NJ MED BILL 'WEEDS' OUT HOMEGROWN

There's no self-service in New Jersey: not for gas, and, under the
state's new medical-marijuana measure, not for grass.

Unlike the 14 states that have legalized medical marijuana, New
Jersey will not let residents grow their own, according to the bill
that passed the Legislature Monday night.

Instead, those suffering from a short list of severe conditions,
including cancer, AIDS and Lou Gehrig's disease, will be able to get
a prescription from their doctor to register for the right to
purchase weed at state-regulated dispensaries.

These "alternative treatment centers," which can be either nonprofit
organizations or for-profit ventures, will be licensed to grow and
distribute of various strains of cannabis that have been developed to
alleviate suffering from a range of conditions. Patients will be
limited to two ounces per month.

"During the course of the day, they want to use an energetic strain
that keeps people sharp, and at night a different one," said
marijuana expert Chris Conrad, who teaches at "Oaksterdam University"
in California. "The legislators probably do not realize the sheer
number of strains the dispensaries will need to carry."

Unlike California, where having suffered through a single episode of
"Jersey Shore" might qualify someone for medical marijuana, the
measure is considered the most stringent in the nation, perhaps too
strict, said Roseanne Scotti, director of Drug Policy Alliance of New Jersey.

"If it is too costly and too restrictive, people may not want to open
centers," she said.

Outgoing Gov. Jon Corzine is expected to leave office on a high note,
when he signs the bill into law. But after that, state officials will
need to hash out details.

Although the measure limits medical-marijuana conditions, there is a
provision to add others to the list, and advocates expect the drug
will be available to those suffering from many more ailments in years to come.

A medical-marijuana bill passed the New York Assembly's Health
Committee yesterday, but it still has hurdles to clear.

"If a patient and their physician are in agreement that the most
effective way of controlling their symptoms is marijuana, government
should not stand in the way of treatment," Assemblyman Richard
Gottfried (D-Manhattan) said.