[420 Girl]

They're against abortion. Not keen on gay marriage.

And ready to change the makeup of the New Jersey Supreme Court.

But three Republican candidates for governor clashed Friday over the legalization of medical marijuana, a proposal that moved closer this week to becoming law.

Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie said as "a former law enforcement guy," he believes more controls are needed over how marijuana would be distributed so that it doesn't end up on the streets.

Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan called it a "freedom and liberty" issue, saying that he wholeheartedly supports the proposal.

"I'm extremely concerned when I hear about law enforcement getting between a doctor and their patient," Lonegan added. "I've seen people suffering, terminally ill."

Christie shot back that he's seen suffering, too.

"I have seen the suffering that drug abuse and drug trafficking does on our streets all over this state," he said.

Brian Levine, mayor of Franklin Township, Somerset County, said, as it stands, the bill would send the drug to the ill without it going through the proper channels.

"Right now, it's go smoke a couple joints, Levine said. "Everything (else) you get is take this many milligrams this many times a day."

The comments came as the three candidates addressed an economic development group at Ram's Head Inn, in Galloway, where their discussions included social issues, the economic condition of the state and the decisions they would have the opportunity to make as governor: including appointing two New Jersey Supreme Court justices, possibly a third. A fourth Republican candidate, Assemblyman Richard Merkt, of Morris County, did not attend.

"I would replace both of those justices with people who strictly interpret the law and no longer legislate from the bench," said Christie.

Christie and Levine both said they would closely review the record of the third judge before reappointment to be sure that he ruled strictly by the law.

Lonegan said he would not reappoint the justice. He added that he believes judges should be appointed to their first terms and reelected to a second.

Corzine said he would sign the "Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act," which would allow those with seriously debilitating illnesses to grow marijuana or get it from a designated alternative treatment center.

On Friday, he said the medical marijuana bill was not as important as the economy, but said he supported the legislation that passed the Senate.

"It's important for people who suffer at the end of life," Corzine said. "And if this is the way they have some quality of living at the end of life, and a doctor prescribes it, and it is purchased in the ordinary course of a disciplined process, then I certainly wouldn't stand in the way."

"And the fact is, that's what I think the senate bill does," he added. "And I support it."0

*some content has been edited to meet posting guidelines

http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...marijuana.html