NORML NJ National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Jersey » medical marijuana

NBC4 NY Video: Inside Look at NJ Medical Marijuana Dealer

B0ard — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 15:42:24 +0000

Text story:
NY/NJ “Medical” Pot Dealer Describes Highs and Lows of Underground Sales

Support our medical marijuana law – send an email!

B0ard — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 12:47:40 +0000

Supporters of medical marijuana in New Jersey – National NORML has set up a service to email all NJ legislators and the Governor asking them to put The Compassionate Use Act into practice.

Please take a moment to send an email here
http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=15171111

Link to a blog summary of the topic is below-

NJ: Legislature may keep medical marijuana law intact

Medical Marijuana press conference in Trenton on 6/4

B0ard — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 19:59:49 +0000

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – June 1, 2010

NORML-NJ
www.normlnj.org

Medical Marijuana press conference in Trenton on 6/4
Patients, professionals seek timely regulations

On Friday June 4, 2010 at 1PM local medical marijuana advocacy groups will hold a press conference at the State House in Trenton. Potential medical marijuana patients, doctors, nurses and supporters of the new law will address recent news of a proposed delay for implementing the program.

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was voted and signed in law in January 2010. As passed, the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) was to issue draft regulations in July and patients were anticipating access to a running program by the fall.

Last week a request was made for an additional 6 months to 1 year before the draft medical marijuana program regulations are issued. The extension would require legislation.

CMMNJ and NORML-NJ do not see any need for a delay.

Ken Wolski a registered nurse and Executive Director of The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) said, “If the DHSS cannot write these regulations in 6 months, there is no guarantee they will be able to write them in 18 months. 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 6/4/10 press conference will feature brief statements along with a Q&A. A full list of participants will be released on Thursday June 3, 2010.

CMMNJ and NORML-NJ are addressing two main points:
- Timely implementation of the medical marijuana law
- A request that those in the Christie Administration meet with New Jersey’s local medical cannabis experts and advocates to discuss the law.

Media may contact:
Ken Wolski ohamkrw@aol.com 609 394 2137
Anne Davis: law@annemdavis.com 732 477 4700
Chris Goldstein: media@cmmnj.org

WHAT: Medical marijuana press conference
WHERE: Trenton, NJ – State House – State Street entrance steps
WHEN: June 4, 2010 at 1:00PM
WHY: Timely implementation of the medical marijuana law

John Wilson released on bail as NJ Senators call for clemency

B0ard — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:14:16 +0000

Breaking: Wilson released, NJ Senators call for medical marijuana clemency

4/29/2010 by Chris Goldstein – John Wilson was released from the Southern State Correctional Facility in New Jersey today to his grateful family at about 1:45PM. Wilson was sentenced to 5 years in prison on March 19, 2010 for growing seventeen cannabis plants to treat MS. An Appellate Court ruled on Monday that he should be granted bail as his case is appealed.

On Tuesday Judge Robert B. Reed, the trial judge in the case, set bail at $15,000. Ken Wolski, Executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (CMMNJ) was in the courtroom.

The prosecutor {NJ Office of the Attorney General], Cassandra Serentino, asked for $75,000 to $150,000 bail. When asked why by the judge, the prosecutor said that was what was listed for such an offense on the bail schedule, but that she would defer to the judge for “whatever you deem appropriate.”

The judge cited the fact that John had no prior criminal record, was gainfully self-employed, had a family who was at the trial every day, and had many responsible members of the community vouch for him “in the cause which he has come to represent.” READ KEN’s BLOG POST IN FULL

New Jersey passed a medical marijuana law in January, although the program will not be fully implemented until this fall. Multiple Sclerosis or MS is one of the qualifying conditions under the new law.

State Senators Raymond Lesniak and Nicholas Scutari issued a press release yesterday renewing their call for Governor Chris Christie to grant Wilson a pardon.

“The court recognized the cruelty of incarcerating an MS sufferer under these circumstances. We think Governor Christie should likewise recognize this injustice and pardon Mr. Wilson from the most serious charges,” said Senator Lesniak. “We believe that such an egregious injustice demands prompt action. Through the power of clemency invested in this State’s Chief Executive, Governor Christie can overturn an unjust and overly cruel sentence for a man simply seeking a small measure of relief from chronic pain and illness.”
“We remain hopeful that Governor Christie will see the light and order a more appropriate sentence for John Ray Wilson through a gubernatorial pardon,” said Senator Scutari. “Given our State’s budgetary woes, it does not make sense to incarcerate a non-violent offender for the personal use of medical marijuana, especially when the Legislature and the previous Governor have since legalized the medical use of the drug. Governor Christie should recognize the will of the Legislature, and of the public, and step in to overturn a prison sentence for a very sick man who felt he had nowhere else to turn for relief from his symptoms.” READ THE FULL PRESS RELEASE

Before being incarcerated Wilson was living with his elderly grandmother, helping to care for her and his wheelchair-bound younger brother.

We spoke with Wilson’s mother and father today. The family is planning a barbecue for the homecoming.

“We’re just happy that he’s out,” said his mom.

NJ Senators renew call for John Wilson pardon

B0ard — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 13:37:51 +0000

Two state Senators in New Jersey have renewed their call that an Executive Pardon should be granted to John Wilson, the MS patient convicted of growing 17 marijuana plants to treat his disease. Senators Raymond Lesniak and Nicholas Scutari issued a press release yesterday and appealed to Governor Chris Christie to issue the pardon. Wilson was sentenced to 5 years in prison on March 19th.

READ MORE

NORML-NJ has supported John throughout his trial! Gov. Christie can be contacted at 609 292 6000 or on Twitter @GovChristie

John Ray Wilson: 5 year sentence for growing medical marijuana

B0ard — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:44:26 +0000

New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis patient John Ray Wilson was sentenced to 5 years in state prison today for growing 17 cannabis plants to treat his condition.

His attorney, James Wronko, said that an appeal is being planned.

Judge Robert B. Reed passed the sentence today as his mother and grandmother wept just a few feet away. John’s younger brother, who is confined to a wheelchair, was also in the courtroom.

Judge Reed mentioned the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act several times during the hearing, acknowledging that the state now recognizes marijuana as an effective treatment for MS. The law was signed on January 19, 2010.

Wilson was prosecuted by the State Attorney General’s Office, who had asked for a 7-year prison term. NJ superior Court Judge Reed took pains to explain that he was exercising the greatest leniency in accordance with the law.

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (including this correspondent) were in the courtroom today along with Wilson’s family.

Man with MS who grew medical marijuana faces prison Friday

B0ard — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:36:43 +0000

PLEASE ATTEND THE RALLY

Somerset County Courthouse rally info:

8:30AM-appx 2PM at 20 N. Bridge St, Somerville, NJ 08876

The sentencing phase in the high-profile trial of a New Jersey man who grew medical marijuana to treat his Multiple Sclerosis will take place this Friday 3/19/10 following several delays.
John Ray Wilson was caught by a NJ National Guard helicopter in August 2008 growing 17 cannabis plants used to treat his MS. Wilson then endured a nightmarish prosecution on first-degree felony charges that are usually reserved for kingpin crack dealers.

Citing the medical marijuana bill then before the New Jersey legislature, the prosecutor and Judge had tried to keep any mention of John’s MS from the jury.

Ultimately the truth was allowed out during the trial – NJ: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at marijuana trial

But the jury ultimately acquitted John on those charges. MS patient: Not guilty on most serious marijuana charge

However, the same jury convicted Wilson on a second-degree felony of ‘manufacturing’ marijuana and a third-degree felony for possessing a very small amount of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Thus, he is still facing time in prison.

“It is stressful,” Wilson said during a phone call after the last sentencing delay in February. He has been preparing for any possible outcome, even finding a temporary home for his cat.

NEWS: NJ DHSS launches medical marijuana website

B0ard — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 15:37:52 +0000

NJ Department of Health and Senior Services launched thier new website for the medical marijuana program.

http://www.state.nj.us/health/med_marijuana.shtml

To read the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in its entirety, please visit www.njleg.state.nj.us/2008/Bills/S0500/119_R3.PDF. You may also contact our office at 609-826-3962 or send an email.

NJ Alternative Treatment Center information

Anne Davis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 21:50:42 +0000

By Anne M. Davis, Esq.

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act will be in effect in July 2010. Initially there will be six (6) non-profit Alternative Treatment Centers (ATCs). There will be two in the North, two Central and two South.

The exact locations have not been designated. No one has been approved nor even applied at this time. It is too early to apply because the entire process must be promulgated into regulations that are being drafted.

The first six centers must be non-profit and may require a large investment. There will be no “get rich quick” opportunities as many people are speculating. This bill is designed to help the patients that have the most serious of medical conditions. There is hope that medical marijuana will be available and AFFORDABLE to these patients.

The ATCs will be required to both produce and dispense the marijuana. This is a big difference from other states. NJ prohibits home cultivation. In other states, like California, collectives are permitted to obtain the product from growers whereas NJ requires the ATC to do both grow and dispense on site.
To obtain a permit for an ATC, an application must be submitted to the Department of Health and Senior Services. NO APPLICATIONS ARE BEING ACCEPTED AT THIS TIME.

An applicant will be subject to criminal background investigations and fingerprinting, as will anyone serving on its Board, as an officer, or employee. Employees may overcome a disqualification on the basis of a conviction if they can show clear and convincing evidence of rehabilitation.
The Dept. must approve or deny an application within 60 days of its receipt.
An ATC may charge a registered patient for the reasonable costs of producing and dispensing the marijuana.

The ATCs will be required to provide for 24 hours security; verify and keep records of patients, physicians, quantities dispersed.
The Dept will establish regulations of the ATCs to include: fee schedules for applications of ATCs; methods for testing, authenticating and guaranteeing the quality, safety and quantity of marijuana sold; which strains shall be sold; procedures to guarantee quality and safety of paraphernalia; and security of delivery methods, among other things.

The bill does include language to allow “for-profit” dispensaries; however, the bill also says that there shall be at least six ATCs in the state, with the first six being non-profit. The Department can allow more “pursuant to need” which would then open the door for “for-profit” ATCs.

NORML NJ has been flooded with calls and emails from individuals that are interested in applying for an ATC permit. We will do our best to post information on the website as it becomes available.

New Jersey medical marijuana law: What it really means

Anne Davis — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:50:28 +0000

By Anne M. Davis, Esq.

On January 18, 2010 Governor Corzine signed S-119, the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” Here is a basic rundown of the facts regarding the new law.

- A doctor must provide a “certification” for the patient to use marijuana.

- The doctor must be the primary physician or responsible for ongoing treatment of the patient’s condition.

- The following are the permitted conditions:
Seizure disorder, epilepsy, intractable skeletal muscular spasticity, glaucoma, HIV, AIDs, cancer, ALS, MS, muscular dystrophy, inflammatory bowel disease, Crohn’s disease, or a terminal illness with a prognosis of less than 12 months of life. These are the only qualifying conditions as of this moment. If you have any other condition that is not listed here, you do not qualify under NJ law. However, the Department of Health and Senior Services may approve other conditions in the future.

- Home cultivation is NOT permitted.

- Marijuana must be acquired at an Alternative Treatment Center (ATC). There will initially be six non-profit centers: two North, two South and two Central. Exact locations have not been defined at this time.

- Caregivers are permitted. Caregivers may NOT grow as they are permitted in every other state. The caregivers role in New Jersey is to possess, transport and prep for the patient. Either a patient or his/her caregiver may possess up to two ounces (collectively not two ounces each). Caregivers will be subject to a criminal history background check and fingerprinting.

- A patient may only acquire, possess or use up to two ounces per month.

- Patients will need to possess a “registry identification card” which is issued by the Department of Health and Senior Services. NO APPLICATIONS ARE BEING PROCESSED YET. The Department is now drafting the procedures and applications necessary to implement the program.

- Patients that are qualified under the program may not operate motor vehicles, use marijuana in public places to include public transportation, public parks, beaches or anywhere that smoking is prohibited.

- A patient may only be registered at one ATC at any time, and may only designate one caregiver. A caregiver may only have one patient.

- Health insurance will not cover the cost of the medical marijuana.
No patients are legally protected under this bill until they have a valid registration card even if they have a qualifying condition!

- The law shall take effect within six months, which is July of 2010. The exact time frame of when the applications will be accepted, and when the first ATCs will open, is not certain at this time.

We at NORML NJ will do our best to get the information and updates to our members as it comes available.