Pass Medical Marijuana Compassionate Use Act, Howell Dad Says

HOWELL, NJ — In the last few months of Jake Honig's battle with a cancer that had invaded his brain and spine, the one thing that eased the symptoms that went along with the cancer was medical marijuana.

The 7-year-old Howell boy, who died Jan. 21, 2018 after a five-year battle with brain cancer, had days where he could interact with his parents, Mike and Jennifer, and his sister, Gianna, because of the relief medical marijuana provided. But with medical marijuana patients allowed just 2 ounces of the plant per month — which in Jake's case was turned into a liquid — the relief was short-lived. When they ran out, Jake was forced to take morphine and OxyContin to ease his pain — medications that left him lethargic and uncomfortable.

Since Jake's death, the Honig family has been fighting for a law to increase the amount of medical marijuana allowed to patients like Jake. Two days after his passing, Gov. Phil Murphy ordered a review of medical marijuana access. That led to the "Jake Honig Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act," which would expand access to medical marijuana for terminally ill patients.

That bill was supposed to be voted on Monday by the New Jersey Legislature, as part of package on legalizing recreational use of marijuana by adults. The vote never materialized, canceled at the last minute as it became apparent there were not enough votes in the state Senate to pass the bill. Read more: New Jersey Cancels Vote On Marijuana Legalization

"This was supposed to be the day that patients in New Jersey had enough access to the medication they need," said Mike Honig, in a video posted to the "be like jake" Facebook page that promotes his son's memory.

But a political battle of wills over the legalization of recreational marijuana in New Jersey left the Jake Honig bill in the dustbin.

"When Jake was off medical marijuana, he would vomit, he was nauseous. He was in so much pain," Mike Honig said. "The medical marijuana alleviated all those symptoms."

"The frustrating part was we didn't have enough," he said. "Jake Honig's Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act lifts the ban on patients like Jake so they can have enough of the medicine that keeps them comfortable."

He urged the state Legislature to take up the compassionate use act separately.

"We are putting patients in New Jersey behind pleasure seekers," Mike Honig said. "We're putting our own personal agenda ahead of a terminally ill child."

"Untie medical marijuana from recreational," he said.

Mike Honig said he's had times when he hasn't wanted to testify anymore, or talk more about Jake's illness. But it was Gianna who urged him to keep going, saying Jake's story and the need for other children to not suffer was important.

"This is so simple a child understands," Mike Honig said. "Everyone can agree that a patient, especially a child, deserves the medication they need."

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