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New Jersey officials are scrambling to extend their deadline for implementing the medical marijuana law. The Governor's Counsel and the Department of Health and Senior Services Commissioner have been meeting with legislators recently to discuss the length of the delay, which could put off the first legal access by registered patients into 2011.
Changes were made to the language of The Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in the final legislative phase that created the current 6-month timeframe.
Two weeks are left before the summer recess to propose any legislative action to alter the medical cannabis law that was passed in January. An extension would require a vote on an amendment in the NJ Assembly and the Senate.
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) and NORML-NJ are holding a second press conference appealing for no delay in putting the law into place.
MEDIA ADVISORY
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
6/15/2010Medical Marijuana Press Conference in Jersey City on 6/17
On Thursday, June 17, 2010 at 1 PM, New Jersey medical marijuana advocacy groups will hold a press conference in front of City Hall in Jersey City.
Local cannabis policy experts are working closely with Jersey City officials to create municipal guidelines for the placement of an Alternative Treatment Center. The second largest city in New Jersey is seeking to welcome local, non-profit medical marijuana providers once they can be licensed for operation.
"Guidelines in Jersey City and other towns will assure a local infrastructure is ready for regulated cannabis facilities to serve patients as quickly as possible," said CMMNJ/NORMLNJ advocate Chris Goldstein
Last month a request was made by Governor Christie for a six to twelve month extension on the issuance of the medical marijuana program regulations. The extension would require additional legislation.
The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was signed into law January, 11 2010. As passed, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) was to issue draft regulations this year. Patients are anticipating access to a running program by the fall.
CMMNJ and NORML-NJ do not see any need for a delay.
Ken Wolski, a Registered Nurse and Executive Director of CMMNJ said, “Patients are suffering as they continue to wait for the program.”
Anne M. Davis, Executive Director of NORML-NJ said, “This is a law and there are no exceptions. There are patients with chronic or even terminal illnesses that cannot get an extension on life.”
The 6/17/10 press conference will feature brief statements along with a Q&A.
Speakers will include potential medical marijuana patients, medical professionals and supporters of the new law who will address the proposed delay in implementing the state's therapeutic cannabis program.
Media may contact:
Ken Wolski: ohamkrw@aol.com (609) 394-2137
Anne Davis: law@annemdavis.com (732) 477-4700
Chris Goldstein: media@cmmnj.orgWHAT: Medical marijuana press conference
WHERE: Jersey City, NJ – In front of City Hall – 280 Grove Street, Jersey City, NJ 07302
WHEN: June 17, 2010 at 1:00 PM
WHY: Timely implementation of New Jersey’s medical marijuana law, local ATC guidelines
More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org
Read the full text of NJ's medical marijuana law http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/PL09/307_.HTM
by Chris Goldstein, the Philadephia NORML Examiner. Chris is on the Board of Directors at CMMNJ. He may be contacted through media@cmmnj.org
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