Arguments continue over N.J. medical marijuana

The New Jersey Health Department has scheduled a hearing for early next month on proposed rules to implement the state’s medical marijuana program. The sponsors of the legislation are continuing efforts to have the rules repealed.The regulations drafted by the Christie administration would limit the potency of the marijuana and have fewer sites to grow and distribute it than called for in the law the Legislature enacted.Assemblyman Reed Gusciora said the rules will make it more difficult for seriously ill patients to get the drug.”This should be about compassion, should be about access for patients, and I think the regulations are a little too strict,” said Gusciora. “We just need the Governor to relax them somewhat.”The Senate plans to vote next month on a resolution already approved by the Assembly that would require the regulations to be revised.Governor Chris Christie said the rules are consistent with the law, but he’s willing to talk with lawmakers to consider possible changes.”What I want is for people who are truly hurting to be taken care of and I do not want our state to be exposed to the defacto legalization of marijuana,” he said Wednesday.