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CANNABIS ACTIVIST KEN WOLSKI Inside the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey
LEAFMAGAZINES.COM
On a muggy July day, six months into legalization, Northeast Leaf sat down with CMMNJ’s Ken Wolski. In a baby blue house on a shady side street, tucked at the end of an avenue like an afterthought, we discussed his decades of activism, legal Cannabis and the battles to come. “One person really makes a difference in the health of 9 million people,” according to Ken Wolski. The Cannabis crusader wasn’t talking about himself, but a different man who controls plenty. “New Jersey has one of the most powerful governors in the country,” asserts Ken. For nearly a decade, the previous governor delayed and obstructed medical Cannabis – however, consumers and patients were optimistic when Phil Murphy took office in 2018. “One of the things that Gov. Murphy did in his first week,” said Ken, “is sign executive order #6 to expand and ease access to medical Cannabis.” While Cannabis is legal for adult use as of this year, the fight isn’t over. The Fight for New Jersey Cannabis Reform As a nurse and administrator for New Jersey’s Department of Corrections, Ken worked under both major political parties. He doesn’t think Cannabis is a partisan issue, though. “I was in government for 25 years.” Ken said. “I actually made out better under Republicans than Democrats.”
SEPT. 2021
on’t let the formalities fool you, though. His fight to fix New Jersey’s Cannabis laws outlasted half a dozen administrations, even before a governor named Christie began his own war. Voters elected Chris Christie in 2009. The outgoing governor had signed a bill that made New Jersey the fourteenth state to allow medical Cannabis on his last day, but as the state’s new chief executive, Christie fought the law’s execution. “The regulations that Christie proposed were so bad,” said Ken. “The entire legislature passed a resolution.” The state senate voted 22-16 to reject Christie’s initial rules. That forced him to re-write, but he used his powerful office to cripple medical Cannabis. Eight years later, Christie left NJ medical Cannabis little better than when he found it, failing many patients. Half a dozen dispensaries served the entire state. Poor quality products and inflated prices were the norm. In 2017, voters chose Phil Murphy to govern New Jersey. Murphy campaigned on legal Cannabis and supports the program, but for advocates like Ken, the fight is far from over. He shows no signs of slowing down. “We had a model bill in 2005,” said Ken, referring to medical Cannabis. “It allowed for home cultivation, it allowed for recognition of out of state ID cards, it allowed for chronic pain. All of that was taken out before the bill passed.” Regardless of the incessant hurdles, CMMNJ won’t rest until affordable and equitable Cannabis is a reality.
When he ran for the U.S. Senate in 2012, it was with Filtering a Crowded Highlight Reel Green Party backing. Discussing Ken’s decades of work, a Much like his black bowtie – littered with bright green single page seemed too small to cover Cannabis print – Ken is serious without being stuffy. He’ll it. Luckily, awards from organizations like happily tell you about his favorite strains, but he’ll also NORML do a better job. The lobbying share that he often can’t find them. group honored Ken in 2016 with the “Is there enough marijuana? Well, no.” said Ken. Peter McWilliams Memorial Award, “There are still shortages.” While he’s trying to change recognizing “outstanding achievement things, thankfully he’s not fighting alone. in advancing the cause of Ken co-founded the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey Ken and CMMNJ will medical marijuana.” “Ken has inspired and (CMMNJ) in 2003, where he works continue the fight, guided many others to take alongside other dedicated advocates. along with their action, including myself,” Jo This includes Jo Anne Zito, a fellow allies, no matter Anne told us. Cannabis crusader and CMMNJ board “I’m thankful for his work, member, who is pushing lawmakers who’s in power. inspiration and friendship.” to pass “Jeff’s Law” (S3582/A5552). For them, it’s all Ken and CMMNJ will The bill adds home growing as an about achieving continue the fight, along with affordable alternative to NJ’s “Alternareal change for their allies, no matter who’s in tive Treatment Centers,” the medical power. For them, it’s all about Cannabis retailers. New Jersey. achieving real change for “There are still too few dispensaries, New Jersey. there’s no home delivery, and Canna“There are a number of bis is still unaffordable for many.” Jo post-legalization goals that we have,” Anne told us. CMMNJ believes home growing will make said Ken. “Legalization is only one step Cannabis more affordable and ensure the strains patients in marijuana and drug policy reform.” need. Leading a Coalition for Change With his glasses, button-down shirt, and black bowtie, you might mistake Ken for a professor.
CMMNJ.ORG
INTERVIEW & PHOTO by P. AIDEN HUNT @P_AIDEN_HUNT for NORTHEAST LEAF
