Pubdate: Fri, 06 Apr 2012
Source: Asbury Park Press (NJ)
Copyright: 2012 Asbury Park Press
Contact:  http://www.app.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/26
Author: Amanda Oglesby

SUPPORT GROWS FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA IN PLUMSTED FARMING COMMUNITY

PLUMSTED - Support for medical marijuana may be gaining ground, as
four Republican Committeemen voted in favor of an ordinance Wednesday
that could permit a medical marijuana facility to be constructed in
Plumsted.

Under the ordinance, a state-approved medical marijuana company could
apply before the township Land Use Board to place a cultivation center
within the town's light industrial zone 1.

The ordinance reverses a December action by the five-member Township
Committee that blocked applications before the Land Use Board that are
not in compliance with federal law. Federal law does not yet recognize
the use of medically-prescribed marijuana, although New Jersey law
does.

Four committee members supported the new ordinance: Mayor David
Leutwyler, Jack Trotta, Michael Wysong and Herbert "Herb" Marinari.
Deputy Mayor Eric Sorchik cast the lone dissenting vote.

Explaining his objection, Sorchik said the federal government could
close a medical marijuana facility in the future, and that the town
should insist on compliance with federal law.

Marinari, a four-time cancer survivor, said he could not put aside his
personal experience when considering the issue. Aside from cancer
patients, medical marijuana is used to help people affected by about
40 other diseases, he said.

"This is not specific for cancer. This is specific for a lot of
things," he said. "This (ordinance) is something that Plumsted should
be proud of."

Various towns have considered the issue as medical marijuana companies
in the state hunt for locations for future cultivation and
distribution centers.
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MAP posted-by: Matt