Patients State Case For Marijuana Use

The Star Ledger

Lawmakers debate legalizing medical marijuana

by Joe Donohue/The Star-Ledger
Thursday May 22, 2008, 5:00 PM

Multiple sclerosis patients and others urged state lawmakers today to legalize the use of marijuana in New Jersey to ease suffering, but others warned the practice could spur more drug abuse.

"We all are living proof that this is effective. This is common sense,'' said Scott Ward of Robbinsville, a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient and former Marine who said minimal daily use of marijuana has made drastic improvements in his qualify of life.

Ward was one of several advocates who testified before the Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee. They spoke in favor of a bill (A-804) that would given special legal protection to victims of serious illness who smoke marijuana to ease their pain or symptoms.

The committee did not vote on the issue and Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Mercer) said he will consider changes and consult with Assembly leaders before deciding his next step.

"This doesn't make marijuana rampant in society,'' said Gusciora, who is also a municipal prosecutor. "Medical marijuana should be a last resort when all other drugs do not work."

Twelve states have legalized the practice, while two others have reduced criminal penalties. The federal government still considers marijuana use a crime even in those 14 states, but the assemblyman said most federal prosecutions involve major pushers.

David Evans, a Flemington attorney and a cancer survivor who once endorsed the practice, said he now believes the medicinal use movement is a front for groups who want broader legalization of marijuana.

"You might do more harm by passing this bill than by not passing this bill,'' he said.

A representative of the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence-New Jersey also voiced concern, saying the Food and Drug Administration has refused to approve the practice, because officials there remained dubious about health benefits and fearful of potential for abuse.

"Allowing marijuana to be used for medical purposes will lead to increased access and perceived availability to those that are not authorized to use it,'' said Candice Singer.