Senator Ronald L. Rice today released the following statement regarding Senate President Steve Sweeney’s announcement to move forward with legislation that will expunge marijuana-related criminal records and expand New Jersey’s medical marijuana program.
I’m thrilled that our legislative leadership is committing itself to the compassionate and humane expansion of our state’s medical marijuana program. By increasing the range of diagnosed conditions eligible for treatment and by authorizing more healthcare provider categories to prescribe, thousands more patients will receive relief from symptoms and suffering.
The medical marijuana bill will also lessen travel and cost burdens on patients by increasing their access to caregivers and allowing the convenience of purchasing greater quantities at each dispensary visit. In addition, by providing for a phaseout of taxes, this legislation makes treatment more affordable.