Pubdate: Sat, 22 Jan 2005
Source: Record, The (Hackensack, NJ)
Copyright: 2005 North Jersey Media Group Inc.
Contact:  http://www.bergen.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/44
Author: Tom Bell, Associated Press
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)

SENATOR SEEKS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LAW

A state senator who is also a city prosecutor has introduced
legislation that would legalize the use of marijuana in New Jersey as
a pain reliever for those with debilitating medical conditions.

The measure, sponsored by Sen. Nicholas Scutari, D-Union, would allow
doctors to authorize medical marijuana use and give patients the right
to possess up to 1 ounce of the drug or six plants. Those with
diseases such as cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, glaucoma
and AIDS would be eligible.

"These conditions often times produce wasting syndrome, chronic pain,
seizures and severe nausea, all of which have been shown to be
alleviated by medical marijuana," said Scutari, city prosecutor in
Linden.

Scutari cited a 1999 study by the National Academy of Sciences'
Institute of Medicine, which said research showed marijuana helped
alleviate pain in those with debilitating conditions. Alaska, Arizona,
California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Montana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont
and Washington already have various laws that allow those with medical
needs to use marijuana if they get a doctor's recommendation.

"New Jersey needs to join the effort to protect seriously ill people
from criminal penalties for making their lives livable," Scutari said.
"There are too many horrible stories of unbearable pain and suffering
which don't have to be retold because a remedy to ease those burdens
is available."

One county prosecutor who serves as lawyer for several law enforcement
groups said they would oppose the measure.

"This is strictly a first step to get in the door to legalize drugs in
America," said Terrence Farley, the first assistant prosecutor of
Ocean County and counsel to the County Narcotics Strike Force
Commanders Association and the New Jersey Narcotics Enforcement
Officers Association.

Scutari's bill would require those under the age of 18 obtaining
medical marijuana to get written consent from their parents. The
measure would also forbid those under the influence of the drug to
drive, or to use the drug on school buses or public transportation.
Use would also be forbidden on school grounds and beaches, and in
jails, public parks and recreation centers. 
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake