Business group expects medical marijuana to be economic boon for N.J.

A business group says the start of New Jersey’s medical marijuana program will help stimulate the state’s economy.

Thomas Leto, president of the Medical Marijuana Chamber of Commerce, anticipates New Jersey’s program will generate tens of millions of dollars in economic activity.

“We’re in California and in California you’ve got businesses flourishing all over the industry from hydroponic equipment dealers to medical marijuana ingestion devices,” said Leto whose organization has a membership of 340 businesses in 15 other states that have legalized medical marijuana.

“You’ve got a lot of support groups, a lot of trade shows and conventions,” Leto said. “There is an entire emerging economy and industry in this market.”

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A representative of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey is hopeful the alternative treatment centers that will grow and dispense the marijuana will be open by the end of the year.

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