Pubdate: Tue, 20 May 2014
Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)
Copyright: 2014 Ken Singer
Contact:  http://www.nj.com/starledger/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/424
Author: Ken Singer

NJ'S MEDICAL MARIJUANA PROGRAM LACKS COMPASSION

The state of medical marijuana in New Jersey is not compassionate. As
a medical marijuana patient in Colorado and a former New Jersey
resident for more than 60 years, I find that New Jersey, despite the
criticism of Gov. Chris Christie, is light-years behind Colorado.

For one, the price of medical marijuana ("Clients of N.J. pot
dispensary report 'dramatic' decline in pain," May 15) is cited as
$428 per ounce. In Boulder, it's $100 to $150 an ounce. Recreational
pot is taxed at 20 percent or more, and the state is having an
unanticipated bonus of new revenue.

In addition, the six strains at New Jersey's Compassionate Care
Foundation dispensary are likely inadequate for the different
conditions that medical marijuana patients require. Smaller
dispensaries carry dozens of varieties and many types of edibles or
beverages, with likely higher percentages of THC and combinations of
other active ingredients.

Public opinion regarding medical marijuana and even legalization, is
growing nationally. Colorado hasn't experienced increased crime, nor
have other dire predictions come true since legalization.

Isn't it time New Jersey relaxes its medical marijuana
regulations?

Ken Singer, Lambertville  
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