Last Monday, the first-ever floor vote on medical marijuana in New Jersey was successful, passing in the New Jersey Senate by a vote of 22 - 16. This important legislation will help to relieve the suffering and improve the quality of life for seriously ill people in New Jersey.

The “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” is now one step closer to helping New Jerseyans whose symptoms are not relieved by currently available medications. Medical research has shown that marijuana can offer relief from terrible symptoms such as pain, nausea, muscle spasms, loss of appetite and wasting associated with cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and other life-threatening illnesses.  Thirteen states have shown the compassion and common sense to allow seriously ill patients access to medical marijuana, and New Jersey could be next.

Thanks to drug policy reformers in New Jersey who contacted their legislators in support of this bill, sick and dying people in this state suffering from serious illnesses were able to celebrate a real victory. While DPA and patient advocates have taken a historic leap forward toward making medical marijuana a reality in New Jersey, there is still much work to be done. Together we'll keep up the momentum by working for passage of the bill as it moves on to the New Jersey Assembly for consideration.