Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jul 2013
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Jan Hefler

CHRISTIE PRESSED TO OK MEDICAL POT FOR CHILDREN

Gov. Christie has received 1,500 faxes over the last three weeks
urging him to sign a bill that would ease the requirements children
must meet before they can use medical marijuana, say the parents of a
2-year-old who has a severe form of epilepsy.

So far, the governor has issued no response, but at previous news
conferences, he said he was "not inclined" to let children have marijuana.

Children with serious diseases and conditions in New Jersey can
legally use marijuana, but current regulations make it difficult for
them to obtain it. A bill that would address these problems passed the
legislature last month and is on Christie's desk. He has until next
month to act on it.

Meghan and Brian Wilson of Scotch Plains organized a lobbying effort
through their website, www.lettersforvivian.org., which generates a
fax for each person who agrees to support their cause.

Their toddler, Vivian, has Dravet syndrome, a rare type of epilepsy,
and has been prescribed barbiturates and benzodiazepines to stop
seizures that have lasted as long as one hour. The couple are buoyed
by reports of children in Colorado and California whose seizures
stopped after they ingested a type of cannabis that does not deliver a
euphoric high.

Vivian was issued a medical marijuana card in February but cannot get
the drug. There is only one dispensary in the state, and it is not
allowed to offer cannabis in an edible form that children can use.

Meghan Wilson said she had been rebuffed by Christie, who is widely
viewed as a possible Republican 2016 presidential candidate.

After the bill was passed, she went to the governor's office to speak
with him but was directed to staff. Then her husband called the
governor's office last week to arrange a meeting, but a scheduler said
Christie "does not have time," she said.

E-mails and a call placed to the governor's office were not returned
Tuesday.

Christie has until Aug. 8 to sign or veto a bill that would require
children to have written approval from only one doctor, the same as
adults. Currently, children must get a psychiatrist and a pediatrician
to sign off on the recommendation of their treating doctor before they
can use cannabis.

Christie has said he prefers this approach. The parents say it is a
cumbersome and expensive process, especially since only two
pediatricians are registered with the state's medical marijuana program.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is opposed to giving children
cannabis, saying it has not been proved effective or safe.

Meghan Wilson said the other drugs her child has been prescribed also
are not approved for her age, but were given when nothing else worked.

The story has made national news, and Meghan Wilson has been
interviewed by news media. On Tuesday, she appeared on Huffington Post
Live, where a panel of doctors and another parent discussed the issue
of children using medical marijuana.

Wilson said that her child's quality of life is at stake because she
is limited to giving Vivian addictive drugs that have serious side
effects. She said cannabis is not known to cause similar side effects
and should be available to children who are suffering.

Instead of being "out enjoying the Jersey Shore," she said, Christie
should sign the bill, which passed both chambers June 24.

Jennie Stormes, whose 14-year-old son, Jackson, has Dravet, is also
involved in the lobbying. On her Facebook page, she asked followers to
call the governor and posted pictures of her son signing a letter
asking him to "please sign the bill."

Stormes, of Hope, Warren County, said Jackson has had brain surgery,
has had an implant placed in his chest to control seizures, and has
tried 35 drugs. Nothing, she said, has worked, and she would like to
try cannabis because of the reports she has heard.

In South Jersey, a dispensary is expected to open in Egg Harbor
Township in the fall. Last month, it received a permit to grow marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Matt