriers to the implementation of evidence-based practices to reduce the potential harms of drug use.

Marijuana laws are evolving and vary from state to state, especially for DUI enforcement.

One in five Medicare recipients currently uses medical marijuana (but) it could be years before Medicare may cover the drug. 

PA Workman’s Comp Insurer in Violation for Failure to Reimburse Claimant for Medical Marijuana; PA employers are required to pay for medical marijuana use by its employees for their work injuries. Pennsylvania Supreme Court review coming?

NJ’s Laws & Regulations regarding Medical Marijuana are here.

NORML NJ, CMMNJ, & DFCR met with Sen. Gopal's Policy Director Michael Illiano on 4/3/23 to discuss home grow for medical patients. We need more co-sponsors for S342/A997 and an expanded coalition of supporters inc. healthcare associations. “Senate President [Nick] Scutari is really holding his members back in line on this issue,” Chris Goldstein said.

‘Father of Cannabis Science’ Raphael Mechoulam Dead at 92

How New Jersey is cultivating women cannabis entrepreneurs. THE TIME FOR EQUITY IN CANNABIS AND THE ‘FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW’ by Nichelle Santos.

Sun-Grown Cannabis Has More Terpenes: A Closer Look at the Benefits of Natural Cultivation.

N.J. police methods to determine if motorists are high on weed could face stricter scrutiny under top court ruling: The decision delays a definitive answer on the use of Drug Recognition Experts.

Cannabis significantly reduces the need for opioid-based medications in managing chronic pain.

Federal Drug Policy Reform: 

Kentucky legalized medical marijuana; the 38th state to do so.

DE Legislature Passed HB 1 & HB 2, Joint Bills to Legalize Cannabis: Let Gov. Carney know 70% of Delawareans want him to 'Sign HB 1 & HB 2 into law'!

Oklahoma voters rejected a ballot initiative to legalize recreational marijuana in the state amid turmoil caused by the introduction of medical dispensaries.

Congressional lawmakers filed a bill to streamline federal rescheduling of “breakthrough therapies” like psilocybin and MDMA to promote research and drug development.

Mass Incarceration: The Whole Pie 2023.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): 

Meetings: April 13, and May 4, both at 1 pm. Register to speak here. You may submit comments in writing to the Commission here. 

The CRC promotes three classes of cannabis license holders: those who are diverse — minorities, women, disabled veterans; people from “impact zones” communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, and social equity applicants, those convicted of marijuana offenses or from economically disadvantaged areas. 

License awardees: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/businesses/recreational/license-awardees/

CMMNJ’s 2023 medical cannabis goals include:

• 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. 
• 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.
• S353/A3657: 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. Implement the Jake Honig law’s Institutional Caregivers to accomplish this!

Upcoming Events: 

Global Cannabis March: Rehoboth Beach, May 6, 3pm.

Pennington Day 2023, May 20th, 10 - 4 pm. Help with CMMNJ booth! 

2nd Annual NJ Cannapreneur Conference with Ken Wolski, RN, FDU Campus, Teaneck, NJ, 4/21, 10 - 4 p.m.

NJCBA: GETTING YOUR LICENSE, NOW WHAT? 4/12/23, 3 - 9:00 PM, Galloping Hill Golf Club Register Full day – $150.00.

Lobby Days at The Capitol, Washington, DC, 4/18-20, 2023, with M4MM, Marijuana Policy Project, CannaCoverage, Indigenous Cannabis Industry Assn., & Asian Cannabis roundtable. 

National Cannabis Festival, Washington, DC, 4/22, Nichelle Santos will address: "Impact of Healthcare Inequities in Black Communities with Medical Cannabis." 

NJ State House Annual 420 Rally for Home Grow & Gifting, 4/20/23 at 11:11 am.

Recent events: 

State House Home Grow Rally 3/30/23

Social Equity in Cannabis: Faces Behind the Fight: Baked by the River, Lambertville, 3/30.

NJ’s first major cannabis business conference of 2023, Hilton Hotel Newark Airport, March 8. 

March 10, 2023 was the 20th anniversary of CMMNJ’s first public event at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia. Help us celebrate 20 years of cannabis reform—support our goals! 

Treasury report: 

Checking: $11,946. 

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 Monthly Meeting Agenda for March 14, 2023

 

CMMNJ Agenda for March 14, 2023, 7 pm

Join Zoom Meeting: 

Meeting ID: 854 3545 2233 Passcode: 303330 Or, click: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85435452233?pwd=OWxhNmNKWkpqelRqZ2JSK011M1NiUT09

Agenda:  

Sandy Gibson, a professor at TCNJ, will give a presentation on Harm Reduction at tonight’s meeting, starting at 7:30 pm. The CMMNJ Board will consider endorsing Harm Reduction (needle exchanges, safe injection sites, drug decriminalization, etc.) at our next Board meeting.
Oregon Decriminalized Drugs. What Happened Next? National Harm Reduction Coalition

NJ police officers will no longer be drug tested for cannabis unless they're suspected of using marijuana on duty or if their position requires federal drug testing.

Minorities for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey (M4MM-NJ) joined the New Jersey CannaBusiness Association (NJCBA) to ensure minority representation in the state’s cannabis industry.

THE TIME FOR EQUITY IN CANNABIS AND THE ‘FIERCE URGENCY OF NOW’

In March, Tahir Johnson will launch Simply Pure Trenton. He is one of the first people in NJ to own and manage a legal dispensary while having a marijuana conviction. Mayor Gusciora Celebrates Trenton City Council Support of Cannabis.

Holistic Solutions, New Jersey's first Black woman-owned cannabis dispensary, opened during Black History Month Feb. 10, 2023.

NJ residents want to use marijuana tax revenue to improve schools and expand public health. Adult users pay 6.25% in state sales tax, in addition to 2% local sales tax. A part of the state tax is for “social equity” purposes, bolstering communities most harmed by the War on Drugs.

What Businesses Should Know About NJ CANNABUSINESS Loan Options.

Federal Drug Policy Reform:

Federal Marijuana Pardon Applications available

NORML: State Updates:

• NC & SC medical cannabis bills advance 
• DE: HB 1 is Scheduled for a House Vote. Op Ed from DE NORML
• PA: New Recreational Marijuana Legalization Bill Coming In PA
• OK: Marijuana legalization, State Question 820, will be on the ballot March 7.

The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC): 

Meetings: April 13, and May 4, both at 1 pm. Register to speak here. You may submit comments in writing to the Commission here. 

The NJ CRC approved 49 licenses. NJCRC Executive Director Jeff Brown said 1647 applications have been received in. He said that minority owners submitted 72 percent of them.

Commissioner Barker: NJ’s Legal Weed Market Needs More Companies Owned by People of Color

CRC Rules with proposed amendments regarding cannabis consumption areas. Highlights of the Cannabis Consumption Area rules. Submit public comments by Saturday, March 18, 2023.

CRC Diversity Director Wesley McWhite III: The CRC promotes three classes of cannabis license holders: those who are diverse — minorities, women, disabled veterans; people from “impact zones” communities disproportionately affected by the War on Drugs, and social equity applicants, those convicted of marijuana offenses or from economically disadvantaged areas. 

License awardees: https://www.nj.gov/cannabis/businesses/recreational/license-awardees/

CMMNJ’s 2023 medical cannabis goals include:

• 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. 
• 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.
• S353/A3657: 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. Implement the Jake Honig law’s Institutional Caregivers to accomplish this!

Upcoming Events: 

Social Equity in Cannabis: Faces Behind the Fight: Community Gathering and Discussion: March 30, 2023 – 6:00-8:00 PM, Baked by the River Lounge, Lambertville, NJ 08530, (RSVP by 3/9/23): bakedbytheriver@gmail.com

NJ’s first major cannabis business conference of 2023, Hilton Hotel Newark Airport, March 8.

NJCBA: GETTING YOUR LICENSE, NOW WHAT? 12 Apr 2023, 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Galloping Hill Golf Club Register.

Deneen Wright, Cannabis Recruitment Specialist, dwright@njadvancemedia.com: 201-324-5092.

To search Cannabis Career Opportunities please visit: www.cannabisinsiderjobs.com/. Ask about NJ Cannabis Insider subscriber discounts.

Recent events: 

March 10, 2023 was the 20th anniversary of CMMNJ’s first public event at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia. Help us celebrate 20 years of cannabis reform—support our goals! 

CMMNJ welcomes the following people to the CMMNJ Board and wishes them great success: Valisha Desir, Esq., Nichelle Santos, and Jeff Booker.  

Treasury report: 

Checking: $ 12,148.18. 

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.