Conservative Cannabis Activist Calls for Compassion

The tide is changing politically and more conservatives are recognizing the failed drug war must end. As a Republican, and a mother of two, I have joined those compassionate supporters of common sense drug policy. Republican Senator Baroni supports the NJ Medical Marijuana Compassionate Use Act. For Senator Baroni, it was the personal stories of patients that caused him deviate from his traditional Republican role of conservatism and just do what he knew was right. He was incredible on the Senate Floor the day the bill passed the Senate because he clearly felt compassion toward these patients that have found marijuana eases their pain and daily suffering. There are more and more Republicans standing up nationally recognizing that the marijuana laws must change. The scientific evidence is clear that it is less harmful to their bodies than the numerous prescription drugs that they are prescribed. Every day as the media increasingly covers cannabis and its related issues, it is becoming more apparent that society is not opposed to the medical use of marijuana.

Currently in the state, NJ resident, John Ray Wilson, a 36-year-old multiple sclerosis patient, is facing 20 years in prison for growing plants to treat his MS. Though he grew 17 plants at his home for his own use, he is charged with operating a manufacturing facility. Recently, the judge assigned to his case ruled that he was not permitted to mention during his trial that he had MS. New Jersey Senators Scaturri and Lesniak have requested a pardon from the Governor recognizing that his criminal prosecution is wrong.

The legislators in this state must recognize that it is vital to stop wasting taxpayers’ dollars on fighting this failed drug war. We are in an economic crisis and there is no bigger waste of government spending than on criminal prosecution of medical marijuana patients. No politician can justify this spending our tax dollars on police resources, prosecutors, judiciary resources, jails, prisons, intervention programs, and probation programs. These patients harm no one and the Compassionate Use Act does not change the existing law for possession, driving or anything else. The bill is merely a means to provide a defense to those patients that truly benefit from it, and allows state regulated alternative treatment centers to provide safe distribution to those patients.

I have faith in my fellow Republican, Governor Elect Christopher Christie, to do what is right in this state and that he will remain true to his campaign promise to support the NJ Medical Marijuana Compassionate Use Act to protect these patients and put an end to wasteful government spending.

Board of Directors, NORML NJ