Last year, New Jersey voters made their state the 14th to legalize medical marijuana. But those in need of the beneficial effects of the plant still aren’t able to legally purchase it within the state. Lawmakers have debated and quibbled and still haven’t made voters’ wishes a reality.
A deadline came and passed last week, requiring all would-be growers and vendors of medical grade marijuana to apply for state licensing. But many refused, worried their $20,000 application fee would be in vain considering the legislature still hasn’t ironed out the details of the new law.
Lawmakers have disagreed on where patients will be able to get the marijuana to how and under what circumstances they will qualify. Governor Christie has been accused of delaying and potentially trying to completely prevent the law from being implemented. His moves have made it apparent that he would like to make it extremely difficult to get a prescription for the substance and also to get that prescription filled.
At this time, proposed specifics would limit the amount of THC (the active component) in the medical grade marijuana to 10{74bbbd36a4df8b83bd1805c8c4f34bcc3063e84848f392c2fd8bb03fcdaa883e}. As this editorial at MyCentralJersey.com explains, that particular restriction would lead patients to “either smoke a lot more pot than they otherwise would need to smoke to obtain relief, or continue to seek out more potent illegal marijuana,” either way negating the benefits of the law in the first place.
According to Bloomberg, no other states limit the amount of THC in their medical grade marijuana. Ensuring a crop can meet this cap on this component isn’t something that can be achieved overnight. As a matter of fact, one grower states it could take up to four years to develop a crop like that.
It’s understandable that New Jersey lawmakers want their medical marijuana legislation to be implemented in a manner that reduces the potential for abuse. But, failing to implement anything or restricting it to the point of being contrary to the intent of the program simple makes the medical marijuana program here worthless.
While the lawmakers attempt to iron out the medical marijuana laws that the voters wanted, those using marijuana whether for pain treatment or sheer pleasure face penalties if caught in possession. Even a charge of simple possession carries the potential for jail time.
Despite the growing acceptance of marijuana as a medical treatment and even the decreasing stigma of it as a recreational substance, it is still an illegal drug. If you are facing charges related to possession or distribution of marijuana, contact my offices today for a free consultation on your case.