Parents plead with Christie to sign bill making it easier for kids to get medical marijuana

Advocates have delivered thousands of letters to Gov. Chris Christie’s office urging him to sign a bill to ease the process for children with severe chronic illnesses to participate in New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.

Scotch Plains resident Meghan Wilson wants medical marijuana for her 2-year-old daughter who has uncontrollable seizures from a severe form of epilepsy.

“It’s a horrible thing to have to see your daughter suffer like this. It’s frustrating because we know that this product, the strains that will help her are out there. It’s just a matter of crossing some state lines,” Wilson said. “To not be able to get it in New Jersey is infuriating.”

Franklinville resident Tina DeSilvio is seeking medical marijuana for her 13-year-old daughter who has double cortex syndrome with uncontrolled seizures.

“She does have seizures. She’s had them since she was two years old. Big fireworks. She calls them fireworks. Big fireworks,” DeSilvio said. “She’s been on countless medications and combinations or medications that have not controlled her seizures thus far.”

The governor has expressed concerns that the legislation could make it easier for kids who don’t meet the qualifications to get the marijuana.

The parents who want him to sign the bill say the tough restrictions in the program should prevent that.