New Jersey Bill Expands Medical Marijuana Program Despite Federal Prohibition
Last Wednesday, New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie signed a measure expanding the state’s medical marijuana law, further nullifying federal prohibition in practice.
A coalition of representatives introduced Assembly Bill 457 (A457) in January. The the new law adds post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to the list of debilitating medical conditions that qualify a patient to receive medical marijuana under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
The Assembly passed A457 on June 16 by a 56-7 vote. After substituting the assembly bill for a Senate version, the Senate passed the measure 28-9 on Aug. 1. Gov. Christie’s signature, the provision went into immediate effect.
New Jersey legalized marijuana for medical use in 2010. The program developed slowly. but started to pick up speed after the state’s second dispensary opened in the fall of 2013. Allowing patients suffering from PTSD to access medical marijuana should further accelerate the medicinal cannabis program in New Jersey.
Christie directed the state’s health commissioner to promulgate additional regulations that provide “clear objective criteria” regarding the drug’s use for PTSD, according to The Cannabist.
New Jersey counts as the 18th state to allow medical marijuana for the treatment PTSD.
EFFECT ON FEDERAL PROHIBITION
New Jersey’s medical marijuana program removes one layer of laws prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana, but federal prohibition remains in place.
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