ADVOCATES SPEAK FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA

The 12-drug cocktail Scott Ward was prescribed to help deal with his
multiple sclerosis knocked him out so much that he couldn't even get
out of bed.

"I would just sit there, not being able to move, practically drooling
on myself," said Ward.

The 25-year-old Rutgers graduate and former Marine found the only
thing that made the pain go away was marijuana but was "apprehensive"
about using it and getting in trouble with the law. But the illegal
drug, said Ward, was the only drug that gave him the ability to function.

"I could get up and walk around. I couldn't do that on the medicine
the doctors prescribed to me," said Ward, of Robbinsville.

Along with Ward's, a host of similar stories were shared with the
Assembly health committee Thursday, with lawmakers again
contemplating whether to make New Jersey the 13th state in the nation
to legalize marijuana use for medicinal purposes.

Opposed by anti-drug advocacy groups, the bill would allow doctors to
prescribe use of the drug for those suffering with debilitating
medical conditions, such as cancer, HIV/AIDS and multiple sclerosis.
The bipartisan bill was not voted on Thursday after a discussion that
was more of a gauge to see where lawmakers stand on the issue and
talk about its possible implementation, said sponsor Assemblyman Reed
Gusciora, D-Mercer.

"Any time we can give people the opportunity to lead a productive
life, we should encourage that and also facilitate that," said
Gusciora. "This is not to make marijuana rampant in society, but
simply after being prescribed by a physician for treatment of the
most debilitating diseases that we have."

Identification cards to prevent prosecution for carrying the illegal
substance would be issued to patients or adult caregivers prescribed
marijuana. Those prescribed the drug would have to enter into a
state-run database.

The bill was met by strong opposition from anti-drug advocacy groups,
who spoke of potential abuse, negative health effects and ulterior
motives by groups advocating its legalization.

"First rule of medicine is do no harm. ... There is at least
reasonable doubt that you might do more harm by passing this bill
than not passing this bill," said David Evans, executive director of
the New Jersey Drug Free Schools coalition, who argued groups
supporting the bill are using it as "a lever for legalizing
marijuana" for all citizens.

Drug Policy Alliance state director Roseanne Scotti, who supports the
bill, said she would not address the allegations, but prior to the
meeting Scotti discussed similar arguments that the bill was a front
to legalize drugs.

"These are seriously ill people. This is about compassion and
relieving suffering, nothing else," Scotti said.

There is no mechanism in the proposal, however, allowing for a
distribution system or for the state to grow marijuana plants, which
several committee members voiced concerns about because of the
illicit means that would have to be used to obtain it.

Assemblywoman Joan Quigley, D-Hudson, suggested to the committee that
before the bill starts moving through the Legislature "we come up
with at least a pilot program of distribution so we are not putting
people in harm's way having to obtain it."

Lawmakers discussed ideas such as being able to obtain marijuana at a
pharmacy or through marijuana cooperatives such as ones in
California, but Gusciora said he did not favor marijuana shops or cooperatives.

Studies have shown marijuana use can have positive effects on
relieving pain and nausea, but the U.S. Food and Drug Administration
has not given its approval.