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NJ Entrepreneurs Get In On Medical Marijuana

053010pot.jpg With Jersey's new law approving the sale and use of medical marijuana going into effect on July 1st, many entrepreneurs in the state are trying to get in the business on the ground floor. Dozens of people have been scraping together business plans to apply to run the first "alternative treatment centers" in the state, which will distribute the drug to the prescribed. Apparently, many of the applicants are current drug dealers who want to get legit.

Lawyer Anne M. Davis works with people trying to open the centers, and warns that it's not a get-rich-quick scheme as many think. She said, "They think, 'Hey, I'm going to open this great business and I'm going to make a fortune.' But that's not what it's going to be. It's going to be very strictly regulated in New Jersey." Currently, Governor Chris Christie is trying to delay the law's effect date so they can actually write those regulations, but rest assured they will be strict! So far, the state will not allow patients to grow their own marijuana, and will only be allowed to buy 2 ounces a month. The drug can also only be prescribed by a doctor who has had an ongoing relationship with the patient, and only for certain conditions.

But rather than using it as an excuse to reap the benefits of their own crops, most treatment center applicants just think legalization is a smart idea. Applicant Joseph Stevens said his father suffered from non-Hodgkins lymphoma, and a doctor had suggested marijuana to ease the pain. His dad refused because it was illegal, and Stevens wants to open a center to help those who may be in a similar situation. Also, the legalization has created the unexpected bonus of awesome, pot-related puns. Stevens' got the ball rolling with his potential slogan: "A HIGHER standard of care." So when is New York going to get in on the business?

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  • Rick Rosio

    The one thing to remember is this is about helping the suffering to find a better way to deal with chronic pain.

    It has been 4 years since Montana has its cannabis law and I founded the first public clinic and continue to develop the medical model that we use.

    There are problems that ANYONE will face as they begin to develop any cannabis model and it is critical that people acknowledge that this is not a get rich quick scheme but a long term investment into the community that will eventually provide a positive economic generator but only after a tremendous investment in time and funds.

    BEFORE ANYONE UNDERTAKES THIS there must be a legal team in place as well as accounting and compliant policies and procedures that address every application of the clinics operation. THIS IS NOT EASY but with the right model and personnel it can work and benefit all concerned.

    Thank you

    Rick Rosio

    Montana Pain Management INC

    www.montanapm.com

  • "Only 2 ounces a month" would be incredible for the pain I suffer from a slipped disc in my lower back.

    Of course, this is the kind of drug that should be legalized and regulated like alcohol.

  • John L

    Legalize it in New York!

  • nicemarmot

    It really would be so incredibly awesome if I could get it legally for the nausea and vomiting from my migraines, but alas, it seems only people who are dying get to have it in NJ.

  • petemac

    Crohn's Disease causes nausea... and sometimes is a trigger for migraines... and Crohn's is also on the approved list for medical marijuana in NJ... you might want to look into it... I think you might have been misdiagnosed.

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