New Jersey Medical Marijuana Bill Heads for Senate Floor

[independentpiney]

x-posted in drug policy

New Jersey took a step toward becoming the 14th medical marijuana state Monday as a Senate committee heard testimony, then voted 6-1 (with two abstentions) to send Senate Bill 119, the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, to the Senate floor, where it could be voted on as early as next month. The state Assembly has yet to vote on the bill, but Gov. Jon Corzine (D) has indicated he would sign the bill if it reaches his desk.

The bill, passed by the senate's Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee, would set up a registry program with the Department of Health and Senior Services for people with debilitating medical conditions, including cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, or other diseases that cause wasting, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, or severe and persistent muscle spasms. Registered patients or their caregivers could possess up to six marijuana plants and an ounce of usable marijuana.

The bill would also address what has been a thorny issue in some states that have approved medical marijuana laws: the question of supply for people who cannot grow their own. To address the supply problem, the bill foresees the licensing of collective gardens where patients could obtain medical marijuana.
http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/565/new_jersey_medi...

Keeping my fingers crossed, although I think the 6 plant limit isn't very practical or well thought out.

[no_hypocrisy]

1. State Senator Nicholas Scutari (sponsor of the bill) will be interviewed

tomorrow/Thursday/December 18, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. EST by Sam Greenfield on his radio program.

You can stream it online at http://www.wvnj.com (click "listen live") or listen on the AM dial at 1160.

And PLEASE call in on the tollfree line if you want to ask Senator Scutari any questions: 800 962-1160.

[independentpiney]

2. Thanks for the heads up, I may try to call

I'm really excited about this, but the 6 plant limit really bothers me because I don't think it could provide a patient with a steady continuous supply at even a small dosage amount.

[no_hypocrisy]

3. By all means, please call. This is a great opportunity to ask your

representative to support his beliefs and his dedication to getting this bill signed by Governor Corzine.

[psychmommy]

4. what a blessing this could be for the very sick.

not being able to intake the proper nutrition only exacerbates sick folks medical problems. i have a friend with ms that won't even try a joint. i bet if it were legal she would get some relief. great news thanks.

[dailydave21]

5. realistically...

this will never pass. marijuana is a real drug whether or not people want to admit it.

:crazy:

[amyrose2712]

6. so is morphine....

[bettyellen]

7. and drugs often do wonderful things for sick people!

was that your point?