219 Woodside Ave.

Trenton, NJ 08618
August 30, 2016
New Jersey Department of Health
Office of Commissioner - Medicinal Marijuana Program
Attention: Michele Stark
369 South Warren St., Trenton, NJ 08608
Re: Adding Opiate Use Disorder as a qualifying condition for marijuana therapy
To Whom It May Concern:
I have practiced as a registered nurse (RN) since 1976, and I am currently licensed in New Jersey
(#26NO06161700) and Pennsylvania (#RN248616L). I am writing to recommend that Opiate
Use Disorder be added as a qualifying medical condition in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana
Program (MMP). I am the executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New
Jersey (CMMNJ). The mission of CMMNJ, an all-volunteer 501 (c)(3) nonprofit educational
organization and public charity is, To bring about safe and legal access to medical marijuana for
New Jersey patients who are under the care of licensed physicians and nurse practitioners.
In both my work as a nurse, and in my 13 years with CMMNJ, I have interacted with hundreds
of patients who suffer from Opiate Use Disorder, including addiction and dependency. Many of
the cardholding MMP patients I have worked with have reported to me that they have either
significantly decreased, or have entirely eliminated, their use of opiate medications through the
use of marijuana/cannabis. I have also been contacted by numerous patients who do not qualify
for the states MMP, who are concerned about their opiate use and would very much like to be
able to legally access cannabis in an effort to reduce or eliminate their opiate use.
Numerous studies, published in peer-reviewed scientific journals, support the efficacy of
cannabis in decreasing or eliminating opiate use in patients who have addiction or dependency
issues. I fully support and agree with the studies findings, which reflect my own firsthand
observations as a medical professional. The opiate epidemic in New Jersey is a major public
health crisis that affects our family members, our friends, our colleagues, our neighbors, and our
community. Previous efforts to remedy this situation have failed to create significant change. For
many who suffer from Opiate Use Disorder, I believe that marijuana/cannabis could greatly
alleviate suffering, and help them to lead healthy and productive lives. I strongly urge you to
include Opiate Use Disorder as a qualifying condition for the states MMP.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
609.394.2137 ohamkrw@aol.com