The Garden State

On Monday of this week the New Jersey Legislature approved the legalization of medical marijuana, making it the 14th state in the union to take such steps. The bill, which was signed by Governor Jon Corzine before leaving office on Tuesday, allows patients diagnosed with chronic illness, such as cancer, AIDS, Lou Gehrig's disease, muscular dystrophy, and multiple sclerosis to receive prescription marijuana.

Despite the fear mongering surrounding the issue of legalization, hopefully with the bill's passing a open dialogue will emerge highlighting the medicinal benefits that research has shown over the years. Although it will undoubtedly be a tough road for NJ's path towards legalization in the coming years under Governor-elect Chrishopher Christie, who referenced California's recent pro-pot measures as "completely out of control", this is still a first and all-important step towards putting the healing benefits of marijuana into the hands of the people.

Image: "Marijuana" by skinfitness on Flickr courtesy of Creative Commons Licensing.