CSDP Blog

A recent measure would allow chronically ill residents of New Jersey to have medicinal cannabis for medical treatment. According to the Press of Atlantic City December 16, 2008 article,("Medical Marijuana Act Passes NJ Panel") "New Jersey took a major step toward becoming the latest state to allow certain patients to use marijuana Monday, when the Senate's Health, Human Services and Senior Citizens Committee approved the Compassionate Use Medicinal Marijuana Act by a vote of 6-1.The Department of Health and Senior Services would register people with debilitating medical conditions, which would include cancer, glaucoma, HIV or AIDS, or other diseases that cause wasting, chronic pain, severe nausea, seizures, severe and persistent muscle spasms. The department then would issue a photo identity card and allow those registered to possess as many as 'six marijuana plants and an ounce of usable marijuana,' according to the bill."

The article states, "As a result, the person would not be subject to arrest or penalty for the use of marijuana. Under the Controlled Substances Act, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration classifies marijuana as Schedule I, the most restrictive class of drugs. The federal prohibitions will remain, but the bill's supporters said the overwhelming number of prosecutions are under state law, so it would lift most of the prohibitions. The bill still bars people from operating a car, boat or airplane under the influence of marijuana. It also bans people from smoking marijuana on a school bus, public property or beach, or in a correctional institute or park.The bill would also apply to patients younger than 18, but it requires a parent or guardian's informed approval. A late amendment would also allow people to start Medicinal Marijuana Alternate Treatment Centers, which would dispense regulated marijuana."

The article adds, "The measure was first proposed in 2005, but Monday marked the first time a bill has cleared a state legislative committee. Thirteen other states have approved similar measures.The committee approved the bill 6-1 with two abstentions. It now heads to the full Senate for a vote as early as January. A companion measure was introduced to the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee in January."