Caption: supporters at the Somerset County Courthouse 12/14/09, Credit: Chris Goldstein
Image by: Chris Goldstein 
supporters at the Somerset County Courthouse 12/14/09 

NJ man with MS faces marijuana charges, supporters demonstrate

From: Chris Goldstein
Length: 00:29:31

John Wilson faces first degree felony charges usually used against cocaine kingpins. Now he faces up to 35 years in state prison for having 17 marijuana plants spotted at his home. Read the full description.
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Piece Description

Somerville, NJ – John Wilson is facing a nightmare scenario: Living with Multiple Sclerosis and without health care he is facing 15-35 years in state prison for growing just seventeen cannabis plants.

Outrage has been generated by the overzealous prosecution on the part of the state Attorney General’s office.  John is charged under felony drug manufacturing statues meant for kingpins and not personal use.  The final straw came when the judge in the trial refused to let John even mention to the jury that he has MS. Two state Senators have asked for an Executive Pardon.

NORML-New Jersey joined with the CMMNJ in rally to support John 12/14 as jury selection got underway at the Somerset County Courthouse. Although the rally was a success, John continues to face a frightening sentence as the trial moves ahead.

All this comes as the NJ legisalture is poised to pass a medical marijuana bill, making John perhaps the last victim of such draconian prohibition enforcement. 

Chris Goldstein interviews demonstrators in front of the Somerset County courthouse on 12/14/09

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