Pubdate: Mon, 28 Mar 2016
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2016 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Saul Lichtine

OBSTACLES PERSIST FOR N.J.'S SICK, POOR

A recent Inquirer article described the high cost of medical 
marijuana in New Jersey ("New Jersey's medical marijuana prices could 
be nation's highest," March 18). The average cost of $489 an ounce is 
indeed exorbitant, denying poor patients a means of treating pain, 
nausea, and insomnia - just a few of marijuana's remarkable 
qualities. As a Stage 4 pancreatic cancer survivor, I can attest to 
these benefits personally.

Moreover, New Jersey's marijuana dispensaries charge a $200 fee for 
every patient and caregiver. No dispensary accepts credit card 
payments, so patients are forced to carry large sums of cash, making 
this a crime waiting to happen to the most sick and vulnerable. And 
there are limited numbers of authorized doctors and dispensaries in 
the state, which makes obtaining treatment more difficult, especially 
for the poor.

All in all, New Jersey's medical marijuana program is falling very 
short of meeting the needs of all its citizens, rich and poor.

Saul Lichtine, Voorhees
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