The Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey (CMMNJ) is proud to announce a Medical Marijuana Stakeholders Meeting held in conjunction with the national patient advocacy organization, Americans for Safe Access (ASA).  Medical marijuana patients, their families, advocates, potential Alternative Treatment Center owners, and health care professionals should attend the meeting.

There will be a benefit dinner at the Hyatt Regency Princeton on Friday night, 8/20/10 at 7:00 PM.  CMMNJ’s volunteers, Board members and ASA’s Steph Sherer will will attend the dinner and the public is invited.  The Hyatt is located at 102 Carnegie Center, Princeton, NJ 08540.  The dinner includes appetizers, salad, a choice of four entrees, dessert and beverages.

The cost to attend the all-day meeting on Saturday is $20, and includes lunch.  The cost for the Friday night benefit dinner is $100.  There is limited seating.  To secure a place at this important meeting, and/or the benefit dinner, send a check made out to "CMMNJ" to 219 Woodside Ave, Trenton, NJ 08618. Or, pay through PayPal at www.cmmnj.org make sure to put “Stakeholders Meeting” in the note.

“CMMNJ is thrilled to bring to Trenton these national leaders in the medical marijuana movement,” said Ken Wolski, a registered nurse and executive director of CMMNJ.

Steph Sherer, Executive Director of ASA, will be the featured presenter at the Stakeholders Meeting.  Steph is an international leader and expert in medical cannabis advocacy who aids in drafting legislation and advises governments around the globe. She has been a guest lecturer at University of California, Berkeley and George Washington University, DC.  Jahan Marcu, a cannabinoid researcher from Temple University School of Medicine, and a member of the ASA Medical Advisory Board, will discuss his work on cannabinoids eliminating cancer tumors.  Caren Woodson, ASA’s Director of Government Affairs, will also give a presentation.  Caren played an integral role in the drafting of San Francisco’s ordinance that permits and regulates medical cannabis distribution centers.  Also presenting Saturday on the status and details of New Jersey’s medical marijuana law will be CMMNJ’s Ken Wolski RN and Chris Goldstein.

CMMNJ has worked with ASA as a resource throughout the medical marijuana legislative effort in New Jersey.  Now that the Garden State has passed a compassionate use law it is vital for local advocates to learn from seasoned experts how to proceed forward. New Jersey’s medical cannabis patients and volunteers can also be an important part of the national discussion about safe access.

ASA has ambitious national, regional and local Goals and Objectives for providing medical marijuana to patients. The Stakeholders Meeting will look at the following topics:

1. Creating the political playing field necessary to pass federal, state, and local legislation.
2. Implementing medical cannabis laws with methods that meet the needs of patients.
3. Passing meaningful legislation that creates safe and legal access in additional states.

Media passes are available. A brief press conference will be held.