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NJ Pass On Medical Marijuana Bill For Kids

TRENTON, N.J. (AP) — New Jersey lawmakers have advanced a bill that would make it easier for children with certain medical conditions to have access to medical marijuana.

The measure now goes before Gov. Chris Christie. It cleared the state Assembly earlier Monday.

Proponents say the bill's aim is to bring relief to children with severe illnesses. It would eliminate the need for written consent from a pediatrician and a psychiatrist for juveniles to be eligible.

It would also allow treatment centers to produce an unlimited number of varieties and for marijuana to be produced in an edible form, which is banned.

The bill was drafted in response to the plight of a Scotch Plains girl with severe epilepsy, whose parents had not been able to find a psychiatrist to sign a consent form.

(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

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