CHRISTIE BLOWING SMOKE

The Christie administration has found yet another way to delay
implementation of New Jersey's medical marijuana law. Enough already.

The measure was debated for years and thoroughly vetted by the state
Legislature. It was finally adopted and signed into law by Gov. Jon S.
Corzine more than a year ago. But Christie has sabotaged it at every
turn. The law took effect last October, but it's still unclear when
medical marijuana will be dispensed.

Many chronically ill patients have been waiting for years. Elise
Segal, who suffers from multiple sclerosis, told the Drug Policy
Alliance that she and "other sick and dying patients" feel like "pawns
in a game of politics being played by the Christie
administration."

In the latest stall tactic, state Attorney General Paula Dow has asked
the U.S. Justice Department to review the law. Dow last week requested
clarification on whether federal authorities would arrest those
licensed to grow medical marijuana or administer the program. Good
question - but it's been answered.

The issue was cleared up in October 2009, when the Justice Department
directed federal prosecutors in states that allow medical marijuana
not to target patients or their sanctioned suppliers when the drug is
purchased for legitimate purposes.

That directive, a welcome departure from past federal policy, made
sense. It gave states a green light to pass medical marijuana laws,
but left the door open for federal agents to still go after illegal
marijuana operations.

New Jersey passed one of the strictest laws when it became only the
14th state in the country to legalize medical marijuana. Legislators
did a good job of studying the mistakes made in states like
California, where providing medical marijuana has led to a booming
recreational pot business with rampant abuses.

Last year, lawmakers gave Christie an extra three months to draft
regulations to implement the law. That was after the state was forced
to redraft its first proposed rules, which would have made it
difficult for most patients to get medical marijuana. But the new
rules on how the drug will be dispensed remain in limbo.

Studies show that marijuana can alleviate pain and other symptoms in
seriously ill or dying patients. Christie's stalling is unduly causing
those patients to suffer.