Medical marijuana bills introduced in New Jersey

This could be the year that New Jersey protects medical marijuana patients from arrest and prison. On January 10, Sen. Nicholas Scutari (D-Linden) and Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Trenton) respectively introduced S. 88 and A. 933—companion bills known as the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. Even though recently elected Gov. John Corzine (D) supports protecting medical marijuana patients, we need your help to move this legislation forward.

Please click here to write a letter to your state legislators, urging them to support the medical marijuana bills. With just a few clicks, our automated system will allow you to send pre-written letters to your legislators, or you can compose the letters yourself.

Please take action now.

Then, please send a letter-to-the-editor to your local papers, expressing your hope that lawmakers will end New Jersey’s cruel policy of criminalizing the seriously ill by passing S. 88 and A. 933. With just a few clicks, our automated system will easily allow you to send a letter to newspapers in New Jersey. Feel free to draw from the talking points that we have provided, but remember that a personalized letter is more likely to be published than a form letter.

Please send a letter-to-the-editor today.

During the 2005 gubernatorial race, both major party candidates –- Republican Douglas Forrester and Democrat John Corzine –- expressed their support for protecting seriously ill patients who use medical marijuana when their doctors recommend it. Indeed, each candidate said he would sign a medical marijuana bill as governor if it reached his desk. In a debate last October, Corzine said “I believe medical marijuana is something that, if a doctor prescribes it, we need to do what is in the best interest of the patient. It’s a tragedy when you’re not giving the best medication to an individual.”

Tell your legislators to heed the governor’s advice, and don’t let them neglect this issue for another year. Let them know that you are outraged by New Jersey’s criminalization of seriously ill patients and that you expect them to pass these bills without delay.

Please write to your legislators and then send a letter-to-the-editor today.

Rhode Island just became the 11th state to protect medical marijuana patients from arrest and incarceration. It’s time for New Jersey to follow suit. Polls consistently show massive public support for this issue; in fact, a 2002 statewide poll conducted by Rutgers University’s Eagleton Institute of Politics found that an overwhelming 82% percent of New Jerseyans support the use of marijuana for medical purposes. With such immense public support and with reputable organizations like the New Jersey State Nurses Association supporting safe access to medical marijuana, MPP is hopeful that seriously ill patients in New Jersey will soon get the protection they deserve.

Thank you for supporting the Marijuana Policy Project. Please pass this message along to your friends and family in New Jersey so that others can stand up for the state’s most vulnerable residents.