Unlikely Allies Work on New Jersey Medical Marijuana Bill

In New Jersey, a conservative lawmaker and a liberal colleague have found common ground on the issue of legalizing medical marijuana, the Press of Atlantic City reported Sept. 7.

For Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton Borough), the medical marijuana issue is a personal one. "I had a constituent whose son passed away from cancer," Gusciora said. "And another constituent whose wife passed away from cancer."

He said in both cases, medical marijuana would have relieved the nausea and other suffering caused by chemotherapy.

Assemblymen Michael Patrick Carroll (R-Morris Township) said his support for legalizing medical marijuana is both personal and political. "When my grandmother was dying of a particularly nasty cancer, I would not have stood between her and a release from that pain," he said.

Carroll said no patient should have to choose between breaking the law and continuing to suffer. "There's no such thing as an evil plant," he said. "No such thing as an evil substance. If a patient can benefit from a substance, why should the law stand in between a patient and release? The less time we spend telling people what to do, the better."

Gov. James McGreevey has indicated his opposition to medical marijuana. However, he is resigning Nov. 15, at which time state Sen. President Richard Codey will become acting governor. Cody declined to comment on his position until after he reads the bill.

If the bill makes it to law, New Jersey would become the 10th state to legalize marijuana for medical reasons.

Source: www.jointogether.org