Some patients still blocked from N.J. medical marijuana program

Although medical marijuana is legal in New Jersey, that hasn’t made it any easier for some patients to get their hands on the drug.

Vivian Wilson, 2, of Scotch Plains has Dravet’s Sydrome, a form of epilepsy that can cause seizures, orthopedic and cardiac problems, trouble with balance, and even learning disabilities. But some children with Dravet’s have seen their symptoms all but disappear after receiving cannabis treatments.

“This is helping children, particulary out West, control their seizures, and in fact putting some very serious forms of epilepsy, like Dravet’s Syndrome, almost into remission,” said Vivian’s mother Meghan.

Since no dispensaries in New Jersey are producing edible forms of marijuana that minors can take, the Wilsons and others are pushing for a reciprocity agreement that would allow residents to buy the drug from other states where it’s legal. But Governor Christie has said he won’t expand the medical marijuana program anymore in the state.

WHYY host Jo Ann Allen talked with Meghan Wilson about treating Dravet’s Syndrome, what she thinks of the governor’s position, and how their family will treat Vivian’s illness.