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New Jersey's Medical Marijuana Program Stuck In A Rut, No Thanks To Feds
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 24, 2011
Modified Oct 24, 2011
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By
Christopher Robbins
Published Oct 24, 2011
Modified Oct 24, 2011
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New Jersey's once-lauded medical marijuana initiative, which passed in 2010, is now indefinitely ensnared in bureaucracy. Initially supposed to begin this summer, governor Chris Christie put off launching the non-profit dispensaries for three months for the health department to investigate, and now it's uncertain when they'll open. The Star-Ledger seemingly crippled the opening of one clinic thanks to its ties to a Ponzi-schemer, and now they report that the Foundation Harmony dispensary cites bogus diplomas from dubious universities and has a medical advisor who once faced fraud allegations in New York.
The state's health department assures the paper that "no center will be given a permit unless it satisfies all of the state's requirements, including municipal approvals, security plans and background checks." In addition to their doctor, who once faced fraud and racketeering charges, Foundation Harmony has two directors who have filed for bankruptcy and is also attempting to open the center as a 501(c)(3) charity, making it tax-exempt. An attorney in the field says that's illegal because marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
Why is anyone surprised that these medical marijuana dispensaries are tied to suspect practices? In 2009, a memo drafted by Obama's Justice Department declared that medical marijuana would go unprosecuted in states that made it legal. This has not been the case: two weeks ago federal prosecutors in California threatened to shut down dispensaries within 45 days under the threat of property seizure and prosecution. Colorado, Arizona, Vermont and Rhode Island all received similar, if not as severe, ultimatums from US attorneys. Why would reputable members of New Jersey's business community open a marijuana dispensary if they knew they'd be shut down or face prosecution by the federal government?
Despite 50% of Americans supporting marijuana legalization, the Obama administration believes it can score political points by scaring states who pass laws allowing marijuana legalization. Winning the War On Drugs, now that's Change We Can Believe In.
Tagged
about-faces
marijuana
medical marijuana
new jersey
obama administration
ponzi schemes
pot
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
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Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
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