LEGISLATURE STIRS OVER MEDICAL MARIJUANA

After Anti-Drug Talk, Advocates Seek Legalization Of Pot

TRENTON -- In a move anti-drug activists called counterproductive to
their cause, advocates renewed their quest Tuesday to legalize
medicinal marijuana in New Jersey.

The legalization calls came moments after the Partnership for a
Drug-Free New Jersey touted successes in fighting teen use of illicit
drugs with better communication between parents and children.

Some researchers and supporters of prescription marijuana argue it can
treat glaucoma, ease the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis
and reverse the "wasting disorders" involved with cancer and AIDS.

Legislation is pending in the Senate and Assembly that would legalize
a medical form of marijuana, if prescribed by physicians to patients
with diseases or other conditions that left them with severe and
chronic pain or nausea. Eligible patients would need to enroll in a
state registry.

Although the bill is counter to the Partnership for a Drug-Free New
Jersey, "until we read the bill, it would be foolhardy for us to say
we are for it or against it," said Joseph Miele, chairman and founder
of the organization, as well as chairman of the Governor's Council on
Alcoholism and Drug Abuse.

Acting Gov. Richard Codey has come out against the Compassionate Use
Medical Marijuana Act.

Alaska, California, Colorado, Hawaii, Maine, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont,
Washington and Montana have passed medicinal marijuana laws; the
federal government has opposed all of them.

Ken Wolski, director of the New Jersey Coalition for Medical
Marijuana, said the federal government has been "irrationally opposed"
to such laws, resistance he called cruel to those suffering from
serious diseases.

"These patients are suffering without it. It can save lives, and it
can prolong lives," said Wolski, a registered nurse of 30 years. "It's
really criminal to prevent its use."

In November, the AARP released results of a telephone survey that
found three-quarters of Americans 45 or older support administering
medical marijuana. In the Northeast, 79 percent of respondents told
AARP that they support the idea.

Assemblyman Robert Smith, a municipal prosecutor who often deals with
drug-related cases, said he is in favor of allowing some medicinal use
of tablets containing tetrahydrocannabinol, the drug's active chemical.

Doctors can administer addictive medications such as Oxycontin and
Percocet, he said, adding both can be dangerously misused.

"As a prosecutor, I don't have kids in court who are shoplifting to
support a marijuana problem. It's typically heroin and cocaine. That's
not to downplay the seriousness of the illegal use of marijuana," said
Smith, D-Gloucester. "It has the potential of having a conflicting
message, but physicians are presently prescribing drugs ... that are a
lot more addictive."

Senate Minority Leader Leonard Lance, R-Hunterdon/Warren, said he does
not hold high prospects for legalized marijuana clearing the
Legislature.

"I don't believe there will be a great deal of support within the
Republican caucus," Lance said. "I'm reluctant to legalize marijuana.
But I would be willing to listen."

No hearings or debate on the bill has been scheduled in either house
of the Legislature.

According to the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, parents in
the Garden State with 12- to 15-year-old children reported speaking to
them about drugs at least 25 times in the past year.

These talks are often spurred by advertisements warning of the dangers
posed to youngsters by drugs and alcohol, according to the
partnership.