July 20, 2011 | No Comments
Posted by Jay S. Becker
After over a year and a half since first signed into law by former Governor Jon Corzine, Gov. Christie finally approved the use of marijuana for medicinal purposes. The delay was related to the conflict of the state law with federal law, which still strictly prohibits the use and sale of marijuana, even for medicinal purposes. Gov. Christie wanted to make sure that the state would not face federal prosecution if it allowed the sale of marijuana.
New Jersey joins 15 other states and the District of Columbia in the legalization of marijuana for medicinal use, although it appears that New Jersey’s law may be the strictest in the nation, namely because it controls how much of the active ingredient THC may be in the drug. After going through so much scrutiny in NJ, particularly with Gov. Christie, a former federal prosecutor, it is believed that many other states that currently do not allow the use of medical marijuana, may now reconsider.
How long it will take to put the law into effect needs to be seen, but for thousands of people in NJ suffering with painful ailments, it appears that relief is finally on the way.
Stay tuned for updates on this important law, and how it may impact the employment arena.