Medical Marijuana in Union County New Jersey

Online, October 17, 2009 (Newswire.com) - By Anthony N. Palumbo,New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer

After a great deal of heated debate, it seems New Jersey is about to become the 14th state in the United States to legalize marijuana for medical purposes. Despite what some may think, this new allowance for medical use will not provide as much of a defense to possession of marijuana charges as is possible in other states. New Jersey's Compassionate Use bill is the strictest in the country, making it extremely difficult to obtain marijuana unless the user is in dire need, and even then a number of strict safeguards must first be surpassed.

The bill recently passed the General Assembly by an 8 to 1 vote, and will now go on to face the full Assembly before being voted in. The New Jersey police force has formed some of the greatest opposition to the passage of the bill, asserting that its passage will lead to more criminal conduct and heavier use, causing a threat to public safety, despite the tight restrictions. Several of the restrictions include that only licensed, non-profit organizations can dole out the marijuana, and medicinal users will not be allowed to grow or manufacture the drug under the guise of medical use. Second, prescriptions will not be allowed for the drug. Instead, a certification from the treating physician is the only vehicle by which to obtain access to the marijuana.

For more information about the laws on Marijuana in New Jersey, visit Anthony N. Palumbo, New Jersey Criminal Defense Lawyer at www.palumbo-renaud.com.