Some sun began to shine on the first medical marijuana facilities in New Jersey. Documents from the application process for the Alternative Treatment Centers are being released. The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) and Freedomisgreen.com acquired the six applications that were approved. They are posted online for public download here: http://www.scribd.com/NJcannabisDocs
Requests for the information were filed through the Open Public Records Act (OPRA) with the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS).
DHSS officials said that the scoring and review documents from the application process along with the additional twenty-five unapproved applications are expected to be made public later this week.
Media reports have revealed that three of the approved ATC groups include individuals with close ties to Governor Christie’s Administration and Republican politicos. For instance Webster Todd, brother of former Governor Christine Todd Whitman, is a prominent figure at Compassion Sciences a group that will open in the northern portion of the state. A separate facility features a sitting Assemblyman, Thomas Giblin (D-Clifton), on the medical advisory board.
Gaining the approval of the town where they wish to open a medical marijuana center was a requirement of the application process. But at least two Mayors expressed surprise when the ATC permits were issued. Officials in Manalpan and Bellmawr both said they would explore the zoning issues and possibly have the public weigh in before allowing the ATCs to locate in their communities.
CMMNJ and Freedomisgreen.com will continue to post the documents online as they become available.
Comments