Assembly’s turn on prescription pot

The Star-Ledger is reporting that Gov. Jon S. Corzine plans to sign legislation approved by the state Senate on Monday that would legalize so-called “medical marijuana” — or pot used by terminally ill or patients in chronic and debilitating pain to allow them a more comfortable and normal existence.

The governor apparently told radio announcer Brian Lehrer on WNYC this morning that he thought the legislation could be crafted to provide relief while also offering safeguards.

The bill passed the Senate on Monday, but is unlikely to get through the Assembly until after November’s election, during what is called the lame-duck session. That’s when legislators tend to handle controversial proposals (repeal of the death penalty, for instance).

I wish the Assembly had as much courage on this as the governor is showing. Like all 80 Assembly members, the governor is up for re-election, but he faces what is expected to be a difficult battle.

Author: hankkalet

Hank Kalet is a poet and freelance journalist. He is the economic needs reporter for NJ Spotlight, teaches journalism at Rutgers University and writing at Middlesex County College and Brookdale Community College. He writes a semi-monthly column for the Progressive Populist. He is a lifelong fan of the New York Mets and New York Knicks, drinks too much coffee and attends as many Bruce Springsteen concerts as his meager finances will allow. He lives in South Brunswick with his wife Annie. View all posts by hankkalet