TRENTON — Medical cannabis patients united with legalization advocates for a rally in Trenton today, culminating with about 75 participants lighting up joints across the street from the Statehouse in protest of Gov. Chris Christie's position on marijuana issues.



The peaceful demonstration drew more than 250 people, none of whom was arrested for what one of the organizers described as a "very bold act of civil disobedience." The rally took place outside the capital and was observed by a handful of State troopers, but the smoking took place across the street on city property at the World War II Memorial. Trenton Police were not present.



Ken Wolski, executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana of New Jersey, said he saw the demonstration as a necessary step after failing to make headway using traditional means of reform. There are several bills pending in the legislature, "but they are going nowhere" because lawmakers know the governor will veto them, he said. The coalition was involved in bringing a lawsuit against the state for failing to operate the program as the law intended, but that was dismissed.



"We're pretty desperate," said Wolski, a nurse. "What other redress do we have for our grievances?"

Wolski said he did not worry the protest would alienate people who support medical marijuana but are uncomfortable with legalization — and may criticize the public smoking at the rally.

"I think this is a very nice crowd. I am very proud to be a part of this," Wolski said.



Smoking publicly "felt really normal," said a woman who identified herself as Marion from Edison and the wife of a registered medical marijuana patient – one of about 3,000 in New Jersey. "It felt good. It felt free."



Cannabis is helping her husband's glaucoma, Marion said, but the dispensary prices are too high, and she wanted to see edible products be made available.



A state law Gov. Chris Christie signed last year in an effort to make the program more kid-friendly at the behest of a vocal group of parents limits edible products to children. No edible products are available yet because the state Health Department is still reviewing applications for manufacturing safety and potency.



Ed Forchion, a well-known marijuana activist who calls himself "N.J. Weedman," mocked the governor's edibles ban by tossing to the crowd a couple dozen packaged cookies and granola infused with cannabis that a dispensary had mailed from California.



The gathering included live music, group chants of "Yes We Cannabis!" – playing off Barack Obama's 2008 campaign slogan, "Yes we can" -- and a set by comedian Michael Hayne of Bradley Beach. He said Christie's drug of choice was "Koch-brothers – the billionaire brothers who have bankrolled many conservatives seeking elective office – "which is far more addictive than marijuana."



At 5:03 p.m., Jennie Stormes of Hope Township and her two children – including 15-year-old Jackson, a medical marijuana patient with a life-threatening form of epilepsy – drove away. Within the next day, they will be driving out to their new home in Colorado Springs, Co., a state that is attracting families from around the world for its medical cannabis program.



Stormes had led multiple protests outside the Statehouse since July in an effort to call attention to the flaws with the state medicinal marijuana program, such as the lack of pre-made edible products and unavailability of testing of the homemade oil she feeds her son that has helped reduce his seizures.



Stormes also unsuccessfully tried to sway state officials that her son would continue to need cannabis when he turns 18. She said she sees no reason to stay and put his health at risk. She met with administration officials over the summer but has not heard from them since.



"My son could die in this state," she told the crowd. "My son will live in Colorado."



The protest began at 2 p.m. and ended at 5:30. One participant, a young man named Jeremy, fainted and was taken to a local hospital for observation. His brother who went with him, Josh Rich, said his brother suffered from anxiety, which was triggered by the large gathering of people.

Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook.