Chris Christie’s move has the potency to raise many eyebrows as the New Jersey Gov. seeks to provide sick children in the state access to medical marijuana.
The governor has assured that he would impose more regulations and put all measures in place so that the practice is not abused.
More than One Doctor to Give Consent
Marijuana will be provided in pill form to the children who are in a state of unbearable pain. The pill will be administered after consent is given by two doctors. In case the doctors are not registered with the state program, three doctors will have to give the go-ahead to the pill.
“While many will disagree with the decision to allow minors access to marijuana, even for serious illnesses, parents should remain empowered to make a choice based on their own reflections,” Mr. Christie wrote when he conditionally vetoed legislation that would have required the green signal from a single doctor for marijuana’s administration.
The legislation has roots in the case of 2-year old Vivian Wilson of Scotch Plains, N.J., who is suffering from a rare form of epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome. The anti-seizure medicines are ineffective in her case. Wilson’s parents have advocated the move as only marijuana works for her.
Effective in Chronically Ill Patients
While the number of supporters and detractors may not be known exactly, the marijuana issue is not likely to impact Christie’s possible presidential run in 2016.
“My concern would be that he’s creating an image that will offend conservative Republicans in a Republican primary. It will be difficult to distance himself from it if he doesn’t start to take some positions that conservatives like to see,” said Michael Dennehy, a GOP consultant from New Hampshire.
Medical marijuana has proved efficacious in relieving pain of the chronically ill patients. The substance is also known to stimulate appetite. The New Jersey’s program on marijuana is one of the most regulated ones in the country.
