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Legislation to legalize the use of marijuana for “compassionate medical” purposes passed the New Jersey General Assembly’s Health and Senior Services Committee by an 8-1 vote, MSNBC reported June 5.
The measure now goes to the full Assembly for consideration. A similar bill has already been approved by the state Senate.
Bill opponents include some law-enforcement officials who worry that legalizing medical marijuana will increase drug use and crime.
The legislation includes components that would restrict marijuana distribution to licensed, non-profit centers. The bill also requires certification from a physician treating the medical condition before marijuana use would be allowed.
“It will be the most restrictive law in the U. S. … with the most safeguards in terms of abuse,” said Sen. Fred Scutari (D- Middlesex), who co-sponsored the bill.
Published
June 2009