Brian Wilson, of Scotch Plains, N.J. holds his 2-year-old daughter Vivian as they prepare to deliver boxes of letters to Gov. Chris Christie's office in Trenton, N.J., on Thursday, Aug. 1, 2013. (AP Photo/Geoff Mulvihill) (AP2013)
Governor Chris Christie did the right thing today allowing medical marijuana, for certain medical conditions, to be legally used in the state of New Jersey.
I know that the term marijuana brings up a lot of controversy, especially regarding broad legalization of the drug. On that aspect, I still have certain concerns, but when it comes to the medical properties of marijuana, I strongly support its use.
There is overwhelming evidence to suggest that medical marijuana has helped thousands of patients that suffer from chronic medical ailments, whether you’re talking about management of chronic pain, nausea or GI problems or enhancement of appetite.
Additionally, there seems to be data suggesting that in certain neurological diseases, some of the chemical properties of marijuana might also be beneficial. Such is the case with Vivian Wilson, 2, whose father urged New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie to pass this historic marijuana law.
Wilson suffers from Dravet Syndrome, a severe, difficult-to-control epileptic condition. Her father, Brian, has said that ingestible extracts of certain strains of marijuana high in a compound known as CBD and low in THC, the chemical that gets pot users high, have reportedly helped children with Wilson’s condition.
Yes, I know that proper monitoring and control of marijuana must be kept in check. But, one thing is certain: Medical marijuana in the 21st century is here to stay. What more politicians must do is to create proper regulatory reforms so that science can move forward while substance abuse remains totally controlled.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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