Pubdate: Wed, 17 Jul 2013
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2013 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Jan Hefler

FAX FLOOD ON CHILD MEDICAL POT USE

Christie's opposition to fewer restrictions has led to a campaign by 
parents of a child, 2, with severe epilepsy.

Gov. Christie has received 1,500 faxes over the last three weeks 
urging him to sign a bill that would ease the requirements children 
must meet before they can use medical marijuana, say the parents of a 
2-year-old who has a severe form of epilepsy.

So far, the governor has issued no response, but at previous news 
conferences, he said he was "not inclined" to let children have marijuana.

Children with serious diseases and conditions in New Jersey can 
legally use marijuana, but current regulations make it difficult for 
them to obtain it. A bill that would address these problems passed 
the legislature last month and is on Christie's desk. He has until 
next month to act on it.

Meghan and Brian Wilson of Scotch Plains organized a lobbying effort 
through their website, www.lettersforvivian.org., which generates a 
fax for each person who agrees to support their cause.

Their toddler, Vivian, has Dravet syndrome, a rare type of epilepsy, 
and has been prescribed barbiturates and benzodiazepines to stop 
seizures that have lasted as long as one hour. The couple are buoyed 
by reports of children in Colorado and California whose seizures 
stopped after they ingested a type of cannabis that does not deliver 
a euphoric high.

Vivian was issued a medical marijuana card in February but cannot get 
the drug. There is only one dispensary in the state, and it is not 
allowed to offer cannabis in an edible form that children can use.

Meghan Wilson said she had been rebuffed by Christie, who is widely 
viewed as a possible Republican 2016 presidential candidate.

After the bill was passed, she went to the governor's office to speak 
with him but was directed to staff. Then her husband called the 
governor's office last week to arrange a meeting, but a scheduler 
said Christie "does not have time," she said.

E-mails and a call placed to the governor's office were not returned Tuesday.

Christie has until Aug. 8 to sign or veto a bill that would require 
children to have written approval from only one doctor, the same as 
adults. Currently, children must get a psychiatrist and a 
pediatrician to sign off on the recommendation of their treating 
doctor before they can use cannabis.

Christie has said he prefers this approach. The parents say it is a 
cumbersome and expensive process, especially since only two 
pediatricians are registered with the state's medical marijuana program.

The American Academy of Pediatrics is opposed to giving children 
cannabis, saying it has not been proved effective or safe.

Meghan Wilson said the other drugs her child has been prescribed also 
are not approved for her age, but were given when nothing else worked.

The story has made national news, and Meghan Wilson has been 
interviewed by news media. On Tuesday, she appeared on Huffington 
Post Live, where a panel of doctors and another parent discussed the 
issue of children using medical marijuana.

Wilson said that her child's quality of life is at stake because she 
is limited to giving Vivian addictive drugs that have serious side 
effects. She said cannabis is not known to cause similar side effects 
and should be available to children who are suffering.

Instead of being "out enjoying the Jersey Shore," she said, Christie 
should sign the bill, which passed both chambers June 24.

Jennie Stormes, whose 14-year-old son, Jackson, has Dravet, is also 
involved in the lobbying. On her Facebook page, she asked followers 
to call the governor and posted pictures of her son signing a letter 
asking him to "please sign the bill."

Stormes, of Hope, Warren County, said Jackson has had brain surgery, 
has had an implant placed in his chest to control seizures, and has 
tried 35 drugs. Nothing, she said, has worked, and she would like to 
try cannabis because of the reports she has heard.

In South Jersey, a dispensary is expected to open in Egg Harbor 
Township in the fall. Last month, it received a permit to grow marijuana.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom