Assembly Democrats Joann Downey, Joseph Danielsen, Eliana Pintor Marin, Andrew Zwicker, Eric Houghtaling and Carol Murphy issued the following statements after approval of the bill (A-20) by the Assembly on Thursday, which included Governor’s recommendations:
“We’re a step closer to the Governor signing medicinal marijuana legislation into law that will provide patients with access to proven effective treatments,” said Downey (D-Monmouth). “This bill is takes the critical step needed to help more residents, and create a safe infrastructure for medicinal marijuana to grow as a program and business in New Jersey.”
“We’ve built upon the legislation to expand access by removing the many bureaucratic hurdles patients and their families have to jump through,” said Danielsen (D-Middlesex, Somerset). “We will soon be able to meet the current demand on the medical marijuana program and more. We’re improving access and supporting the access with opportunity.”
“This legislation impacts New Jersey residents in two significant ways. We’re helping patients gain access to new treatments that will help them to live better with an illness,” said Pintor Marin (D-Essex). “And, through the expansion of the medical marijuana program, we’re creating new opportunities for business and career growth in a burgeoning industry.”
“Once enacted, this legislation will provide patients with another treatment modality which can give them relief from debilitating symptoms as a result of their medical conditions,” said Zwicker (D-Somerset, Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon). “New Jersey will be taking a significant step forward in how we improve patients’ quality of life and treat the symptoms of severe and chronic illnesses.”
“The goal here was to really help people who are dealing with life-changing, long-term medical conditions. We are doing that,” said Houghtaling (D-Monmouth). “Medical marijuana has proven to be an effective treatment for some medical conditions. This legislation will make this treatment even more accessible and more versatile- to help residents live their best lives for themselves and their families.”
“We’re putting patients and doctors back in charge of a patient’s medical care plan with this bill,” said Murphy (D-Burlington). “Patient care and their individual needs must be a priority in order to support them wherever they are in their lives.”