Jay Lassiter is a news-maker, frequently appearing on local TV programs to discuss New Jersey politics. Thankfully he has also been on the front lines of the medical marijuana effort in Trenton.
Jay lives with HIV in NJ and he qualifies for the new medical cannabis program. But Governor Chris Christie and his appointees at the Department of Health and Senior Services (DHSS) have offered a set of broken regulations. Among the problems with the draft rules: A 10% cap on THC, just two ounces per month as a maximum patient supply and draconian instructions for physicians.
NJ was the first state to pass a medical marijuana law without provisions for home cultivation. Seriously ill residents must wait for Alternative Treatment Centers to be licensed by DHSS. After a series of delays patients are still waiting for administration to implement the compassionate use program in the No-Garden State. (Russ at NORML coined that one)
On March 7, 2011 a public hearing was held by DHSS to gather public comments. Here is Lassiter’s testimony:
Read Jay Lassiter’s blog: www.blujersey.com