(TRENTON) - Assemblyman Reed Gusciora (D-Princeton) cheered the American Medical Association's (AMA) decision to change its long held policy regarding the classification of marijuana as a drug with no accepted medical use. The AMA recently adopted a resolution that recommends the federal government review the status of marijuana as a Schedule I controlled substance. "I commend The American Medical Association for having the courage to request that the status of marijuana be re-evaluated in order to enable advanced clinical research, development of cannabis-based medicines and alternate delivery methods," remarked Gusciora. Last year, the American College of Physicians called for "rigorous scientific evaluation of the potential benefits of medical marijuana." Thus far, medical marijuana research has been limited to piecemeal studies and trials due to the drug's federal classification. Gusciora believes that as the home to several of the world's leading pharmaceutical companies, the Garden State could benefit from expanded research and development."With its pharmaceutical giants, the potential for New Jersey take the lead in new, breakthrough research is enormous," continued Gusciora, "Residents of the State, including those who suffer from chronic illness and those who are employed in the pharmaceutical sector, could recognize terrific benefits."Gusciora is the sponsor of Assembly Bill 804, which would legalize the use of medical marijuana in the State, while maintaining tight regulations on its usage and distribution."There is a renewed urgency for the allowance of marijuana usage for those with debilitating diseases and ailments here in New Jersey," stressed the Assemblyman, "Effective legalization of medical marijuana, in combination with the tremendous capability possessed by our State's medically related institutions, would make New Jersey a shining example for the entire country."                                            # # #