CRC: get medicinal cannabis into NJ’s healthcare facilities

What action can the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission (NJ CRC) take to coordinate the integration of medicinal cannabis into New Jersey’s healthcare facilities?

On Oct. 30, 2024, I sent the below comment to the NJ CRC Commissioners. Nothing has happened since then in regard to access to medicinal cannabis in healthcare facilities. The issue is even more compelling now.

The Justice Department and the DEA announced on 4/23/26 the issuance of an order (published 4/28) immediately placing marijuana products regulated by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act.

“The order also recognizes that state medical cannabis programs are part of the medical access landscape. State systems already regulate patient access, licensing, dispensing, labeling, packaging, security, disposal, and recordkeeping. The order relies on this existing state infrastructure to promote medical benefits and avoid unnecessary disruption to patients and state systems. The order recognizes medical cannabis patient registration as equivalent to a prescription.”

https://www.justice.gov/opa/media/1437751/dl

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now

Oct. 30, 2024

I am glad to hear that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's "Permitting and Licensing Committee" is leading policy discussions on implementing Institutional Caregivers. 

However, I disagree with the committee's finding that legal issues need to be resolved before further steps are taken.

Institutional Caregiver policy development and stakeholder engagement should currently be in process in anticipation of the resolution of legal concerns.

The federal Justice Department and its component agencies have been barred from interfering in state-legal medical marijuana programs under a congressional appropriations rider that’s been annually renewed for a decade. There are no legal issues that will not be overcome to permit Institutional Caregivers in healthcare facilities.

Institutional Caregivers will be allowed to come into healthcare facilities and administer to patients the medicinal cannabis that has been recommended for them by licensed physicians, and purchased from Alternative Treatment Centers in New Jersey. 

This will be the law in New Jersey. For healthcare facilities to forbid implementation of Institutional Caregivers will place them out of compliance with the law, needlessly jeopardizing the health and safety of patients who are in their care.

Policy development among healthcare facilities should be on-going. These policies must include documentation of medicinal cannabis that is administered to the patient, along with the inclusion on the Patient Care Plan of the patient’s status in the Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP).

How can a facility be allowed to deprive a patient of a duly approved medicine they are already using? Healthcare facilities should be more concerned about the legal consequences of doing harm to patients by forbidding access to medication that has stabilized their conditions. Any other concerns about cannabis can be dealt with by having patients sign “Hold Harmless” agreements.

Moreover, the use of cannabis in healthcare facilities is an established fact in the U.S.

In 2021, California passed Ryan’s Law, which allows terminally ill patients who have a valid medical cannabis card, to use medical cannabis in a healthcare facility, even though cannabis is an illegal Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law.

The population of patients in New Jersey’s MCP is continually diminishing. This is partly because some of the sickest patients in the state--those currently in healthcare facilities-- are not allowed access to medical cannabis.

Institutional Caregivers will greatly expand the number of patients served, expand the success of this program, and improve patient care.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Chairman, Trenton Cannabis Advisory Committee
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618

The above comment was submitted to the NJCRC on 10/26/26 in anticipation of their next public meeting on October 29, 2026 at 11 am.

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now

NJ CRC: Prepare for Institutional Caregivers Now

I am glad to hear that the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Commission's "Permitting and Licensing Committee" is leading policy discussions on implementing Institutional Caregivers. 

However, I disagree with the committee's finding that legal issues need to be resolved before further steps are taken.

Institutional Caregiver policy development and stakeholder engagement should currently be in process in anticipation of the resolution of legal concerns.

The federal Justice Department and its component agencies have been barred from interfering in state-legal medical marijuana programs under a congressional appropriations rider that’s been annually renewed for a decade. There are no legal issues that will not be overcome to permit Institutional Caregivers in healthcare facilities.

Institutional Caregivers will be allowed to come into healthcare facilities and administer to patients the medicinal cannabis that has been recommended for them by licensed physicians, and purchased from Alternative Treatment Centers in New Jersey. 

This will be the law in New Jersey. For healthcare facilities to forbid implementation of Institutional Caregivers will place them out of compliance with the law, needlessly jeopardizing the health and safety of patients who are in their care.

Policy development among healthcare facilities should be on-going. These policies must include documentation of medicinal cannabis that is administered to the patient, along with the inclusion on the Patient Care Plan of the patient’s status in the Medicinal Cannabis Program (MCP).

How can a facility be allowed to deprive a patient of a duly approved medicine they are already using? Healthcare facilities should be more concerned about the legal consequences of doing harm to patients by forbidding access to medication that has stabilized their conditions. Any other concerns about cannabis can be dealt with by having patients sign “Hold Harmless” agreements.

Moreover, the use of cannabis in healthcare facilities is an established fact in the U.S.

In 2021, California passed Ryan’s Law, which allows terminally ill patients who have a valid medical cannabis card, to use medical cannabis in a healthcare facility, even though cannabis is an illegal Schedule 1 controlled substance under federal law.

The population of patients in New Jersey’s MCP is continually diminishing. This is partly because some of the sickest patients in the state--those currently in healthcare facilities-- are not allowed access to medical cannabis.

Institutional Caregivers will greatly expand the number of patients served, expand the success of this program, and improve patient care.

Thank you for your attention to this issue.

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.
219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
ohamkrw@aol.com

Oct. 30, 2024

CMMNJ Year End Report for 2021

 CMMNJ Year End Report 2021

New Jersey Highlight of 2021: Cannabis legalization

In 2021, New Jersey became the 13th US state to fully legalize marijuana.

The three laws signed by Gov. Murphy on February 22, 2021:

• A21, the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement, Assistance and Marketplace Modernization Act, legalizes regulatory cannabis.
• A1897 decriminalizes possession and use of small amounts of marijuana and hashish; also establishes more lenient penalties for distribution.
• S3454 ends the involvement of minors with the criminal justice system over marijuana.

"As of this moment, New Jersey’s broken and indefensible marijuana laws which permanently stained the records of many residents and short-circuited their futures, and which disproportionately hurt communities of color and failed the meaning of justice at every level, social or otherwise — are no more,” Gov. Murphy said, upon signing the three bills into law.

“I’m thrilled, really!” said Ken Wolski, executive director of CMMNJ. 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 is also an important step in undoing the harms to society that are caused by our current policy of drug prohibition.

The NJ Attorney General’s Office issued guidance to law enforcement agencies following the enactment of the February 22 laws. In 2018 NJ ranked third in the nation in total marijuana arrests and second in per capita arrests. The bill allows the adult use and possession of marijuana to take effect immediately.

It’s no longer against state law to have 6 ounces or less of marijuana or about three-fifths of an ounce of hashish. It’s not a crime to be under the influence of marijuana, or to possess marijuana paraphernalia, or to be in possession of it while operating a car. The state still has laws against driving under the influence of drugs.

Marijuana legalization won the support of voters in 562 of the 565 municipalities in New Jersey. How did your town vote on NJ marijuana legalization? 

The New Jersey Judiciary has expunged more than 362,000 marijuana cases from court records since the Marijuana Decriminalization Law became effective July 1. 

Expungement of Certain Marijuana or Hashish Cases: How to file a Motion with the Court 

Procedures for Requests for Judicial Review of Certain Marijuana Cases 

But, NJ’s Attorney General has accused four local companies of illegally offering free cannabis “gifts” alongside orders of cookies, chips and other products.

Insurance Coverage for Medical Cannabis

Insurance coverage bills for medical cannabis in the New Jersey Legislature:

• S3799  Allows costs of medical cannabis to be reimbursed by Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund, PAAD, Senior Gold and VCCO. Advanced through Senate Health Committee, referred to Senate Budget Committee. Identical bill, A5760 advanced out of Assembly Health Committee; referred to Assembly Appropriations Committee. Take action with NORML!
• A1708 Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances. Passed in Assembly Committees; no action in Senate Commerce Committee (S3406). Take action with NORML!

When passed into law, these bills will reduce healthcare costs in the state. Cannabis stabilizes multiple conditions in individuals. Greater access to cannabis therapy will result in fewer hospitalizations, fewer surgical procedures, and fewer emergency room visits.

The New Jersey State Nurses Association/Institute for Nursing (NJSNA/IFN)  Supports Insurance Bills for Medical Cannabis.

Op Eds: Opposition; and support: "Making case for cannabis to be covered by insurance for care of chronic pain."

Home Cultivation

CMMNJ Board members Jo Anne Zito and Jim Miller continued to work for a home cultivation program throughout 2021. They encouraged people to sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ. By the end of the year, over 3,200 had signed. This campaign includes a web site, Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw. See Facebook: #THEYSHALLGROW

CMMNJ Board member Peter Rosenfeld proposed model legislation for a home cultivation program.

The home grow bills in the NJ legislature in 2021 include:

• 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.

Gov. Murphy says he’s open to giving adults the right to cultivate marijuana for personal use, but the bills stalled after introduction in the legislature. 

For Many Cannabis Consumers, "Home Is Where the Grow Is."

Cannabis Regulatory Commission 

The Constitutional Amendment, approved by voters on 11/3/20, to legalize cannabis for adults in New Jersey took effect on 1/1/21. Per the ballot question’s Interpretive Statement: “The Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) (will) oversee the new adult cannabis market…The scope of the commission’s new authority (will) be detailed in laws enacted by the Legislature.” More info at: SCR183/ACR840.

In February 2021, Assembly Speaker Craig Coughlin named ex-Marine Sam Delgado to the CRC, joining and Krista Nash, a South Jersey social worker. The Department of Health’s Maria Del Cid was also appointed. Finally, Charles Barker, a project specialist and cannabis advisor for U.S. Sen. Cory Booker, joined Dianna Houenou, Chair, & Jeff Brown, Executive Director to complete the 6-member CRC.

The CRC will be developing the regulations for the new laws. The CRC will license, and oversee the licenses for, six different sectors of the cannabis economy: cultivator, manufacturer, wholesaler, distributor, retailer, and deliverer. There will also be licenses set aside for “microbusinesses” with 10 or fewer employees, and for minority, women, and disabled-veteran owned businesses. 

“New Jersey has a potential to be a model state,” CRC Chair Dianna Houenou said. “We want to provide safer products to patients and adult-use consumers, and we want that industry to reflect the diversity in the state.”

In March 2021, State officials can restart the process of awarding licenses for two dozen medical marijuana dispensaries, after an appeals court Thursday lifted a 2019 order that halted the process when some rejected applicants objected. The CRC, on 12/7/21, approved 30 new licenses to companies who will 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. The licenses are provisional. Awardees have up to 12 months from the date of the award to become fully permitted.

The CRC announced it would open the adult use application process to marijuana growers, processors and testing labs on Dec. 15. It will open applications for adult us dispensaries on March 15. There are no deadlines to file applications; the CRC will accept them on a rolling basis. Cultivation licenses have a cap of 37 new licenses between Feb. 2021 and Feb. 2023. 

The CRC began to accept applications for adult use cannabis licenses on 12/15/21. CRC executive director 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. The NJCTA said the state’s ATC's have enough cannabis to meet both patient demand and that of a 21-and-older market. ATC’s will be able to include sales of personal use cannabis by submitting municipal approval and a certification to the CRC that they have adequate supply for their patients, and that it will not impact access for patients. The CRC must certify that ATCs have adequate supply to meet patient demand before expanding to the adult use market.

There are currently 23 dispensaries serving an average of about 5,300 patients per retail site and 121,100 registered patients statewide. The twenty-three (23) Alternative Treatment Centers (ATC’s) in NJ currently dispensing medical cannabis at the end of 2021 include:

• Columbia Care in Vineland, 
• Ascend Wellness, in Montclair and Rochelle Park, 
• The Botanist in Egg Harbor, Williamstown, & the Atlantic City Boardwalk, 
• Garden State Dispensary in Woodbridge, Eatontown, and Union Township,
• Breakwater in Cranbury, 
• The Cannabist in Deptford,
• Curaleaf in Bellmawr, Bordentown, and Burlington, 
• Harmony in Secaucus, 
• Rise in Paterson, Bloomfield, and Paramus,
• Zen Leaf in Elizabeth, Lawrence Township, and Neptune
• Apothecarium in Phillipsburg and Maplewood. 

The CRC invited CMMNJ to address its June 1, 2021 meeting on the following topics: Concentrates and edible cannabis products, and Protecting patient access during recreational market availability: CMMNJ’s written testimony is on the CMMNJ blog. Patients should have access to “anything” they need. High-potency items should have warnings and dosage recommendations.

CMMNJ was again invited to submit oral and written testimony to the CRC on edibles on 11-9-21.

Standardizing cannabis labeling will protect consumers and boost confidence: Dr. David Nathan, founder & board president, Doctors For Cannabis Regulation.

Physician assistants (PAs) and advanced practice nurses (APNs) are now eligible to enroll patients in the medical cannabis program and write recommendations for it, the CRC announced on 10/8/21. Currently, there are 1,311 doctors who can authorize patients to use medical cannabis. 

The CRC voted on 10/15/21 to issue 10 new licenses for medical marijuana cultivators and four new licenses for vertically integrated businesses, which grow, manufacture and sell medical marijuana at dispensaries. 

Hillview Med won a cultivator license in the 2019 medical cannabis license Request for Application (RFA). They are poised to be the first solo medical cannabis cultivator in New Jersey to open. CMMNJ has accepted a seat on Hillview’s Patient Advocacy Board.

CRC meetings were held on 4/12, 4/22, 5/4, 6/1, 6/13, 8/19, 9/14, 11/9, & 12/7/21, and can be viewed here. 

The CRC adopted the initial set of regulations to govern the legal cannabis industry in NJ at the meeting on 8/19/21. The approved rules address barriers to entry, including:

• Prioritizing applications from certified minority-, women-, and disabled veteran-owned businesses, and from applicants in one of several designated Impact Zones or economically disadvantaged areas;
• Flexible application requirements for microbusinesses (no more than 10 employees and premises of 2,500 square feet) and for conditional licenses;
• Application fees as low as $100

Summary of the CRC’s Initial Rules for the Personal-Use of Cannabis

The CRC Recreational Cannabis Statewide Webinar, October 13.

ACLU-NJ: FAQ’s and analysis of marijuana regulations.

Legislation (S-619) allowing doctors to authorize medical marijuana for eligible patients via telemedicine was signed into law 6/24/21. The complete list of MDs in the MMP is here.

The NJ tax on medical marijuana will be 0% on sales made on and after July 1, 2022.

Trenton Planning Board “Special Cannabis Meeting” on June 28; to govern cannabis licensing for businesses in Trenton: draft ordinance

Jersey City Planning Board Unanimously Approves Cannabis Zoning

Ten Things You Can Do to Prepare for the Upcoming Release of New Jersey Recreational Cannabis License Applications

National issues

New York legalized recreational marijuana, on 3/31/21, immediately allowing anyone over the age of 21 to possess up to three ounces. 

In New Mexico and Virginia, both governors signed bills to legalize cannabis and expunge cannabis-related convictions. Now 18 states have approved cannabis legalization for adults.

6/22/21: Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont signed the legalization bill into law! 

Legalization laws in Connecticut and Virginia took effect July 1, 2021 including possession and use for adults. In VA, adults will be able to grow up to four plants per household. 

U.S. legal cannabis sales in 2020 reached $17.5 billion.

California State Bill 311, the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act or Ryan’s Law, would prohibit health care facilities from interfering with a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility. On 9/29/21, the governor of California signed Ryan’s Law.

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. 

CATO Institute: The Effect of State Marijuana Legalizations: 2021 Update: no significant adverse consequences despite the sometimes‐​dire predictions made by legalization opponents.

LEAFLY’s “Seeds of Change” ranks states on cannabis social equity; NJ is #5.

A New Mexico judge ruled that medical marijuana patients cannot be punished for using cannabis while incarcerated. Are we just one lawsuit away from judges insisting on access to cannabis for qualified patients in NJ prisons? Some years ago, courts ruled that NJ HIV/AIDS inmates were entitled to community standards of care, after they sued to obtain expensive anti-retroviral therapy. 

NORML: Federal: Senate Proposal To End Marijuana Criminalization; "Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act" CMMNJ Comments; Senators Flooded with Input on Federal Marijuana Legalization Bill.

Patients Out of Time has created a coalition of organizations and individuals to demand the end of federal cannabis prohibition with their resolution to De-Schedule Cannabis. Please share. 

The American Medical Association asked a court to overturn the Medical Marijuana vote in Mississippi. The AMA, @AmerMedicalAssn, harms patients by denying them medical marijuana, in violation of the Hippocratic oath: "First do no harm." The Mississippi Supreme Court overturned the medical cannabis law voters approved on 11/2020. 

Tell President Biden: It’s Time to Shut Down the Drug Czar’s Office

Philadelphia: Marijuana Treatment Admissions Drop By 80% (since decrim).

Illinois sold more than $1 billion worth of legal marijuana products in 2020.

Nebraska Governor Pete Ricketts: Marijuana Legalization Will ‘Kill Your Kids’. 

ABOLISH THE DRUG WAR COALITION is a call to action to end the drug war. “We denounce the criminal justice approach to what should be a public health issue…The drug war in NJ is a war on Black and Brown communities.”

Americans for Safe Access “No Patient Left Behind” campaign to address issues patients face around the country regarding safe access to medical cannabis.

Sens. Cory Booker (D-NJ), Ron Wyden (D-OR), and Chuck Schumer (D-NY) said they would work together for comprehensive cannabis reform in Congress.

Alabama became the 36th state to legalize medical cannabis on 5/17/21.

The effort to legalize marijuana in Delaware is dead for the year due to disagreements among lawmakers over social equity funding.

50-year war on drugs imprisoned millions of Black Americans.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy: “There is (no) value to individuals or to society to lock people up for marijuana use.”

Tiki Barber Op-Ed: "It’s time for government to stop restricting scientific research into marijuana."

Cannabis Scientist Raphael Mechoulam’s 91st birthday was 11/5/21. He is one of the greatest cannabinoid researchers and is still at it in Hebrew University, Jerusalem. 

National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) State Medical Marijuana Laws.

Delaware Legalization Panel: Myth vs. Fact, 4/8/21.

2021 CMMNJ Publications

CMMNJ Monthly Agendas and Minutes also contain links to published reports by and about CMMNJ Board members and friends.  For the CMMNJ Agendas and Minutes, see the CMMNJ blog. May 16, 2021 was the 12th anniversary of the CMMNJ blog.

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for December 7, 2021

Medical marijuana should be covered by health insurance. What’s the hold up? Also found here.

Telemedicine & the Bona Fide Relationship in the NJ MCP

CMMNJ November 9, 2021 Meeting Agenda

CMMNJ Meeting Agenda for October 12, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for September 14, 2021

"Cannabis Administration and Opportunity Act" CMMNJ Comments 

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for August 3, 2021

Hosting the cannabis industry in your community, 7/15/21.

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for July 6, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for June 8, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda May 11, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for April 13, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for March 9, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for February 9, 2021

CMMNJ Public Meeting Agenda for January 12, 2021

CMMNJ Year End Report 2020

“Adult Use Cannabis in New Jersey” NJ Nurse & Institute for Nursing Newsletter, April 2021, Pg. 11. 

CMMNJ events and stories in 2021

NJ Cannabis Insider: 21 to watch in the N.J. cannabis space in 2021: #6. Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey, the community organization that championed the law long before it gained traction in Trenton, will continue to bang the drum for home-grow. Their fight is gaining converts and attention.

Cannabis Pioneer Series: Ken Wolski: Wolski lectures on marijuana to community groups and healthcare professionals. He provides expert witness testimony in court cases and volunteers as CMMNJ’s executive director. 

“Sen. Singleton signing onto the bill is the right thing to do,” CMMNJ board member and long-time homegrow leader Jo Ann Zito said.

Medical marijuana patients just want to grow their own weed, Zito said. Why won’t lawmakers allow it?

“We have some of the most expensive medical marijuana in the country,” Wolski said on CBSN New York. “So many patients simply cannot afford this medicine.”

Dr. David Nathan: N.J. should allow medical patients to grow their own marijuana 

NJ marijuana advocates huddle on next steps, including home grow.

Jo Anne Zito Op Ed: For Medical Cannabis Patients, the Situation is Dire

“Medical Marijuana” Princeton Senior Resource Center, 8/13/21.

Live with Neve talks about marijuana in NJ with Jo Ann Zito.

Black Cannabis Equity Initiative (BCEI) & the CANNABIS INDUSTRY: "SOCIAL EQUITY CANNABIS LEGALIZATION IN NJ ZOOM EVENT" 1/27/21, 2/19/21, 3/17/21, 4/19/21, 5/29/21, 9/10/21.

NY Times: “You can’t always find the strain that…works best for your condition,” said Ken Wolski, who now leads the CMMNJ, “And that’s a very frustrating thing for patients.”

Mercer County Community College, NJ Cannabis Certification course on May 3. New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association (NJCTA) will provide six scholarships. Also offered at Raritan Valley CC. 

NJ State House, “50th Anniversary of the War on Drugs” 6/17/21.

NJ State House Rally for Home Grow, 6/24/21.

Sativa Cross Podcast, NJ State House, 5/27/21.

Hedger House Luncheon, Chatsworth, NJ, 5/26/21.

It’s 4/20, a day to celebrate cannabis and cannabis culture. NJ marijuana activists celebrated the first 4:20 on 4/20 of the state's new era of legal weed.

International Medical Cannabis Patients Coalition Mtng, the 2nd of each month, 9 am, via Zoom.

The Rowan University Institute for Cannabis Research, Policy, and Workforce Development will encompass the business, law, medicine, chemistry, and pharmacology departments.

SATIVA CROSS: Sativa Cross Podcast, 7/1/21 

Blazing Ahead Toward Cannabis Justice: An NJUMR Celebration.

CMMNJ's table at the New Brunswick train station, mornings M-T-W, Nov. and Dec.

Weedstock, music festival to benefit Delaware NORML, Townsend, DE 9/17-18. (CMMNJ table.)

NJ Cannabis Insider Fall Conference, Carteret Performing Arts Center, Sept. 23. 

“Medical Marijuana” Zoom meeting with Randi Goldberg’s “Straight Talk” 9/20/21.

NECANN: New Jersey Cannabis Convention, Showboat Hotel, Atlantic City, 10/2-3/21 

CANNADEMIX: Cannabis Meets the Community! Middlesex County College October 8, 2021.

The New Jersey Cannabis Trade Association’s webinar series: Dispensary Operations with Ken Wolski.

Northeast Leaf Magazine, Sept. 2021: CANNABIS ACTIVIST KEN WOLSKI Inside the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey

Real Cannabis Entrepreneurs Oct. 15-16 Newark N.J. In-person or Virtual.

Minorities for Medical Marijuana: (M4MM) September & October Newsletter & Policy Update 

New Jersey CannaBusiness Association: Friday Lunch & Learn with cannabis leaders. 10/8. 

SHORE GROW: It's a Family AF fair, Ocean, NJ, 9/25/21.

NJ Cannabis Insider: Career Fair & Business Expo Nov. 17 at Stockton U.

Real Cannabis Entrepreneur (RCE) conference held in Newark, 10/15 -16.

Thanks to CMMNJ Volunteers

In recognition of extraordinary service to our community, CMMNJ was awarded a 2021 “NJ State Governor's Jefferson Award” in the Volunteer Group category. Honorees achieve measurable community impact and represent outstanding acts of public service, without the expectation of recognition or compensations. Recipients demonstrate unique vision, dedication and tenacity of heroic proportion and serve as inspiration for others. 

On behalf of the Board of Directors of CMMNJ, I would like to thank all our supporters for their tireless efforts and contributions throughout the year.  As we are an all-volunteer organization, we are nothing without you!  Special thanks go to:

• volunteer administrators who moderate the many discussions on our Facebook pages;
• activists who spoke out at community meetings to dispel marijuana stigmas;
• activists who contacted the media and elected officials for marijuana reform;
• special “Thank you” to all who contributed food, clothing, and cash to the Thanksgiving Giveaway where Sativa Cross, CMMNJ, & UFCW distributed donated food, clothing, and personal hygiene items to the homeless and poor of Trenton at the Trenton State House Annex on 11/25/21. 

CMMNJ 2021 Board Update

Frequent Board discussions were conducted by group emails and messages in addition to formal Board meetings during 2021. 

At the close of the year, the CMMNJ Board consists of the following 10 people: 

1. Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA; 
2. James Miller;  
3. Edward R. Hannaman, Esq.; 
4. Nick Mellis; 
5. Peter Rosenfeld; 
6. Larry Vargo;
7. Amanda Hoffman;
8. Jo Anne Zito; 
9. Gaetano Lardieri; 
10. Michael Brennan; and, CMMNJ’s Honorary Board Member is Allan Marain, Esq.

In the 2021 Cannabis 100 Power List, a tribute to influential voices in NJ’s long battle to end cannabis prohibition, seven CMMNJ Board members made the list along with former Board member, Chris Goldstein. Congratulations!

Treasury Report

In 2021 CMMNJ had expenditures of $7,727 and income of $9,850 for a gain this year of $2,123. CMMNJ finished the year with a checking account balance of $10,867 and a PayPal account balance of $942 for a grand total of $11,809.

In April, CMMNJ received donations of $3953 from CURALEAF NJ II INC., 111 Coolidge Ave., Bellmawr, NJ 08031, and $1000 from Ed Forchion, NJWeedman’s Joint, 322 E State St, Trenton, New Jersey 08608. Both Curaleaf and NJWeedman’s Joint allowed CMMNJ to have a small display of our free, colorful, all-hemp bracelets, where their patrons could make donations to CMMNJ. We are deeply grateful to these organizations for their support.

CMMNJ still has almost 50,000 all hemp wristbands and necklaces that were donated to our organization. The multicolored bands were made in Romania. The suggested price is $1 apiece.  Wholesale prices are available.

CMMNJ is grateful for the generous financial support of all who contributed to our mission. This includes those who contributed anonymously through Network for Good. Many people also generously donated their time, their professional and personal services, office space, supplies, etc. to CMMNJ.

CMMNJ Looking Ahead

• Allow registered patients in the NJ MMP to grow a limited supply of cannabis.
• Provide insurance coverage for medical cannabis.
• Fully implement the Jake Honig law.
• Ensure that the adult use program brings affordable, high-quality marijuana in an appropriately regulated, socially just way, without negatively impacting patient access to medical cannabis. See CMMNJ’s complete Adult-use Cannabis Recommendations. 
• CMMNJ renews its annual call for national clinical trials of marijuana.
• Deschedule marijuana completely, both in New Jersey and nationally
• CMMNJ looks forward to four more years of cannabis reform with Phil Murphy's reelection as governor of New Jersey. 

Schedule of CMMNJ 2022 meetings

CMMNJ’s public meetings for 2022 will continue to be held on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 pm via Zoom. All are welcome at these meetings and there is never a charge to attend. 

In 2021, CMMNJ held twelve free public meetings on the second Tuesday of each month from 7 - 9 PM. Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the meetings were conducted via Zoom conferences. Participants must assume their comments at these meetings were recorded.

CMMNJ sent the agendas for these meetings via e-mail to over 1000 supporters each month and posted the agendas on Facebook, Twitter and on the CMMNJ blog. To receive the agendas, sign up here. 

We extend our best wishes for everyone’s safety and health during this time of pandemic and social distancing. 

Follow CMMNJ

The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) educational organization, incorporated in the State of New Jersey.  The mission of CMMNJ is to educate the public about medical marijuana.  The goal of CMMNJ is to have safe and legal access to medical marijuana for New Jersey patients. 

March 10, 2021 was the 18th anniversary of the founding of CMMNJ at our first public event at the White Dog Café in Philadelphia in 2003. Cheryl Miller, the multiple sclerosis patient, early NJ medicinal marijuana activist, and wife of CMMNJ co-founder Jim Miller, died on June 7, 2003, three months after our first event. The eleventh anniversary of New Jersey’s Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act becoming law was on 1-18-21. The ninth anniversary of legal sales of marijuana in New Jersey was on 12-6-21. 

Website: Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Facebook: Friends of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana-NJ   

or, Coalition for Medical Marijuana - New Jersey

Twitter: @CMM_NJ

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

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA, Executive Director

Coalition for Medical Marijuana—New Jersey, Inc. https://www.cmmnj.org/

219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618  

(609) 394-2137 

ohamkrw@aol.com; 

kenwolski@gmail.com

January 7, 2022

CMMNJ July 2021 Monthly Zoom Meeting Agenda

 

CMMNJ Monthly Meeting Agenda for July 13, 2021, 7 pm 

Join Zoom Meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/87364347310?pwd=NTlWVFVXc3FaK1JFejg2QWlhV1hCdz09 

Meeting ID: 873 6434 7310; Passcode: 351638

Agenda: Local elected officials must decide whether they will be among the first to welcome the cannabis industry.

Trenton Planning Board “Special Cannabis Meeting” on June 28; to govern cannabis licensing for businesses in Trenton: draft ordinance

Jersey City Planning Board Unanimously Approves Cannabis Zoning

NJ’s Attorney General has accused four local companies of illegally offering free cannabis “gifts” alongside orders of cookies, chips and other products.

Cognitive Harmony Technologies Accelerator will give $20,000 grants to five minority-run businesses in NJ. To apply for the scholarship, go here by 7/19.

“Make these cannabis jobs actual careers with a living wage, healthcare, dental, vision, vacation days, and of course a safe and secure workplace that has advancement.” Hugh Giordano, UFCW

More N.J. companies no longer test job seekers for weed. Amazon stopped.

Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC)

The CRC will complete the regulations, by August 22, 2021, to license cannabis cultivators, manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, and deliverers. There will also be licenses for “microbusinesses” with 10 or fewer employees, and for minority, women, and disabled-veteran owned businesses. “New Jersey has a potential to be a model state,” CRC Chair Dianna Houenou said. “We want to provide safer products to patients and adult-use consumers, and we want that industry to reflect the diversity in the state.”

The next CRC meeting will be held July 13, 2021 at 6 pm. Register to speak here by July 13 at noon. Comments are limited to 3 minutes per person. Groups should designate one individual to speak on its behalf. You may also submit comments in writing to the CRC here, or email MMPquestions@doh.nj.gov

CRC meetings were held on 4/12, 4/22, 5/4, & 6/1 and can be viewed here. 

NJ MMP: A new bill (S3799) would require the following to cover medical cannabis costs:

• Catastrophic Illness in Children Relief Fund
• Pharmaceutical Assistance to the Aged and Disabled (PAAD) program
• Senior Gold Prescription Discount Program
• Victims of Crime Compensation Office (VCCO)

Senator Declan O’Scanlon’s legislation (S-619) allowing doctors to authorize medical marijuana for eligible patients via telemedicine was signed into law 6/24/21. Dr. Shahid Meer is doing initial certification and recertification for NJ MMP ID cards via telemedicine, with health insurance paying for the visit. See: TeleDocs USA; (609) 890 1050. The complete list of MDs in the MMP is here.

Curaleaf’s Edgewater Park ATC opened 6/25/21. Its cultivation site in Winslow completed its first harvest. “We’ve tripled our footprint in the state,” said Bridgette Fonseca, Curaleaf NJ’s director of dispensary operations. By 2025, Curaleaf aims to do business with 420 organizations from underrepresented communities and contribute $1 million toward the collateral consequences of marijuana-related offenses.

EAZE wants to distribute free cannabis in NJ in their Compassionate Care program. 

A medical marijuana patient is suing his former employer, claiming they terminated his job after he used prescribed cannabis while off the clock.

Home cultivation for patients:

• 5363/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.

Sign the petition: Let Patients Grow NJ; Website: Let Patients Grow NJ #JeffsLaw.

National: 6/22/21: CT Gov. Ned Lamont signs legalization bill into law! 

Legalization laws in CT and VA took effect July 1, 2021 including possession and use for adults. In VA, adults will be able to grow up to four plants per household. 

California State Bill 311, the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act or Ryan’s Law, would prohibit health care facilities from interfering with a terminally ill patient’s use of medicinal cannabis within the health care facility.

CATO Institute: The Effect of State Marijuana Legalizations: 2021 Update

The absence of significant adverse consequences is especially striking given the sometimes‐​dire predictions made by legalization opponents.

Cannabis Pioneer Series: Ken Wolski: Wolski lectures on marijuana to community groups and healthcare professionals. He provides expert witness testimony in court cases and volunteers as CMMNJ’s executive director. 

Clarence Thomas, one of the Supreme Court's most conservative justices, said federal laws against marijuana’s use or cultivation may no longer make sense.

Criminal penalties for all drug use should end: N.J. Rep. Watson Coleman.

The effort to legalize marijuana in Delaware is dead for the year due to disagreements among lawmakers over social equity funding.

Rick Steves: “The war on marijuana is racist. It's an expensive and counterproductive mistake.” 

LEAFLY’s “Seeds of Change” ranks states on cannabis social equity; NJ is #5.

U.S. legal cannabis sales in 2020 reached $17.5 billion

Upcoming Events: Get Baked Cannabis Baking Tutorial, Baked by the River, schedule. 

NJ Cannabis Insider is hosting a business networking event 7/29, Asbury Park.

Salvation and Social Justice will facilitate a weekend hybrid (virtual and in person) institute of advocacy for young people to understand policy making, 7/23-25.

Recent Events: Hawai’i Medical Cannabis Day Passcode: E@@8pv$8, 6/14/21.

NJ State House Rally, “50th Anniversary of the War on Drugs” 6/17/21.

NJ State House Rally for Home Grow, 6/24/21.

NJ Cannabis Insider’s event, June 8-9. 

SATIVA CROSS: Sativa Cross Podcast, 7/1/21 

Panel discusses critical role of small business in cannabis industry Passcode: njci

Celebrate Independence Day with The Joint of Miami 

Treasury report: Checking: $9711; PayPal: $2,858. 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, a 501(c)(3) public charity, is a non-profit educational organization.

ANA: Cannabis Nursing Competencies

 2026 Annual Meeting of the ANA Membership Assembly

Dialogue Forum Topic

Friday, June 26, 2026

Integrating Cannabis Nursing Competencies Through Education and Policy to Advance Patient Safety and Compassionate Care in Practice

BACKGROUND DOCUMENT

Submitted by: Deanna Collins Sommers, PhD, MSN, RN, Janice Putnam, PhD, RN, and Llewellyn Dawn Smith, MSN, RN, CNEcl

Overview:

This proposal addresses the critical intersection of nursing education, clinical practice, and health policy in response to the increasing use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes across the United States (Congressional Research Service [CRS], 2023). Cannabis is widely utilized by patients for symptom management in a variety of acute and chronic conditions, including pain, cancer-related symptoms, neurological disorders, and palliative care needs (Bryan, 2025; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2025; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine [NASEM], 2017). Despite this growth, corresponding advancements in nursing education, institutional policies, and regulatory frameworks have not progressed proportionately.

In 1996, California became the first state to permit the medical use of cannabis. As of March 1, 2026, 40 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands have enacted comprehensive medical cannabis laws. An additional eight states allow limited-access cannabis use, typically restricted to low-THC or cannabidiol (CBD) products. Many states have also enacted adult-use cannabis policies, further contributing to a complex and evolving regulatory environment for health care providers and patients (CRS, 2023). While the legal landscape continues to evolve rapidly, a small number of jurisdictions still prohibit medical cannabis use entirely (CRS, 2023).

As a result, nurses are frequently placed in complex clinical situations without the foundational knowledge, institutional support, or policy guidance necessary to provide safe, ethical, and evidence-informed care. These gaps have significant implications for patient safety, nursing practice, and health care equity.

Grounded in the Code of Ethics for Nurses (American Nurses Association [ANA], 2025), this proposal affirms nursing’s ethical obligations to practice with compassion; prioritize patient-centered care; and advocate for the health, safety, and rights of individuals and communities. Nursing also has a responsibility to advance knowledge, inform policy, and address health inequities through leadership and advocacy (ANA, 2025). Integrating cannabis nursing competencies with compassionate care policies represents a unified approach to addressing current gaps in practice (Parmelee, 2025; Parmelee, 2022).

Background:

Cannabis and cannabinoid-based therapies are widely utilized by patients for symptom management; however, nursing education has not kept pace with this evolving area of clinical practice. Evidence supports the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis for conditions such as chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and multiple sclerosis-related spasticity (NASEM, 2017; Parmelee et al., 2021; Russo, 2016). Persistent gaps in knowledge related to dosing, pharmacology, drug interactions, and longterm outcomes underscore the need for evidence-informed clinical guidance.

Despite increasing patient use, most nursing curricula lack foundational education on the endocannabinoid system, cannabis pharmacology, and clinical considerations for therapeutic use (King, 2024; Parmelee, 2022; NCSBN, 2018). This lack of standardized education leaves nurses underprepared to assess, educate, and safely care for patients who use cannabis for treatment.

These gaps are particularly evident in long-term care, hospice, oncology, and communitybased settings. Licensed practical/vocational nurses (LPNs/LVNs), who provide a substantial portion of direct patient care in these settings, may be disproportionately impacted due to more limited access to advanced education and continuing professional development opportunities (Kurtzman et al., 2022). This disparity has important diversity, equity, and inclusion implications, as LPNs/LVNs often represent more diverse segments of the nursing workforce and serve populations experiencing structural inequities.

This educational gap contributes to uncertainty in clinical decision-making, as nurses navigate conflicting legal, ethical, and institutional expectations without clear guidance. Federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, defined as having no accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse, continues to conflict with statelevel legalization, resulting in regulatory ambiguity that puts nurses at risk for professional, legal, and ethical consequences (Perlman et al., 2021). Recent federal actions to expand research and reconsider scheduling further underscore the evolving regulatory landscape and the need for clarity to support safe nursing practice (Trump, 2025).

The Code of Ethics for Nurses provides a clear framework for addressing these challenges. Nurses are obligated to practice with compassion (Provision 1), maintain commitment to the patient (Provision 2), and advocate for patient safety and rights (Provision 3) (ANA, 2025). These responsibilities are difficult to fulfill when nurses lack the education and institutional support needed to address cannabis use safely.

Patient autonomy is central to nursing practice. Patients have the right to make informed decisions regarding their care, including the use of cannabis for therapeutic purposes. Nurses are ethically obligated to provide accurate, evidence-based information; however, without adequate education and policy guidance, they cannot fully support informed decision-making (ANA, 2025; NCSBN, 2018).

The absence of standardized institutional policies further complicates practice. Compassionate care legislation, such as California’s Ryan’s Law, allows terminally ill patients to use medical cannabis within health care facilities under defined conditions, demonstrating that structured, patient-centered approaches are feasible (Americans for Safe Access, 2025; McKaig et al., 2025). However, these models are not widely implemented or standardized. In the absence of such models, nurses must navigate competing obligations between patient advocacy and organizational or legal constraints. This disconnect contributes to moral distress among nurses by limiting their ability to fully meet ethical obligations to relieve suffering and provide compassionate care. Moral distress is associated with burnout, job dissatisfaction, and workforce instability (Brennan et al., 2019).

At a systems level, the lack of alignment between education, policy, and practice undermines patient safety and contributes to inequities in care delivery. Nurses must be equipped with the competencies, knowledge, and institutional support necessary to provide safe, ethical, and equitable care (ANA & ACNA, 2024). Consistent with ANA’s commitment to evidence-based practice and stigma reduction, there is a critical need for a unified approach that integrates education, clinical standards, and policy development (ANA & ACNA, 2024; ANA, 2022; NCSBN, 2018).

Proposed Recommendations:

1.      Support Development of Model Clinical Guidance

Support development of clinical and ethical guidance for cannabis use in patient care.

• Urge ANA to conduct a free webinar promoting equitable access and highlighting best practices, stigma, laws, and resources.

2.      Promote Policy Alignment and Practice Support

Advance efforts that support clarity and alignment across regulatory environments.                

• Support federal and state policies that reduce legal, regulatory, practice, and licensure risk for integrating cannabis related to nursing (ANA, 2022; NCSBN, 2018).

Conclusion:

The integration of cannabis nursing education, compassionate care policies, and regulatory alignment is essential to advancing safe, ethical, and patient-centered care. This proposal reflects the ethical foundation of nursing practice and positions nurses as leaders in addressing emerging clinical and policy challenges.

Aligning education, practice, and policy ensures that patients receive equitable, evidenceinformed care while supporting nurses in fulfilling their professional responsibilities.

Furthermore, advancing equity across the nursing workforce remains essential. Ensuring access to consistent, evidence-informed education across licensure levels and practice settings is critical to reducing disparities in care and supporting safe, culturally responsive practice (Kurtzman et al., 2022).

References:

American Nurses Association. (2025). Code of ethics for nurses with interpretive statements. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.

American Nurses Association. (2022). Therapeutic use of marijuana and related cannabinoids. OJIN: The Online Journal of Issues in Nursing, 27(1). https://doi.org/10.3912/OJIN.Vol27No01PoSCol01

American Nurses Association & American Cannabis Nurses Association. (2024). Cannabis nursing: Scope and standards of practice. Silver Spring, MD: American Nurses Association.

Americans for Safe Access. (2025). CA healthcare facility implementation guide for the Compassionate Access to Medical Cannabis Act (“Ryan’s Law”). https://www.safeaccessnow.org/ryanslaw_facilityresources#gsc.tab=0

Armentano, P. (2021, September 13). California lawmakers advance legislation permitting medical cannabis use in hospitals. NORML. https://norml.org

Banerjee, S., & McCormack, S. (2019). Medical cannabis for the treatment of chronic pain: A review of clinical effectiveness and guidelines. CADTH. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK546424/

Bodine, M., & Kemp, A. K. (2023). Medical cannabis use in oncology. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK572067/

Borgelt, L. M., & Franson, K. L. (2017). Considerations for hospital policies regarding cannabis use. Hospital Pharmacy, 52(2), 89–90. https://doi.org/10.1310/hpj5202-89

Brennan, F., Lohman, D., & Gwyther, L. (2019). Access to pain management as a human right. American Journal of Public Health, 109(1), 61–65. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2018.304743

Bryan, K. (2025). Cannabis overview. National Conference of State Legislatures. https://www.ncsl.org

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025, March 7). Cannabis and public health. https://www.cdc.gov/cannabis/about/what-cdc-is-doing.html

Clark, C. S. (2021). Cannabis: A handbook for nurses. Wolters Kluwer.

Congressional Research Service. (2023). Medical marijuana: State and federal policy overview (IF12270). https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IF12270

King, D. D. (2024). The role of stigma in cannabis use disclosure: an exploratory study. Harm Reduction Journal, 21(21), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12954-024-00929-8

Kleckner, A. S., Kleckner, I. R., Kamen, C. S., Tejani, M. A., Janelsins, M. C., Morrow, G. R., & Peppone, L. J. (2019). Opportunities for cannabis in supportive care in cancer. Therapeutic Advances in Medical Oncology, 11, 1–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/1758835919866362

Kurtzman, E. T., Greene, J., Begley, R., & Drenkard, K. N. (2022). “We want what’s best for patients”: Nurse leaders’ attitudes about medical cannabis. International Journal of Nursing Studies Advances, 4, 100065. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijnsa.2022.100065

Lawler, Z. (2025). Medical cannabis & cannabinoid regulation. Chambers Practice Guides.

McKaig, A., Ridad, A., Bell, A., McParlane, R., & Quirch, M. (2025). Implementing Ryan’s Law on an inpatient oncology unit. Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing, 29(1), 86– 90. https://doi.org/10.1188/25.CJON.86-90

National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. (2017). The health effects of cannabis and cannabinoids: The current state of evidence and recommendations for research. National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24625

National Council of State Boards of Nursing. (2018). The NCSBN national nursing guidelines for medical marijuana. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), 19–26. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(18)30094-2

Parmelee, R. (2025). Nurse educators’ experiences with medical cannabis education. Walden University, College of Nursing. Walden University. Retrieved December 15, 2025.

Parmelee, R. A. (2022). Nursing students’ knowledge, skills, and attitudes regarding medicinal cannabis care. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 13(3), 13–23. https://doi.org/10.1016/S2155-8256(22)00082-5

Parmelee, R. C., Clark, C., & Sommers, D. C. (2021). Cannabis pharmacology: From the whole plant to pharmaceutical applications. In C. Clark, Cannabis: A handbook for nurses (pp. 115–160). Wolters Kluwer.

Russo, E. B. (2016). Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential. Routledge.

Perlman, A. I., McLeod, H. M., Ventresca, E. C., Post, P. J., Schuh, M. J., & Dabrah, M. A. (2021). Medical cannabis state and federal regulations: Implications for U.S. healthcare entities. Mayo Clinic Proceedings, 96(10), 2671–2681. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mayocp.2021.05.005 7

Ryan, J. E., McCabe, S. E., & Boyd, C. J. (2021). Medicinal cannabis: Policy, patients, and providers. Policy, Politics, & Nursing Practice, 22(2), 126–135. https://doi.org/10.1177/1527154421989609

Spector, C. B. (2018). Medical marijuana: A national survey of nursing education and practice. Journal of Nursing Regulation, 9(2), 36–43.

Trump, D. (2025, December 18). Increasing medical marijuana and cannabidiol research (Executive Order 14370). The White House. https://www.whitehouse.gov

Wilbert, E., & Adinoff, B. (2023). Legislative and administrative guidelines for regulating cannabis use in healthcare facilities. Doctors for Cannabis Regulation

 

Ken's summary of DEA's move of medicinal cannabis to Schedule III:

The Justice Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) announced on 4/23/26 the issuance of an order (published 4/28) immediately placing marijuana products regulated by a state medical marijuana license in Schedule III of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA), as well as a new administrative hearing beginning June 29, 2026 to consider the broader rescheduling of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III. www.justice.gov 4.23.26.6754-2026 PDF

“The new federal scheduling action recognizes qualifying medical cannabis as medicine…The order moves certain medical cannabis products from Schedule I to Schedule III. This includes Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved marijuana products and marijuana products covered by qualifying state medical cannabis licenses.”

“The order also recognizes that state medical cannabis programs are part of the medical access landscape. State systems already regulate patient access, licensing, dispensing, labeling, packaging, security, disposal, and recordkeeping. The order relies on this existing state infrastructure to promote medical benefits and avoid unnecessary disruption to patients and state systems. The order recognizes medical cannabis patient registration as equivalent to a prescription.”

“State-authorized medical marijuana certifications or similar documents are sufficient to permit the dispensing of medical marijuana to users, provided they include the user's name and address, are dated and signed on the day of issuance, and identify the issuing practitioner.”

“Under 21 U.S.C. 811(d)(l), if control of a substance is required ‘by United States obligations under international treaties, conventions, or protocols in effect on October 27, 1970’-which includes the Single Convention-the Attorney General shall issue an order controlling such drug under the schedule he deems most appropriate to carry out such obligations.

4.23.26.6754-2026 PDF (www.justice.gov)

Ken’s rescheduling suggestions:

In response to the federal government’s recognition of marijuana as a Schedule III medicine when it comes from state medicinal cannabis programs, several steps should be pursued immediately.

·        All RN/LPN nursing schools should include the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in their Anatomy and Physiology or Health Services curricula. “The discovery of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) about 30 years ago provides the scientific basis for how cannabis can help with so many diseases, symptoms, and medical conditions. The ECS consists partly of a series of receptors throughout the entire human body for the components of marijuana--the cannabinoids. Our own body produces substances--endocannabinoids--that are identical to phytocannabinoids, or the cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant. The purpose of the ECS is to restore homeostasis, or balance, to the mind and body. Medical cannabis can help where there is a deficiency in the production of the natural endocannabinoids. ECS researchers say that this system may play a role in all disease processes.” https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2024/06/testimony-to-nj-cannabis-regulatory.html

·        Medicinal cannabis must be integrated into the entire American healthcare system. Medication policies must be updated, and medicinal cannabis must be added to the facility’s Controlled Substances Policy. “Currently, most health care facilities forbid the use of medical cannabis in the facility. This is a dangerous and potentially fatal situation. A patient who suffers from seizures may be admitted to a health care facility for a condition that is unrelated to the seizure condition. Then, when the patient is denied access to the only medicine that controls their seizures--medical cannabis--the result can be fatal.” https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2024/06/testimony-to-nj-cannabis-regulatory.html

·        Medicinal cannabis must be available in all government institutions that have patients with qualifying conditions for medicinal cannabis in the state. As I told the NJ CRC in June 2024: “It is my sincere hope that the state will recognize its responsibility to the institutionalized patients in New Jersey. For 25 years, I have worked as a registered nurse (RN) in state institutions. I know that many patients in these institutions qualify for medical cannabis and could benefit greatly from it. The staff in these institutions are trained to administer, account for, and evaluate the effect of controlled substances. There is no reason to withhold this important medical therapy from these patients. In fact, courts have determined that inmates in New Jersey’s prison system are entitled to “community standards” of healthcare. Edible and topical medical cannabis products will improve health care in state institutions, group homes, hospices, etc., and will reduce the costs of running these programs.” https://cmmnj.blogspot.com/2024/06/testimony-to-nj-cannabis-regulatory.html

·        Continuing education (CEUs) on the ECS should be mandatory as a condition for continued licensure for nurses. This will help to overcome the paucity of educational programs in nursing schools. It will also serve as a model for other healthcare professions.

·        Support legislation that provides insurance coverage for medicinal cannabis in the state’s program. N.J. bill (S3984/A1023) Requires workers' compensation, PIP, and health insurance coverage for the medical use of cannabis under certain circumstances.

·        Dosing and administration standards should be adopted by the ANA. I recommended that the NJ Cannabis Regulatory Commission (CRC) “should quickly adopt cannabis Dosing and Administration guidelines and educational programs on the Endocannabinoid System. The CRC must promulgate these guidelines and programs to the cannabis consuming community and to the healthcare community to increase the safety and appropriate use of cannabis products. In fact, the Jake Honig Act required these guidelines, but they have yet to be adopted in New Jersey:

     “g.    The commission shall establish, by regulation, curricula for health care practitioners…:

     (1)   The curriculum for health care practitioners shall be designed to assist practitioners in counseling patients with regard to the quantity, dosing, and administration of medical cannabis as shall be appropriate to treat the patient’s qualifying medical condition.  Health care practitioners shall complete the curriculum as a condition of authorizing patients for the medical use of cannabis.”

Educational programs on the Endocannabinoid System for medical providers in New Jersey, now including physicians, Advanced Practice Nurses, and Physician Assistants, are required. Dosing and Administration guidelines and ECS educational programs are readily available. Some of the best resources on the ECS include:

·         Patients Out of Time: https://patientsoutoftime.com/

·         Americans for Safe Access: http://www.safeaccessnow.org/

·         Society of Cannabis Clinicians: http://cannabisclinicians.org/

·         American Cannabis Nurses Association: https://www.cannabisnurses.org/

·         Project CBD https://www.projectcbd.org/

·         The Answer Page: https://www.theanswerpage.com/

·         National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws: https://norml.org/

The New Jersey Department of Health’s Executive Order 6 Report on 3/23/2018:

The Department recognizes the need to provide education and guidance to providers. To that end, the Department is exploring the creation of an education program for all physicians, with focus on the endocannabinoid system. The Department plans to leverage the expertise of the Medicinal Marijuana Review Panel to oversee the curriculum development for this program. This education program will serve to create best practices for the safe and effective administration of medicinal marijuana to the expanded universe of qualifying patients. In conjunction with the provider education program, there is also a need to develop standardized dosing and administrative protocols for medicinal marijuana products, including information on expected effects, side effects, and adverse effects. 2018.03.23 EO6Report_Final.pdf

Americans for Safe Access comments:

For medical cannabis patients, this is federal recognition of the medical value of cannabis. It gives patients in states with medical cannabis programs a new legal platform for federal rights, protected access, and integration of medical cannabis into U.S. healthcare systems.

For state-authorized patients, this means advocates now have a stronger basis to assert:

• rights and protections under the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Fair Housing Act, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act;
• protections against being denied housing, employment, healthcare, or reasonable accommodation solely because of patient status;
• protections against being treated as criminals for possessing state-authorized medical cannabis;
• protections for parents and caregivers whose medical cannabis status has been used against them;
• protections for patients in federally subsidized housing, healthcare settings, federal workplaces, veterans’ care, and other federal systems.

·         This does not mean every policy has already been updated. It means the legal premise has changed. Federal agencies now need to bring their policies into alignment with the recognition that qualifying medical cannabis is legitimate medicine. https://www.safeaccessnow.org/is_cannabis_legal_now#gsc.tab=0

NORML Op-Ed: Reclassifying Medical Marijuana Was Long Overdue, but It’s Still Not Enough:

“Specifically, this new order does not aid patients residing in the 10 US states that do not yet regulate medical cannabis use. They will continue to have to fend for themselves. And they will continue to risk arrest and prosecution for doing so.”

“Further, this federal policy change provides no legal remedies for either the thousands of businesses or the millions of consumers who reside in the 24 states that have legalized recreational marijuana for adults. Even with this change, adults who sell or consume cannabis in accordance with their state laws are still technically breaking federal law.”

“To rectify this state/federal conflict — and to provide state governments with the explicit authority to establish their own adult-use cannabis regulatory policies, like they already do with alcohol — cannabis must be removed from the Controlled Substances Act altogether.”

https://norml.org/blog/2026/05/12/norml-op-ed-reclassifying-medical-marijuana-was-long-overdue-but-its-still-not-enough/

 

Opponents filed a lawsuit:

 

It should be noted that marijuana opponents filed a lawsuit To Block Trump Administration’s Federal Rescheduling Move. SAM and the National Drug and Alcohol Screening Association (NDASA) on 5/4/26 asked the U.S. Court of Appeals for DC Circuit to set aside the cannabis rescheduling action, alleging that they have been “aggrieved” by the reform. (Though it seems hard to believe that the courts would agree that opponents of marijuana would be more harmed by rescheduling than the millions of medical cannabis patients would be by rescinding the rescheduling.)

 

Ken Wolski, RN, MPA

Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc.

219 Woodside Ave., Trenton, NJ 08618
609.394.2137 (home/office)

609.721.1658 (cell/text)

ohamkrw@aol.com

5/28/26