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 Autism 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 to practice in
New Jersey (#26NO06161700) and Pennsylvania (#RN248616L). I am writing to recommend
that Autism be added as a qualifying medical condition in the New Jersey Medicinal Marijuana
Program (MMP), pursuant to the Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.
There are no FDA approved medicines for treating the core symptoms of autism
communication difficulties, social challenges, and repetitive behaviors. There are two FDA
approved drugs for treating behavioral symptoms associated with autism risperidone and
aripiprazole - but both come with significant risk of dangerous and sometimes permanent side
effects. Medical marijuana/cannabis offers doctors a safe alternative to pharmaceuticals to
address the complex issue of autism.
A great deal of scientific literature supports the use of cannabis and cannabinoids for the many
symptoms and diagnoses within the classification of autism. Notably, the newest clinical
literature for epilepsy also shows reduction of autism symptoms.
As the executive director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, I have come in
contact with numerous families whose children have epilepsy, some of whom are cardholders in
New Jerseys MMP. In addition to epilepsy, some of these same patients have also been
diagnosed with autism. Their families and caregivers overwhelmingly report that the patients
autistic behaviors and associated cognitive delays have significantly improved since they began
using cannabis, and that their suffering due to autism is greatly diminished. I believe that people
who have been diagnosed with autism but do not have another condition that qualifies them for
the states MMP should be allowed to join the program in the hopes of realizing the same lifechanging benefits.
Sincerely,
Kenneth R. Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director, Coalition for Medical Marijuana--New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
609.394.2137 ohamkrw@aol.com