Gov. Jon Corzine, in one of his last acts before leaving office, signed a medical marijuana bill into law.

Advocates say the first critically ill patients should be able to light up before the end of the year if all goes well.

“I’m actually pretty optimistic that it will [...]]]> Breaking news form NBC New York!

Gov. Jon Corzine, in one of his last acts before leaving office, signed a medical marijuana bill into law.

Advocates say the first critically ill patients should be able to light up before the end of the year if all goes well.

“I’m actually pretty optimistic that it will get implemented” by the new administration of Governor-elect Chris Christie, said Chris Goldstein, of the NJ Coalition for Medical Marijuana. Goldstein’s primary concern is the medical profession itself. “The bigger hurdle is educating doctors so they will recommend it to their patients.” Goldstein said.

While New Jersey now becomes the 14th state with an active medical marijuana program, it is unlike any of the others.

The primary difference is that it gives the state Department of Health and Senior Services authority to license its distribution to, initially, six non-profit Alternative Treatment Centers(two in North Jersey, two in Central Jersey and two in South Jersey). DHSS has six months to draw up the rules regulating such centers. Those centers, by this new law, must grow their own pot.

READ FULL NBC ARTICLE HERE

NORML-NJ looks forward to helping patients and seeing our new medical marijuana program online.

Stay tuned to normlnj.org for more info soon!

WHERE: 100 W. State Street Trenton

NJ: Supporters gather for historic medical marijuana vote

Trenton – Patients and advocates are gathering on January 11, 2010 to witness an historic vote in the New Jersey legislature on medical cannabis. First introduced in 2005, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act has bi-partisan [...]]]> WHEN: 12 Noon January 11, 2010

WHERE: 100 W. State Street Trenton

NJ: Supporters gather for historic medical marijuana vote

Trenton – Patients and advocates are gathering on January 11, 2010 to witness an historic vote in the New Jersey legislature on medical cannabis. First introduced in 2005, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act has bi-partisan support and is favored to pass. It would make NJ the 14th state to offer regulated medical cannabis access to those suffering from serious medical conditions.

CMMNJ and NORML-NJ are coordinating public support in Trenton on Monday. Patients, their families and supporters of medical marijuana are being asked to continue their email and telephone contacts with legislators urging them to vote ‘yes’ on the bill. CONTACT NOW

Committee Room # 9 on the 3rd Floor of the State House Annex has been reserved for media relations and a patient rest area. NORML-NJ supporters are being asked to have a strong presence in front of the State House as well as within the Senate and Assembly chambers. Free stickers and buttons will be available, please dress in business attire.

A press conference is planned in the Rotunda area of the State House following the final votes, when they occur. Because of the nature of these last legislative sessions an exact time will not be available. Please check the NORML-NJ Blog www.normlnj.org for updates on 1/11/10.

The current language of The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act A804/S119 would implement the most tightly regulated medical marijuana program in the country. Local advocates are confident that the bill will benefit those suffering from some of the most serious medical conditions anyone must bear such as HIV/AIDS, Cancer, MS and ALS.

Medical marijuana is a concept that has significant public support in New Jersey with 86% of residents backing a state authorized program. Most of the major newspapers in the region have offered their editorial endorsement of the bill. Organizations such as the New Jersey State Nurses Association, The New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, The New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization along with other patient advocacy groups have strongly and consistently supported medical marijuana legislation in the state.
Contacts and directions
Email NJ legislators about medical marijuana:  http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=12767456

Media may contact NORML-NJ for information about the bill:
director@normlnj.org

Directions to the NJ State House in Trenton
http://www.njleg.state.nj.us/legislativepub/directions.asp

Executive Director, NORML-New Jersey

Board of Directors, The Coalition for Medical Marijuana- NJ

As someone who has advocated for safe medical marijuana access I am writing today to strongly urge you to vote ‘Yes’ in this final phase of The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act A804/S119.

Please, vote ‘Yes’ to allow your fellow [...]]]> 1/8/2010 From: Chris Goldstein

Executive Director, NORML-New Jersey

Board of Directors, The Coalition for Medical Marijuana- NJ

As someone who has advocated for safe medical marijuana access I am writing today to strongly urge you to vote ‘Yes’ in this final phase of The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act A804/S119.

Please, vote ‘Yes’ to allow your fellow New Jersey residents to treat symptoms or diseases that are the most horrifying to face or relief at the end of life.

Vote ‘Yes’ to stop the arrest of seriously ill and dying NJ residents who choose the scientifically proven therapy of marijuana. I have personally witnessed the awful impact that medical cannabis prohibition is having on those suffering, such as MS patient John Wilson in Somerset County.

Vote ‘Yes’ to allow the same access to medical cannabis that exists in 13 other states and has been allowed by Congress recently in the District of Columbia. While there has been media attention paid to a few of those states, many of our nation’s medical marijuana programs run as a quiet success for those who desperately need this therapy.

2009 was a year that saw a tangible shift by the federal government on medical marijuana. The Department of Justice asked US Attorneys not to spend their resources prosecuting state authorized medical marijuana patients, caregivers and facilities.

During my own interactions with elected officials on all levels and the public, reasonable questions arise when considering a medical cannabis program. The New Jersey Legislature has considered this bill since 2005 and has continually refined the language. The result in 2010 is pragmatic legislation that sought to best protect and serve patients’ needs.

The current language of The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act A804/S119 would implement the most restrictive and tightly regulated medical marijuana program in the country. As advocates, we are confident that the current bill will benefit those suffering from some of the most serious medical conditions anyone must bear such as HIV/AIDS, Cancer, MS and ALS.

Medical marijuana is a concept that has significant public support, with 86% of residents favoring a state authorized program. Most major newspapers in the region have offered their editorial endorsement of the New Jersey bill. Organizations such as the New Jersey State Nurses Association, The New Jersey Academy of Family Physicians, The New Jersey Hospice and Palliative Care Organization along with other patient advocacy groups have strongly and consistently endorsed this medical marijuana legislation.

Please keep in mind that many NJ residents are indeed supporting the medical cannabis effort from the confines of their homes, hospital beds or hospice care facilities. Those who may directly benefit from an authorized access program in New Jersey have reached out to you to tell their stories and ask for your support. Thousands of calls, emails and postcards have been sent in from every area of the state.

I would ask that you review the compelling and even heartbreaking public testimony offered to the Senate and Assembly committees by these patients. These residents have had the courage to tell you the truth about the benefits of medical marijuana for their conditions, offering as much information as possible with advocates and medical experts.

Our plea is to allow safe, regulated access to this proven treatment and to stop making refugees or criminals of the sick and dying who legitimately seek relief from medical marijuana. In no uncertain terms; your support on January 11th will benefit those who suffer the most in NJ.

Please, vote ‘Yes” on Monday for The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act S119/A804.

Sincerely,

Chris Goldstein

AMA Agrees: Marijuana is Medicine

WHO The American Medical Association (AMA) WHAT: Recognizes Medical Benefits of Marijuana, Urges Further Research WHEN: November 10th, 2009 WHERE: Houston, Texas during AMA’s annual Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates WHY: Marijuana has both already-demonstrated and future-promising medical utility

Largest and oldest U.S. physician-based group reverses long-held position [...]]]> CMMNJ issued the following press release today.

AMA Agrees: Marijuana is Medicine

WHO The American Medical Association (AMA)
WHAT: Recognizes Medical Benefits of Marijuana, Urges Further Research
WHEN: November 10th, 2009
WHERE: Houston, Texas during AMA’s annual Interim Meeting of the House of Delegates
WHY: Marijuana has both already-demonstrated and future-promising medical utility

Largest and oldest U.S. physician-based group reverses long-held position on medical marijuana

by Ken Wolski of CMMNJ

Houston, TX — The American Medical Association (AMA) voted today to reverse its long-held position that marijuana be retained as a Schedule I substance with no medical value. The AMA adopted a report drafted by its Council on Science and Public Health (CSAPH) entitled, “Use of Cannabis for Medicinal Purposes,” which affirmed the therapeutic benefits of marijuana and called for further research.

The CSAPH report concluded that, “short term controlled trials indicate that smoked cannabis reduces neuropathic pain, improves appetite and caloric intake especially in patients with reduced muscle mass, and may relieve spasticity and pain in patients with multiple sclerosis.” Furthermore, the report urges that “the Schedule I status of marijuana be reviewed with the goal of facilitating clinical research and development of cannabinoid-based medicines, and alternate delivery methods.”

READ IN FULL

In December 2009 New Jersey will have final votes on a medical marijuana bill and Pennsylvania will have their first public hearings. This announcement from the AMA should ring the bell for state elected officials that they can provide their citizens with legal protections and cannabis access while federal policy continues to evolve.  – Chris Goldstein NORML-NJ Exec Director

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon, the criminal trial against John Ray Wilson is moving ahead.

John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment. He now faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants. Read more about John’s case [...]]]>

Jim Miller suppporting John Ray Wilson - mycentraljersey.com

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon, the criminal trial against John Ray Wilson is moving ahead.

John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment. He now faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants.
Read more about John’s case here

In August medical marijuana advocates rallied at the Somerset County Courthouse.

Volunteers plan on having a supporting presence at the courthouse through all phases of John’s trial.

The next date is December 14, 2009. Read More

John’s case has garnered national attention for the aggressiveness of the  prosecution. New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General  is pursuing the case.

Senators push for pardon of Franklin man with MS charged with growing marijuana

A state appeals court rejected the attempt by his attorney, James Wronko of Somerville, to challenge that ruling while the case is ongoing. It could be the subject of a future appeal, he said.The two legislators are not only seeking the pardon but also pushing a bill titled “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” The bill would decriminalize possession and use of marijuana by state registered patients with debilitating illnesses. It would also establish treatment centers where patients can purchase the drug.

It passed the Senate in a 22-16 vote in February and awaits a vote in the Assembly.

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey stood outside the Somerset County Courthouse Friday morning as Wilson was appearing before Reed in a pre-trial conference. The members held signs advocating that marijuana for medicinal purposes be legalized.

Toms River resident Jim Miller, who co-founded the organization, became involved when his late wife Cheryl faced arrest for using marijuana to relieve her pain, said the organization will be stationed outside the courthouse when Wilson goes on trial in December.

Next to Miller on the sidewalk was an empty wheelchair that held his wife’s picture.

“This entire block is going to be lined” with demonstrators during the trial, he said. “It would be nice if the governor steps in,” he said. READ IN FULL

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org

10/24/09 by Chris Goldstein

Two local newspapers offered new editorials this week favoring medical marijuana in  the wake of the new Department of Justice memo issued Monday.

The General Assembly is expected to see The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in a floor vote this fall.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Easing Their [...]]]>

Jim Miller remembers his wife Cheryl

10/24/09 by Chris Goldstein

Two local newspapers offered new editorials this week favoring medical marijuana in  the wake of the new Department of Justice memo issued Monday.

The General Assembly is expected to see The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act in a floor vote this fall.

Philadelphia Inquirer: Easing Their Pain

The Obama administration’s new policy on medical marijuana should make it easier for New Jersey and Pennsylvania to legalize its use for seriously ill patients.

The Justice Department has removed a major legal hurdle by issuing a memo directing federal prosecutors in states that allow medical marijuana not to target patients or their sanctioned suppliers when the drug is purchased for legitimate purposes.

Read Full Editorial

Times of Trenton: It’s About Time

New Jersey legislators, poised to vote on the issue, may be encouraged by the federal change of heart. It reflects the opinion of a majority of Americans — and 82 percent of N.J. residents — who favor dispensing marijuana to patients.

With the new federal policy in place, there is no reason for New Jersey to any longer delay legalizing medical marijuana.

Read Full Editorial

NORML New Jersey encourages those who support the bill to visit the online Action Center. Take a few moments to send an email to your elected officials  and ask them to cast thier vote in favor of safe, medical marijuana for New Jersey! CLICK HERE TO CONTACT ELECTED OFFICIALS IN NJ

For more information about medical cannabis in NJ please visit the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey www.cmmnj.org

Georgine DiMaria speaks at the NORML Freedom Forum 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NORML-NJ www.normlnj.org Working to reform Marijuana Laws in the Garden State

WHAT:  Jay Leno vs. Miss New Jersey 2006 Georgine DiMaria on Medical Marijuana CONTACT: Chris Goldstein  director (at) normlnj.org

NORML-NJ Asks Jay Leno for Apology

On the Oct 22 episode of the Jay Leno Show the iconic [...]]]>

Georgine DiMaria speaks at the NORML Freedom Forum 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NORML-NJ
www.normlnj.org
Working to reform Marijuana Laws in the Garden State

WHAT:  Jay Leno vs. Miss New Jersey 2006 Georgine DiMaria on Medical Marijuana
CONTACT: Chris Goldstein  director (at) normlnj.org

NORML-NJ Asks Jay Leno for Apology

On the Oct 22 episode of the Jay Leno Show the iconic host mentions NORML-NJ Board member Georgine DiMaria in the opening monologue.

Jay Leno- “Washington Post columnist Kathleen Parker reports this week that the 2006 Miss NJ winner Georgine DiMaria – Miss New Jersey- She uses medical marijuana to treat asthma. Smoking to treat asthma really? Isn’t that like eating at Taco Bell to control your diarrhea? Let me tell you something, you know If Miss New Jersey wants to help her breathing Move out of New Jersey.”
WATCH  http://www.thejaylenoshow.com/video/episodes/#vid=1169189

Georgine DiMaria is Miss New Jersey 2006 and serves on the Board of Directors at NORML-NJ, the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws.

In April of this year, Georgi revealed for the first time publicly her personal experience with medical cannabis to treat asthma though vaporization.

Washington post columnist Kathleen Parker mentions that fact in her article this week: A woman’s crusade to legalize marijuana READ HERE

While pleased at the mention in the Jay Leno Show there were a number of inaccuracies contained in the short joke. NORML-NJ is asking that an apology be issued to Ms. DiMaria by NBC Universal, the Jay Leno Show and Mr. Leno himself.

Georgine issued a full statement today. “Even though Mr. Leno’s remarks were misinformed about my personal use and took a tiresome shot at New Jersey’s air quality it’s another indication of just how mainstream medical cannabis has become. The whole reason I originally went public with my medical marijuana experience is to advocate for the compassionate use of marijuana and our rights, as patients, to feel healthy.” READ FULL STATEMENT

Georgine does not advocate personally for smoking medical cannabis. She has found that the most beneficial and effective way to ingest medical marijuana is through vaporization, which has served as her method of treatment.

Frederic DiMaria, Jr., Esq., Chairman of NORML-NJ said today, “As a practicing criminal defense attorney, every day I am forced to witness the arrest, vicious prosecution and jailing of countless sick and dying New Jerseans for doing nothing more egregious than turning to the enormous medicinal benefits of natural marijuana for relief.  Unfortunately, not even Jay can make that fact funny.”

NORML’s national office in Washington DC issued the following statements about Leno’s remarks.

NORML Deputy Director Paul Armentano, “To the uninformed and the non-afflicted the medicinal use of marijuana as a bronchodilator may sound humorous, but to those stricken with asthma the issue is no laughing matter. Even a cursory reference of the scientific literature will reveal that marijuana inhalation has historically been used as an asthma remedy, as the compounds in cannabis open the airways rather than constrict them. This effect is just the opposite of that experienced by those who inhale tobacco.  A key word search on the site Pubmed using the terms “marijuana” and “asthma” reveals over 60 references in the scientific literature on the subject, among them: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/1099949

Effects of smoked marijuana in experimentally induced asthma:
After methacholine-induced bronchospasm, placebo marijuana and saline inhalation produced minimal changes in specific airway conductance and thoracic gas volume, whereas 2.0 per cent marijuana and isoproterenol each caused a prompt correction of the bronchospasm and associated hyperinflation.

Jay Leno should stick to the subject he knows best: comedy, and leave the medical discussions to the experts — physicians and their patients.”

NORML’s National Executive Director Allen St. Pierre said, “Ironically, the use of medical cannabis for asthma, and other respiratory conditions, are some of the oldest reported uses of the drug for medicinal purposes, and the subject of numerous scientific papers going back to the late 1880s.”

NORML-NJ Executive Director Chris Goldstein welcomed the attention to the medical marijuana legislation moving ahead in New Jersey. “Medical cannabis is a serious issue and patients may soon have legal protections for their use of cannabis therapy. We need to pass our bill this year.”

More about NORML-NJ at www.normlnj.org

More about medical marijuana in NJ at www.cmmnj.org

CONTACT: Chris Goldstein  director (at) normlnj.org