New Jersey Governor Chris Christie Eases Restrictions on Medical Marijuana Program

Trenton, NJ— Gov. Chris Christie drew praise from medical marijuana advocates as he announced he would remove certain restrictions from the state’s medical marijuana program.

In a conditional veto of Senate Bill 2842 the Governor approved the lifting of the three strain limit on the types of medical marijuana that the state’s Alternative Treatment Centers can grow.  He also agreed to allow “edible” products for minors.  The edible products had been banned in the state’s regulations even though they are a more suitable form of medication form minors and in some cases the only way minors can ingest the medicine.  The revised bill will need to go back to the legislature for final approval.

“This is wonderful news,” said Roseanne Scotti, New Jersey state director of the Drug Policy Alliance.  “We and the patients we work with are grateful that Governor Christie agreed to these common-sense and compassionate changes.  This will allow seriously ill children like Vivian Wilson another option for treating their often life-threatening illnesses.  And the removal of the cap on the types of marijuana that can be produced will allow real innovation and better options for patients. ”