NORML NJ National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Jersey » anne davis

NORML-NJ photos with Cheech and Chong

B0ard — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:44:13 +0000

Cheech and Chong rolled into Atlantic City on July 17, 2010 and took time for a photograph with members of NORML-NJ.

Anne Davis, NORML-NJ Executive Director is directly behind Tommy.

More pics with Cheech and Chong soon!

Anne Davis: A Mother’s Prayer to End Prohibition

B0ard — Sun, 09 May 2010 15:13:48 +0000

A Mother’s Prayer to End Prohibition

by Anne M. Davis Esq., NORML-NJ Board of Directors 5/9/10

The video of the SWAT Team raid on the home of the Whitworth family was one of the most graphic acts of violence that I ever had the unfortunate experience of viewing. True, the man in the home was in possession of marijuana. The quantity was so small it was only enough to charge him with a misdemeanor resulting in a $300 fine.

The amount in his possession certainly did not justify a nighttime entry into a family’s home by a team of gunmen dressed in black. Marijuana possession did not justify firing seven rounds of gunshots at the family dogs in front of the seven year old little boy who sat in terror clenching his mother as these gunmen jacked his father up against a wall.

It brings tears to my eyes to think of the horror that this little boy experienced. I subsequently learned that police are permitted to shoot animals if they feel endangered. The right to kill pets applies in every raid because most dogs will bark and react to a team of gunmen entering their families’ home. In my opinion, the Missouri drug enforcement team acted no different than terrorists like the Taliban.

I wish I could believe that this was an isolated incident and wasn’t the norm. Unfortunately, I know the truth from the experiences of my friends in the marijuana community. I know how the DEA’s SWAT teams armed with guns knock down doors and destroy lives. I know that loving and good parents have their children taken away for possessing marijuana in the home in quantities as small as a joint.

The most disturbing of all of this reality is that many of these victims of the drug war are medical patients with chronic illnesses. This madness must end.

Thank you God for giving us the courage to make the progress we have seen in the past year. Please give us the strength to end the violence and peacefully conquer the drug war.

NORML-NJ’s Anne Davis on FOX 9

B0ard — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 16:31:10 +0000

Anne Davis an attorney specializing in Family Law serves on the Board of directors at NORML-NJ. Anne is also a leader in the newly formed National NORML Women’s Alliance. She appeared on FOX 9 NY/NJ this week as coverage of a large marijuana grow operation unfolded.

NORML Republican Mom Challenges Chris Christie

Anne Davis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:59 +0000

Anne Davis speaks at the NORML 4-20 Freedom Forum in Philadelphia

11/6/2009 – Anne Davis

NORML-NJ Board of Directors, Executive Committee

The tide is changing politically and more conservatives are recognizing that the failed policy of marijuana prohibition must end. As a Republican and a mother of two I have joined those compassionate supporters of common sense cannabis policy. Republican Senator Baroni supports the NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. For Senator Baroni the personal stories of patients caused him to champion this issue from within his traditional Republican role of conservatism. He was a strong voice in favor of the bill on the Senate Floor as it was considered this February. One could hear from his passionate speech that he clearly felt sympathy for these patients that have found marijuana eases their pain and daily suffering.

There are more and more Republicans standing up nationally, recognizing that the marijuana laws must change. The scientific evidence is clear that it is less harmful to the body than the numerous pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed. Every day as the media increasingly covers cannabis and its related issues, it is becoming more apparent that society is not opposed to the medical use of marijuana. Sen. Baroni and other Republicans do what they know is right.

Right now we have an urgent case involving medical marijuana. NJ resident John Ray Wilson, a 36-year-old MS patient, is facing 20 years in prison for growing cannabis plants to treat his MS. Though he grew 17 plants at his home for his own medical use, he is charged with operating a manufacturing facility. Recently the judge assigned to his case ruled that John was not permitted to mention during his trial that he had MS. New Jersey Senators Scutari and Lesniack have requested a pardon from the Governor recognizing that his criminal prosecution is wrong.

Many of the legislators in this state already recognize that it is vital to stop wasting taxpayers dollars on needless prosecutions like that of John Wilson. We are in an economic crisis and there is no bigger waste of government spending than on criminal prosecution of medical marijuana patients. No politician can justify this spending of our tax dollars on police resources, prosecutors, judiciary resources, jails, prisons, intervention programs, and probation programs. These patients harm no one and the Compassionate Use Act does not change the existing law for recreational possession, driving or anything else. The bill removes burdens for law enforcement, provides scientifically proven therapeutic relief and allows state regulated alternative treatment centers to provide safe, restricted cannabis distribution to authorized patients.

My faith is with fellow Republican, Governor Elect Christopher Christie, to do what is right. I hope that he will remain true to his campaign promise to support The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, protecting these patients while putting an end to wasteful government spending.

Anne M. Davis Esq,

Brick, NJ

NORML-NJ Board of Directors