6/7/2009 Vigil for NJ medical marijuana patient Cheryl Miller
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Trenton- The final votes have been officially scheduled for The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act S119/A804 on January 11, 2010. The Legislative Calendar can be found here.
The NJ Assembly Health Committee passed the bill in June 2009 with new restrictions compared to the version that had already passed the state Senate. The sponsors of the bill along with the Majority Offices of both Houses have been working since the summer to craft compromise language. If a common version of the bill passes votes in the Assembly and the Senate next week it will go to Governor Corzine’s desk. The outgoing Democrat has repeatedly stated that he will sign the bill into law.
Politicians in New Jersey have expressed strong and even outspoken support for medical marijuana access in 2009. Although retiring, Assembly Speaker Joe Roberts (D-Camden) has supported the bill and has now fulfilled his pledge to post it for a vote. State Senators Scutari and Lesniak, both sponsors of the bill, appealed for an Executive Pardon of MS patient John Wilson for his cultivation of 17 cannabis plants to treat his disease.
Advocates and supporters including The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ), the Drug Policy Alliance- NJ and NORML-NJ are asking residents to contact their legislators during this final and critical phase of the process. CMMNJ's Executive Director Ken Wolski RN said today "We are cautiously optimistic that a medical marijuana law will soon be in place here in New Jersey to protect patients while they are using this physician-recommended therapy."
CMMNJ and NORML-NJ use CAPWIZ for email and phone contacts
DPA-NJ also has an easy to use contact page here
If passed New Jersey would be the 14th state to offer an authorized medical marijuana program. Arizona offers a medical necessity defense and the US Congress recently allowed the dormant Washington DC medical marijuana program to become active. A ballot initiative in Maine passed last year and medical marijuana legislation is active in Pennsylvania, Delaware, New York and Massachusetts. In 2009 Rhode Island became the third state to adopt the model of medical cannabis dispensaries. More about medical marijuana states here
In polling 86% of NJ residents support a state authorized medical marijuana program and the current bill maintains bi-patrisan support.
Comments
Please get it passed and send some courage to WI legislators so we can follow you as #15!
I just sparked one - medicinal purposes. Ha.
Look people it's 2010 now time to get informed. The information is there for you to see and analyze for yourself. A good documentary to watch is called "THE UNION" it will give you all the facts you need. I myself do not smoke the plant but if it were legal I certainly would in a heartbeat.
I also believe that by allowing marijuana to be illegal helps keep the black markets fire burning. Afterall marijuana is the largest cash crop in the black market right? Right.
Take thier largest cash crop away and suddenly they are not so powerful. The mexican cartel makes 80% of their profits from smuggling marijuana!
Just check the facts for yourself watch the movie "THE UNION" it's in your local movie store right now in the "just released" section.
Just pass this bill! It's effects can ONLY be GOOD for all on the medication. I only know if it were an option for me, I would definitely exercise it.
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