Required to participate in RAMP (NJ) for prior Marijuana charge

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As the title states, I have been told by the NJ BON that I must participate in the state's RAMP program in order for my nursing license to become active. I am a new graduate nurse from an accelerated program, and I have already passed the NCLEX.

I was arrested in 2015 for possession of marijuana under 50 grams (I had no more than a teaspoon worth on me). I was in my undergrad studies at the time and clearly not being smart.

Obviously I was in the wrong for having marijuana on me, given that it is illegal for recreational use in NJ, however, I can't help but to be frustrated with this entire process. I've been waiting for my license to become active for a few months, something I anticipated, but I did not expect to wait this long and now enroll in this program. Additionally, I've been turned down by a few positions because my license is still pending.

While I do understand why the BON is requiring me to complete this step before entering the workforce, I grow more impatient and angry by the day. I am not a recovering addict, I did not commit a crime, I no longer self medicate, and most importantly, people are LEGALLY purchasing MARIJUANA a few states away from me. I was diagnosed with mild anxiety growing up, and I never wanted to use benzos. I do not like pills or any form of chemical substance, which is why I self medicated with marijuana in my undergrad years (before nursing school). NJ just expanded their medicinal marijuana program to treat disorders such as anxiety, migraines, tourette syndrome, etc., which is why I have some hope that this won't be too serious for me.

I'm just curious if anyone has gone through a similar situation. I needed a place to vent and this certainly helped, but I do not want to stall a career I fell in love with any longer.

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