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TRENTON – A measure sponsored by Senators Nicholas P. Scutari (D-Union) and Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic) challenging the Christie Administration’s proposed rules for implementing the state’s medical marijuana law received final approval today in the Senate, starting the 30-day clock for the administration to amend the regulations.

The resolution (SCR-130/ACR-151) is part of a legislative process that would invalidate the Department of Health and Senior Services’ regulations as proposed and, ultimately, require the administration to rewrite the rules to bring them in line with the Legislature’s intent in creating the “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” Passage of the measure comes after the Governor’s announcement that he had reached a “compromise” with the Assembly on the regulations, and said he would relent on two points. The Senate sponsors, however, believe the regulations must still be revised.

“Despite a so-called compromise, I believe key areas of the regulations still would not comply with the intent of the law and would make it much too difficult for eligible patients to access relief through marijuana,” said Senator Scutari, prime sponsor of the medical marijuana law. “This measure gives the administration an opportunity to revise the rules and resubmit them to the Legislature for review, so that we can ensure the program is implemented in the way we intended.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Nicholas P. Scutari and Jim Whelan to legalize medical marijuana for those suffering from chronic and terminal diseases was approved by the Assembly today by a vote of 48-14, and received final legislative approval in the State Senate later in the day by a vote of 25-13.

“This bill recognizes that compassion for the sick and dying and adherence to our nation’s war on illegal drugs are not mutually exclusive ideals,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset. “There is a difference between providing some small measure of comfort for New Jerseyans suffering from chronic and debilitating illnesses, and turning a blind eye to illegal drug abuse. The ‘New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act’ creates an avenue of relief for individuals with nowhere else to turn, while maintaining our State’s tough stance on recreational drug abuse.”

TRENTON – A bill sponsored by Senators Nicholas P. Scutari and Jim Whelan to legalize medical marijuana for those suffering from chronic and terminal diseases was approved by the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee today by a vote of 8-1, with 2 abstentions.

“Through this bill, New Jersey is sending a message that compassion for the sick and dying is of paramount importance,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset. “For those people suffering from chronic and terminal illnesses, who live in constant pain or are at death’s door, we must provide access to medical marijuana if it will help relieve their symptoms or give them a measure of comfort in their final hours. New Jersey gains no benefit from going after sick and dying people, who have run out of options and are otherwise law-abiding citizens.”