Legalize it? N.J. weighs medicinal marijuana
By JOHN MAJESKI
New Brunswick Home News Tribune, NJ
06/04/06
When the wave of pain brought on by her multiple sclerosis sets in, Patty Jurick said she only has one thing to turn to for relief.
Problem is, she has to break the law.
"God knows I'm not bragging, and I'm not proud," said the Middlesex County resident, who has been smoking marijuana to alleviate the symptoms of her disease for about a year. "But it comes to the point where I'm going to do what I have to do."
Jurick, 42, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis — a progressive illness that has sent her crashing to the floor in physical agony on countless occasions — as a young adult. She said she has tried all of the pain relievers traditional and non-traditional medicine have to offer. But the thing that makes things tolerable and assists with mobility the best, she said, is marijuana.
"You want to call me a drug addict, fine," said the blond-haired Jurick, who must use a wheelchair or walker to get around.
A bill that would legalize medical marijuana — and decriminalize the activities of people such as Jurick — is to be discussed by state legislators on Thursday. Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, head of the Senate health panel, called for the hearing at which experts will speak.
According to the Associated Press, the Assembly has not set any hearings, but Gov. Jon Corzine has previously expressed support for such a law.
New Brunswick Home News Tribune, NJ
06/04/06
When the wave of pain brought on by her multiple sclerosis sets in, Patty Jurick said she only has one thing to turn to for relief.
Problem is, she has to break the law.
"God knows I'm not bragging, and I'm not proud," said the Middlesex County resident, who has been smoking marijuana to alleviate the symptoms of her disease for about a year. "But it comes to the point where I'm going to do what I have to do."
Jurick, 42, was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis — a progressive illness that has sent her crashing to the floor in physical agony on countless occasions — as a young adult. She said she has tried all of the pain relievers traditional and non-traditional medicine have to offer. But the thing that makes things tolerable and assists with mobility the best, she said, is marijuana.
"You want to call me a drug addict, fine," said the blond-haired Jurick, who must use a wheelchair or walker to get around.
A bill that would legalize medical marijuana — and decriminalize the activities of people such as Jurick — is to be discussed by state legislators on Thursday. Sen. Joseph Vitale, D-Middlesex, head of the Senate health panel, called for the hearing at which experts will speak.
According to the Associated Press, the Assembly has not set any hearings, but Gov. Jon Corzine has previously expressed support for such a law.
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