Politics & Government

Chris Christie Signs 3 Bills Into Law, Including Medical Marijuana Legislation

Gov. Chris Christie signed three bills into law Wednesday, including legislation that legalizes medical marijuana for some patients.

Gov. Chris Christie signed three bills into law Wednesday, including legislation that legalizes medical marijuana for some patients.

Christie signed legislation to approve the use of medical marijuana for those suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, noting that many soldiers could benefit from its usage.

He noted that since the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks, the United States "has vigorously fought terrorism beginning with Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom."

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"As a result of over a decade of active combat, the United States military has seen the largest number of PTSD cases in several generations," Christie said in a statement.

He said the bill would provide struggling veterans and others "with the ability to use medical marijuana to treat PTSD, but only after it has been determined by a physician or psychiatrist that conventional medical therapy is ineffective."

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The legislation, sponsored by Sens. Nicholas P. Scutari and Joseph F. Vitale, will add PTSD to the list of debilitating medical conditions that would qualify a patient to receive medical marijuana under the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act is now law.

“People across the country suffer with PTSD, including many military veterans. Extending access to those in New Jersey with this condition can help to ease the pain they experience,” said Scutari, a Democrat in Union and chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We know that individuals with PTSD are using marijuana that they are getting from the streets and, unfortunately, they are at risk of purchasing a substance that may be laced with a dangerous additive and of getting a criminal charge. "

Christie also announced that he has taken action on the following legislation:

BILL SIGNINGS:

A-227/S-331 (DeAngelo, Mukherji, Vainieri Huttle, McKeon/Scutari, Madden) - Requires NJT to hold public hearing and provide notice prior to any curtailment of certain bus and rail services

A-457/S-2345 (Mazzeo, Eustace, Gusciora, Holley/Scutari, Vitale) – w/STATEMENT - Authorizes medical marijuana for qualifying patients with post-traumatic stress disorder

A-1697/S-2394 (Dancer, Burzichelli, Bramnick, Caputo, Houghtaling/T. Kean, Bateman) - Authorizes New Jersey Racing Commission to grant special horse racing permit for steeplechase races; allows wagering on such races


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