Senate Majority Leader Says Advocate’s Moving Testimony Helped Usher in Medical Marijuana in New Jersey
TRENTON – Senate Majority Leader Loretta Weinberg, D-Bergen, issued the following statement today on the passing of Diane Riportella, an ALS sufferer and advocate for medical marijuana whose testimony helped usher in New Jersey’s own medical marijuana law:
“Ms. Riportella was a dignified voice for those New Jerseyans who suffer every day as a result of chronic and terminal medical conditions. Her testimony before the Senate Health Committee – which I chaired at the time – was a moving and eloquent statement in favor of medical marijuana in New Jersey. Through her advocacy, Ms. Riportella helped to usher in the law which treats people with compassion and respect who are dealing with near-constant pain and other medical issues as a result of their chronic or terminal illness.
“I was saddened to hear of her passing, and I hope her family takes solace in the knowledge that her legacy – through the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act – lives on for the thousands of New Jerseyans who will find a small measure of relief as a result of her advocacy.
“My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.”