New Jersey Lawmakers Pass Medical Marijuana Bill

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TRENTON — The New Jersey Legislature approved a measure on Monday that would make the state the 14th in the nation, but one of the few on the East Coast, to legalize the use of marijuana to help patients with chronic illnesses.

The measure — which would allow patients diagnosed with severe illnesses like cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig’s disease, muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis to have access to marijuana grown and distributed through state-monitored dispensaries — was passed by the General Assembly and State Senate on the final day of the legislative session.

Gov. Jon S. Corzine has said he would sign it into law before leaving office next Tuesday. Supporters said that within nine months, patients with a prescription for marijuana from their doctors should be able to obtain it at one of six locations.

“It’s nice to finally see a day when democracy helps heal people,” said Charles Kwiatkowski, 38, one of dozens of patients who rallied at the State House before the vote and broke into applause when the lawmakers approved the measure.

Mr. Kwiatkowski, of Hazlet, N.J., who has multiple sclerosis, said his doctors have recommended marijuana to treat neuralgia, which causes him to lose the feeling and the use of his right arm and shoulders. “The M.S. Society has shown that this drug will help slow the progression of my disease. Why would I want to use anything else?”http://www.nytimes.com/2010/01/12/nyregion/12marijuana.html?hp=&pagewanted=print

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1. +1 nt

[waiting]

2. Sometimes my state does things

that I am proud of. But this news goes hand in hand with the sad news that NJ defeated legalising Gay marriage last week.

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3. this is good news.

[NJmaverick]

4. We heading for a 4 year dark ages

under that corrupt partisan hack who is openly bigoted toward the GLBT community.

[waiting]

5. Yup

I agree. I guess after that we will elect another democrat to straighten out the mess Christie will make.