CMMNJ supporters of John Wilson in Somerville
Somerville- The jury returned a not guilty verdict to John Wilson on the first-degree felony charges against him. But the MS patient could still face time in prison after being found guilty of second-degree charges of ‘Manufacturing’ marijuana and third-degree possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
If he had been convicted of “operating and maintaining a marijuana production facility” John would have faced a minimum of 15 years in state prison. That could have amounted to a death sentence for the 37 year old because of the degenerative nature of the disease. He had grown seventeen cannabis plants after researching online how to cultivate medical marijuana.
Wilson was allowed to remain with his family on bail until his sentencing hearing on February 5, 2010. At such time, supporters hope, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Act could be a law.
The NJ legislature has been debating the bill since 2005 and John would have qualified under the program. He could have cultivated within state guidelines or had affordable access to regulated medical cannabis.
Now, John is just happy to be spending Christmas with his grandmother. She was in the courtroom every day of the trial. Temperatures were frigid all week with clear skies; it was in the 30’s accompanied by a brisk winter wind.
At the end of the day we stood with the Wilson family and Attorney James Wronko in front of the courthouse when some of the jurors began exiting the building. One of the women stopped, turned to us and said, “Keep up the work on medical marijuana.”
Advocates, patients and supporters are indeed working very hard and hoping that the members of the Assembly will work towards a common goal of safe, cannabis access. Hopefully John Wilson can be the final person in New Jersey who will face the full weight of the state's criminal justice resources because of choosing medical marijuana.
Related articles:
Split verdict in NJ medical marijuana case
NJ: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at marijuana trial
Rally photos: MS patient John Wilson facing 15 years for 17 plants
NJ: Politicians speak out for medical marijuana
Comments
Just before Bing Crosby died he did an interview with Barbara Walters. It was the days of three channel TV so at that moment it was the hottest thing on TV for my 20 year eyes. so I'm looking and at the end of the interview Barbara asks Bing if there is anything else he wanted to say. "Yes" Bing said "I think marijuana should be legal"...I fell out of my chair. Later I would learn that Bing and Louis Armstrong were REAL good friends. He was friends with Bob Hope too!
Prohibition is an abysmal failure. Time to end cannabis prohibition. When you do something over and over expecting different results....70+ years of cannabis prohibition and I can walk to the corner convenience store and get anything, I mean anything, I want in short order. The only question asked is, "How much?".
Got something to say?
Examiner.com is looking for writers, photographers, and videographers to join the fastest growing group of local insiders. If you are interested in growing your online rep apply to be an Examiner today!