Pubdate: Fri, 12 Jul 2013
Source: Press of Atlantic City, The (NJ)
Copyright: 2013 South Jersey Publishing Co.
Contact:  http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/29
Author: Jeffrey S. Pollack

EASE N.J. REGULATIONS ON MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The Legislature overwhelmingly passed a bill changing the 
medical-marijuana program to ease requirements for pediatric patients 
and allow edible forms of marijuana to be sold. But Gov. Chris 
Christie believes no modifications to the program are necessary. Really?

The regulations contain many unnecessary barriers to access. The 
losers in this skirmish are the legitimate patients. Ironically, 
access remains far easier illegally, than legally. It is the 
law-abiding folk who don't have any access.

I've had to tell prospective patients to try marijuana first and see 
if it helps or not before committing to a byzantine and onerous 
system where $200 doesn't go very far. Of course, they don't know 
whom to ask. Patients who might benefit are denied the opportunity.

I see the need to expand the indications and improve access to 
medical marijuana. Only one facility is open, and it is already 
experiencing demand far in excess of supply. The Egg Harbor Township 
dispensary may be open soon, but expect that site to become quickly 
overwhelmed. Patients should have the right to access cannabis, if 
their physician recommends it.

DR. JEFFREY S. POLLACK

Mays Landing
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom