Codey’s Joke On Pot, Phelps Makes Waves

• By Cali Shaye
• Legalize Marijuana
• 14 years ago
• 6

A crack made by New Jersey’s Senate president involving Olympic gold-medal swimmer Michael Phelps is drawing criticism from some medical marijuana advocates. The bill was approved 22-16 by the state Senate after about 15 minutes of discussion on the floor Monday. It would give chronically ill patients legal access to marijuana. The Assembly has yet to consider the measure. If the “Compassionate Use of Medical Marijuana Act” — sponsored by state Sen. Nicholas P. Scutari, D-Union — becomes law, New Jersey would be the 14th state to allow medicinal marijuana. The live footage of the Senate in session Monday was carried courtesy of the New Jersey Cable Telecommunications Association. State Senate President Richard J. Codey, a Democrat from Essex County and twice the state’s interim governor, said as the voting ended, “You can celebrate later.” When light laughter and groans resulted, he chuckled, “You took it the wrong way.” After announcing the outcome of the bill’s third and final passage, Codey declared the measure passed. He directed the secretary to close the machines for a tally. Then, the phone on the podium rang. “Hello? OK. I’ll get him,” he appeared to say into the phone before banging the gavel and telling the legislative body, “Um, excuse me, Senator Scutari, I just want you to know that was a congratulate, congratulating you, and it was from Michael Phelps.” This time there was a louder mix of laughter, groans and some applause as Codey laughed, too. “All right …