New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis patient John Ray Wilson was sentenced to 5 years in state prison today for growing 17 cannabis plants to treat his condition.
His attorney, James Wronko, said that an appeal is being planned.
Judge Robert B. Reed passed the sentence today as his mother and grandmother wept just a few feet away. John's younger brother, who is confined to a wheelchair, was also in the courtroom.
Judge Reed mentioned the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act several times during the hearing, acknowledging that the state now recognizes marijuana as an effective treatment for MS. The law was signed on January 19, 2010.
Wilson was prosecuted by the State Attorney General's Office, who had asked for a 7-year prison term.
NJ superior Court Judge Reed took pains to explain that he was exercising the greatest leniency in accordance with the law.
Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (including this correspondent) were in the courtroom today along with Wilson's family.
Under the sentence John could be eligible for the Intensive Supervision Program within six months.
The Attorney General's Office continued to contend that the 17 plants were more than one individual could grow for 'personal use" while insisting there was a profit motive.
Wilson admitted breaking the state laws regarding marijuana cultivation but said to the Judge in the courtroom today "Honestly, it was trying to treat my MS."
Now the worst may come for John: Although he would qualify for the NJ medical marijuana program, parolees are often drug tested and there is no immediate exemption from testing for THC, even in registered cannabis patients who are on parole.
CMMNJ and medical marijuana advocates plan to offer John support as he serves his sentence.
Media may contact media@cmmnj.org or 609 394 2137 for any questions.
A Medical Marijuana Town Hall Meeting in Collingswood on 3/20 will address the Wilson trial.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Examiner.com
Author: Chris Goldstein
Contact: Examiner.com
Copyright: 2010 Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com
Website: NJ MS patient: 5 year sentence for growing marijuana
His attorney, James Wronko, said that an appeal is being planned.
Judge Robert B. Reed passed the sentence today as his mother and grandmother wept just a few feet away. John's younger brother, who is confined to a wheelchair, was also in the courtroom.
Judge Reed mentioned the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act several times during the hearing, acknowledging that the state now recognizes marijuana as an effective treatment for MS. The law was signed on January 19, 2010.
Wilson was prosecuted by the State Attorney General's Office, who had asked for a 7-year prison term.
NJ superior Court Judge Reed took pains to explain that he was exercising the greatest leniency in accordance with the law.
Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey (including this correspondent) were in the courtroom today along with Wilson's family.
Under the sentence John could be eligible for the Intensive Supervision Program within six months.
The Attorney General's Office continued to contend that the 17 plants were more than one individual could grow for 'personal use" while insisting there was a profit motive.
Wilson admitted breaking the state laws regarding marijuana cultivation but said to the Judge in the courtroom today "Honestly, it was trying to treat my MS."
Now the worst may come for John: Although he would qualify for the NJ medical marijuana program, parolees are often drug tested and there is no immediate exemption from testing for THC, even in registered cannabis patients who are on parole.
CMMNJ and medical marijuana advocates plan to offer John support as he serves his sentence.
Media may contact media@cmmnj.org or 609 394 2137 for any questions.
A Medical Marijuana Town Hall Meeting in Collingswood on 3/20 will address the Wilson trial.
NewsHawk: Ganjarden: 420 MAGAZINE ® - Medical Marijuana Publication & Social Networking
Source: Examiner.com
Author: Chris Goldstein
Contact: Examiner.com
Copyright: 2010 Clarity Digital Group LLC d/b/a Examiner.com
Website: NJ MS patient: 5 year sentence for growing marijuana
