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Scutari: Now It’s Back To Plan ‘A’

Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset, addresses the audience during a Judiciary panel meeting.

TRENTON – State Senator Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union), the prime sponsor of the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act,” today released the following statement after learning of Rutgers University’s decision not to take part in the growth of medical marijuana, as proposed by the governor:

“It’s time to move forward with the growth and distribution of medical marijuana as originally planned.

“Our law already is the most restrictive in the nation, and contains the necessary safeguards to ensure safe and effective implementation with the involvement of the private sector.

“I am grateful Rutgers was willing to explore this venture, but with the lack of clarity provided by the federal government on this issue, I respect the school’s decision not to want to jeopardize millions of dollars in federal funding for research, student aid and other critical programs.

“Now it’s back to plan ‘A.’ We should revert back to the process outlined in the law, and get the regulations in place by the October 1 deadline we agreed upon with the administration.

“This is not only the smart thing to do; it’s the humane thing to do.

“Thousands of sick and dying patients are awaiting the relief that medicinal marijuana will provide. Any further attempt to modify the law could result in additional delays in getting it to them. We can�t take that risk.”