State law to move forward while feds said to have other priorities State law to move forward while feds said to have other priorities

The state will move forward on putting its 2010 medical marijuana law into action, despite apparent conflict with federal law the controlled dangerous substance, according to a statement from the governor.

“I have instructed the Commissioner of Health to move forward as expeditiously as possible to implement the medical marijuana program in New Jersey,” said Gov. Chris Christie on July 19.

According to Christie, the conflict with federal law does not leave medical marijuana suppliers and distributors at risk for prosecution under federal law. “…[I]n the end, I do feel uniquely situated compared to probably a number of my predecessors who are hanging on the walls in this room to make an evaluation of what federal law enforcement would and would not do in the context of all of the facts and circumstances that are here,” said Christie.

“It is clear that we have been careful with this legislation and its regulations,” said Sen. Jeff Van Drew (D-Cape May/Cumberland/Atlantic). “This is the strictest law on medical marijuana in the country. It meets a need for critically ill people. And, the governor has been careful to protect New Jerseyans relying on this law.”