NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act -a look

Source: Assembly Subcommittee No. 804, State of NJ 213th Legislature

As Amended on January 7, 2010

Because some of you asked and I listen. And there’s more than a few of you using marijuana a little too compassionately, but that’s not a value judgment.

NJ’s governor has now signed the NJ compassionate use medical marijuana act into law.  Apparently NJ, still reeling from debt, despite redonkulous property taxes, couldn’t afford to put any prepositions into the name of the Act.

Some facts accepted by the Assembly: modern medical research has found beneficial uses for marijuana (which apart from relieving nausea also relieves neurological pain unrelieved by other prescription narcotics).  99 of 100 arrests for marijuana are done under state law, even though the states are NOT required to follow the federal government on enforcement (review states’ rights -it’s a big and old topic).

So how will it work? Much like Cali, there will be a prescribing physician who certifies the permit.  It will be available for: seizure disorder, intractable skeletal muscle spasticity (like MS) and glaucoma.  Plus the following:  chronic pain; wasting syndrome (that’s almost redundant) from HIV, any other immune deficiency syndrome and cancer.   Plus the following:  MS; IBS (wait, what?) including Chron’s; terminal illnesses; and, any other approved condition (a player to be named later).

Like everything else the government tracks, there will be a registry. To prescribe, physicians must be on it.  It’s anyone’s guess who has access to it.  Application fees are based upon a sliding scale (the rich payor provision).  Oh there’s more.  You will be fingerprinted with the State Police and FBI (don’t complain, lawywers are required to do this to sit for the bar exam) following a background check, which requires your consent (of course if you don’t consent, no card).

For the end stoner (I mean user) the Department will keep a confidential list of all of you (wink, wink).

Oh and you are specifically prohibited from doing the following while receiving your medical treatment:  operating, navigating or controlling a vehicle, aircraft, railroad car, stationary heavy equipment (not moving?!) or vessel.  And you can’t smoke on the school bus or in your car (if the engine is on) at the beach or in a park where other smoking is prohibited.  Or in a correctional facility.  (Yes your NJ tax dollars will be funding cards for inmates too).

The doctor will set the amount, in weight –not to exceed two (2) ounces per month dispensed at one time.  Multiple prescriptions are authorized up to 90 days.   And you can only register to receive at one (1) center at a time.  Every two years, the commissioner (You knew there would be more government jobs created) will review the number of centers operating and evaluate whether too much (or presumably too little) marijuana is being dispensed to the masses.

One to follow. (Provided your short term memory permits). One to follow.

~Posted by D.M. Schwadron, Esquire