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Proposed NJ Bill Would Let Women Use Medical Marijuana For Menstrual Pain

TRENTON, N.J. (CBSNewYork/AP) -- Women in New Jersey might be able to take medical marijuana to ease their menstrual cramps.

Democratic Assembly members Tim Eustace, L. Grace Spencer and Angelica Jimenez introduced the bill on Thursday.

Eustace says that denying women the treatment fails to recognize the impact cramping can have on wellness and productivity.

Spencer adds that medical issues affecting women have been downplayed for too long, leaving too many to suffer silently.

Under current New Jersey law, marijuana is approved to treat multiple sclerosis, terminal cancer, muscular dystrophy, among others. It's also approved for seizures and glaucoma if resistant to conventional treatment.

New Jersey lawmakers aren't the only ones who have considered using medical marijuana to help ease menstrual pain. Comedian and talk show host Whoopi Goldberg recently teamed up with entrepreneur Maya Elisabeth to unveil a new line of marijuana-infused items for women designed for pain relief.

The California-based company 'Whoopi and Maya' will begin selling four marijuana-based items: scented or unscented bath soaks, tincture, cream and marijuana-infused chocolate.

Marijuana has been legalized for all uses in Colorado, Washington, Oregon and Alaska and for medical use in nearly 20 others, including New Jersey.

New Jersey held its first-ever meeting on legalizing the recreational use of marijuana in late 2015.

New York State began rolling out its medical marijuana program earlier this year.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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