cannabisnews.com: Snuffing Out Medical Marijuana
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Snuffing Out Medical Marijuana
Posted by CN Staff on November 17, 2010 at 08:41:38 PT
By Chris Goldstein, Star-Ledger Guest Columnist
Source: Star-Ledger 
Trenton --  Gov. Chris Christie is engaging in an ugly game of politics when it comes to implementing the medical marijuana law. The draft regulations from the Department of Health and Senior Services show science that was selected with a political bias and a strong influence from special interest groups.Qualifying New Jersey residents will remain in the crossfire between Christie and a law he openly opposes unless the Legislature acts decisively.
New Jersey passed the most limited compassionate use law in the country. Polling shows 82 percent of residents support it. Now, the Christie administration is proposing a sterilized cannabis program with regulations tailored for big business. Enacting the draft regulations from DHSS would effectively crush the holistic model of cannabis therapy here, except underground.DHSS did meet with local advocates, but nothing was shared. I was invited to two meetings at the DHSS as a representative of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey. Officials explained a general proposed time line, but revealed nothing as to their detailed plans for the program.DHSS never asked about the new physician registry, THC limits and the defined practices of the Alternative Treatment Centers or anything else in the cadre of new limitations. The perspective of patients and advocates was dismissed in the rules-making process.Earlier this year, Rutgers University and the New Jersey Council of Teaching Hospitals were considered for monopolies over cultivation and distribution. Christie championed the idea. But after university officials conducted a few moments of due diligence, the school backed away.Rutgers was just the public face of many influential businesses that continue to harbor a burning desire to be involved with medical marijuana. For example, hospitals were subtly written into the draft regulations. Snipped   Complete Article: http://drugsense.org/url/gMTDzeL4Source: Star-Ledger (Newark, NJ)Author:  Chris Goldstein, Star-Ledger Guest Columnist Published: November 17, 2010Copyright: 2010 Newark Morning Ledger Co.Contact: eletters starledger.comWebsite: http://www.nj.com/starledger/CannabisNews Medical Marijuana Archiveshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/list/medical.shtml 
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Comment #3 posted by FoM on November 18, 2010 at 07:12:32 PT
Liberal Dutch Weed Policy To Take Another Hit?
November 18, 2010 Amsterdam --  The new conservative Dutch government plans to force the country's marijuana cafes to become "members only" clubs -- a move that would effectively block foreigners from buying weed.While marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands, it is sold openly in designated cafes, and police make no arrests for possession of small amounts.Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten says in the future only Dutch residents would be allowed to purchase cannabis.Shop owners say the idea is unworkable. The city of Amsterdam, which potentially stands to lose a major tourist attraction, say it is considering its response.A spokesman for Opstelten said Thursday details of the plan are uncertain, and the minister will make a formal proposal sometime next year.Copyright: 2010 Associated Presshttp://www.wlos.com/template/inews_wire/wires.international/39d70dae-www.wlos.com.shtml
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Comment #2 posted by Sam Adams on November 17, 2010 at 10:48:31 PT
great piece
I love the way he throws in the comparison to Soviet Russia at the end. As I've said many times that is what we are becoming. We are moving in the direction of the old Soviet Empire than the EU. Especially economically.The State doesn't want you to farm by yourself. Only a big state-sponsored corporation can tell you which plants to grow and how.And then everyone went broke & starved. Some are still starving over there, when they're not being harassed by the mafia. 
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Comment #1 posted by museman on November 17, 2010 at 09:00:27 PT
"Your tax dollars at work"
"The perspective of patients and advocates was dismissed in the rules-making process."LEGALIZE FREEDOM
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