Pubdate: Wed, 11 Sep 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
Page: B6

CHRISTIE SIGNS MARIJUANA BILL

Gov. Christie signed legislation Tuesday that changes New Jersey's 
medical marijuana law to improve sick children's access to the drug.

Last month, Christie vetoed a bill designed to remove barriers 
preventing a 2-year-old Scotch Plains girl with a rare form of 
epilepsy and other children with ailments from obtaining cannabis. He 
promised to sign it if lawmakers would agree to his revisions.

On Monday, the Assembly went along with the governor, following 
Senate action last month.

"I'm pleased the Legislature accepted my recommendations so that 
suffering children can get the treatment they need," he said in a 
statement Tuesday. "I've said all along that protection of our 
children remains my utmost concern, and this new law will help sick 
kids access the program while also keeping in place appropriate safeguards."

The parents of toddler Vivian Wilson say she needs cannabis to 
control life-threatening seizures but their efforts have been stymied 
by a dearth of dispensaries in New Jersey and prohibitive regulations.

The bill that Christie signed into law allows dispensaries to produce 
the drug in edible form so children can use it. It also lifts 
restrictions on authorized growers so that they may produce more than 
the current three strains, including one tailored to children.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom