NORML NJ National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, New Jersey » john ray wilson

John Ray Wilson: 5 year sentence for growing medical marijuana

B0ard — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 20:44:26 +0000

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.

Man with MS who grew medical marijuana faces prison Friday

B0ard — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 21:36:43 +0000

PLEASE ATTEND THE RALLY

Somerset County Courthouse rally info:

8:30AM-appx 2PM at 20 N. Bridge St, Somerville, NJ 08876

The sentencing phase in the high-profile trial of a New Jersey man who grew medical marijuana to treat his Multiple Sclerosis will take place this Friday 3/19/10 following several delays.
John Ray Wilson was caught by a NJ National Guard helicopter in August 2008 growing 17 cannabis plants used to treat his MS. Wilson then endured a nightmarish prosecution on first-degree felony charges that are usually reserved for kingpin crack dealers.

Citing the medical marijuana bill then before the New Jersey legislature, the prosecutor and Judge had tried to keep any mention of John’s MS from the jury.

Ultimately the truth was allowed out during the trial – NJ: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at marijuana trial

But the jury ultimately acquitted John on those charges. MS patient: Not guilty on most serious marijuana charge

However, the same jury convicted Wilson on a second-degree felony of ‘manufacturing’ marijuana and a third-degree felony for possessing a very small amount of hallucinogenic mushrooms. Thus, he is still facing time in prison.

“It is stressful,” Wilson said during a phone call after the last sentencing delay in February. He has been preparing for any possible outcome, even finding a temporary home for his cat.

John Wilson’s Nightmare in NJ

B0ard — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 15:19:29 +0000

NORML-NJ Board members at 12/14 John Wilson rally

by William Buckman Esq. – New Jersey so often pats itself on the back as a “progressive” state. It’s not, particularly in the area of criminal justice issues, especially drug related issues.

On drug policy, New jersey leads the way in draconian sentencing schemes and obsolete thinking. Somehow the weight of this system is also placed primarily on minorities as New Jersey’s prisons house mostly minorities.

Outside America most of the developed world has long placed marijuana in context. These nations have either legalized use, decriminalized the substance or have made it a minor offense. Inside America many states have embraced reason to allow for medicinal use of a proven medically necessary drug. Some of those same states, and others have accepted the need to make punishments less draconian.

Yet New Jersey still relies on mandatory sentences for amounts of marijuana that would be considered mere possession elsewhere. To inflict maximum unnecessary pain, New Jersey still suspends drivers’ licenses for six to twenty four months, even for less than fifty grams or if the marijuana had no connection to the use of a car. Needless to say it is surrealistic to think that where a state would want to help prevent recidivism, New Jersey helps destroy lives by preventing people to travel to employment, rehab, probation or grocery shopping.

The oddest – and most draconian– New Jersey law declares that one can be guilty of “maintaining or operating a controlled dangerous substance facility” for merely growing ten or more marijuana plants. The penalty: up to twenty years of which one half to one third must be served before one is eligible for parole and up to $750,000.00 in fines. Moreover, it doesn’t matter whether the plants are seedlings or mature.

Anyone of a fair mind, in law enforcement, or otherwise knows that ten plants is minimal to the personal user who wants to avoid the distribution milieu and grow his or her own for personal use. Collective experience in places where medicinal marijuana is allowed shows that ten plants is a minimum for a treatment regime. READ MORE

Bill Buckman is hailed as one of the most skillful, tenacious and dedicated criminal-defense attorneys in New Jersey. He is also a seasoned civil rights lawyer with a comprehensive list of successful cases that have received nationwide attention.

Bill serves on the NORML- New Jersey Board of Directors.

MS patient Wilson: Not guilty on major marijuana charge

B0ard — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 05:34:32 +0000

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.

Stay tuned to NORML-NJ for further information about the trial

Breaking: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at trial!

B0ard — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 04:43:10 +0000

Somerville – It was honest and sincere; it was the truth. On the stand in his own defense, John Wilson was allowed to tell the jury that he has Multiple Sclerosis.

“I told them I was not a drug dealer and I was using the marijuana to treat my MS.” John had been asked what he said to the State Police officers who arrived to investigate the 17 cannabis plants spotted by helicopter.

It seems Wilson has been truthful with law enforcement authorities about his intentions regarding the medical use of his marijuana from their first contact with him.

NBC 4 in NY was in the courtroom and correctly called the single-sentence event a “Stunning Reversal at Medical Marijuana Trial.”

Here’s how it happened. Because of the Judge’s earlier limitation rulings, Defense Attorney James Wronko and Deputy Attorney General Russ Curley took great care in their lines of questioning when the defendant took the stand. Wilson could not offer anything regarding medical marijuana; that he has Multiple Sclerosis or that cannabis can help treat MS. John’s testimony today was grueling with numerous and lengthy sidebars.

Earlier in the day Detective Sergeant William Peacock, head of the NJ State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit, testified that during their search of John’s property he could not recall asking what John intended to do with the cannabis plants. Another State Trooper on the scene testified that he did not recall any conversations either.

Yet since John has been up-front with everyone about how marijuana helps with his Multiple Sclerosis, even the cops who showed up at his doorstep in 2008, he was allowed to say it to the jury as well.

NORML NJ shows strong support for John Wilson

B0ard — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 13:58:57 +0000

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.

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.

Below is video news from WPVI-TV Channel 6 in Philadelphia. Anne Davis and Jim Miller are both featured in the piece, they are both on the NORML NJ Board of Directors. Much of the NORML-NJ Board was present, including: Fred DiMaria, Nicole DiMaria, Kristine Schroeder, Jeff Glock, Jim Miller, Ken Wolski and Chris Goldstein.

Thanks to everyone who attended the rally! Please send an online letter to Governor Corzine and Attorney General Milgram.

John Wilson’s Trial Begins; Somerville Rally & Fundraiser Planned

B0ard — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:39:48 +0000

John Wilson rally 8/21/09, image from Newark Star-Ledger

NORML NJ members, volunteers and supporters will demonstrate with CMMNJ for MS Patient John Wilson on 12/14/2009

WHAT: At a free, public rally followed by a fundraiser luncheon

WHEN: Monday, December 14, 2009 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 Noon; Luncheon at noon

WHERE: Somerset County Court House, 20 N. Bridge St., Somerville, New Jersey; Lunch at East Star Buffet

WHY: Wilson faces 20 years in prison for using marijuana to treat his MS; cannot tell jury he has MS

Supporters of medical marijuana reform from around the region are being asked to participate in a rally on the sidewalk in front of the Somerset County Court House, 20 North Bridge St., Somerville, NJ on Monday, December 14, 2009 from 8:30 AM to 12:00 noon in support of multiple sclerosis (MS) patient John Ray Wilson. Jury selection is scheduled to begin at that time.

Wilson faces 20 years in prison for growing 17 marijuana plants that he used to treat his MS. Wilson was told by Superior Court Judge Robert Reed during a pre-trial hearing that he may not let the jury know that he has MS, or that his use of marijuana was an attempt to treat his disease. This ruling effectively removes Wilson’s only defense for his actions. Wilson is self-employed, has no health insurance and faces mounting legal bills.

A fundraiser luncheon will be held for him immediately following the rally at the nearby East Star Asian Buffet, 69 Main St., Somerville. Tickets are $20 apiece for the all-you-can-eat buffet with $10 of each ticket going to Wilson’s legal defense fund. See Ken Wolski, Jim Miller or Chris Goldstein to reserve a place at the buffet.

The National MS Society recently confirmed in an Expert Opinion Paper that standard therapies often provide inadequate relief for the symptoms of MS such as pain and spasticity, and that marijuana helps with these symptoms and could limit disease progression. “To know that a safe and inexpensive herb like marijuana is able to relieve the pain and spasticity of MS and to actually arrest the progression of this incurable disease is a compelling reason to use it therapeutically,” said Ken Wolski, RN, Executive Director of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana–New Jersey. “We want to demonstrate our outrage that Wilson faces many years in prison for this, and that he cannot even explain to the jury why he was using marijuana,” Wolski said. “We also want to help defray some of his mounting legal expenses.”

The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, A804/S119, which was approved by the New Jersey Senate, awaits a vote in the Assembly. This bill would allow patients to use a small amount of marijuana when a licensed physician recommends it for the symptoms of a number of medical conditions including multiple sclerosis. Governor Jon Corzine has said that he would sign the bill into law when it gets to his desk.

Ken Wolski 609.394.2137 ohamkrw( at )aol.com

Chris Goldstein director( at )normlnj.org

Action Alert: Ask Gov. For A Medical Marijuana Pardon!

B0ard — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:05:53 +0000

UPDATE - Please continue to contact Gov. Corzine and the state Attorney General’s office and demand justice for MS patient John Wilson. On 12/17/09 John was convicted of second and third degree felony offenses and faces up to 5 years in prison. For your convenience, a pre-written letter will be e-mailed to Gov. Corzine and the AG’s office when you enter your contact information.

CLICK HERE TO SEND A LETTER NOW!

For more information about this campaign, please contact NORML New Jersey or the Coalition for Medical Marijuana – New Jersey.

NORML Republican Mom Challenges Chris Christie

Anne Davis — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:56:59 +0000

Anne Davis speaks at the NORML 4-20 Freedom Forum in Philadelphia

11/6/2009 – Anne Davis

NORML-NJ Board of Directors, Executive Committee

The tide is changing politically and more conservatives are recognizing that the failed policy of marijuana prohibition must end. As a Republican and a mother of two I have joined those compassionate supporters of common sense cannabis policy. Republican Senator Baroni supports the NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act. For Senator Baroni the personal stories of patients caused him to champion this issue from within his traditional Republican role of conservatism. He was a strong voice in favor of the bill on the Senate Floor as it was considered this February. One could hear from his passionate speech that he clearly felt sympathy for these patients that have found marijuana eases their pain and daily suffering.

There are more and more Republicans standing up nationally, recognizing that the marijuana laws must change. The scientific evidence is clear that it is less harmful to the body than the numerous pharmaceutical drugs that are prescribed. Every day as the media increasingly covers cannabis and its related issues, it is becoming more apparent that society is not opposed to the medical use of marijuana. Sen. Baroni and other Republicans do what they know is right.

Right now we have an urgent case involving medical marijuana. NJ resident John Ray Wilson, a 36-year-old MS patient, is facing 20 years in prison for growing cannabis plants to treat his MS. Though he grew 17 plants at his home for his own medical use, he is charged with operating a manufacturing facility. Recently the judge assigned to his case ruled that John was not permitted to mention during his trial that he had MS. New Jersey Senators Scutari and Lesniack have requested a pardon from the Governor recognizing that his criminal prosecution is wrong.

Many of the legislators in this state already recognize that it is vital to stop wasting taxpayers dollars on needless prosecutions like that of John Wilson. We are in an economic crisis and there is no bigger waste of government spending than on criminal prosecution of medical marijuana patients. No politician can justify this spending of our tax dollars on police resources, prosecutors, judiciary resources, jails, prisons, intervention programs, and probation programs. These patients harm no one and the Compassionate Use Act does not change the existing law for recreational possession, driving or anything else. The bill removes burdens for law enforcement, provides scientifically proven therapeutic relief and allows state regulated alternative treatment centers to provide safe, restricted cannabis distribution to authorized patients.

My faith is with fellow Republican, Governor Elect Christopher Christie, to do what is right. I hope that he will remain true to his campaign promise to support The New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act, protecting these patients while putting an end to wasteful government spending.

Anne M. Davis Esq,

Brick, NJ

NORML-NJ Board of Directors

Wilson Trial Support Rallys Planned

B0ard — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:30:11 +0000

Jim Miller suppporting John Ray Wilson - mycentraljersey.com

Despite a public call from two state Senators for a pardon, the criminal trial against John Ray Wilson is moving ahead.

John lives with MS and used cannabis therapy for treatment. He now faces 15 years in state prison for growing 17 marijuana plants.
Read more about John’s case here

In August medical marijuana advocates rallied at the Somerset County Courthouse.

Volunteers plan on having a supporting presence at the courthouse through all phases of John’s trial.

The next date is December 14, 2009. Read More

John’s case has garnered national attention for the aggressiveness of the prosecution. New Jersey’s Office of the Attorney General is pursuing the case.

Senators push for pardon of Franklin man with MS charged with growing marijuana

A state appeals court rejected the attempt by his attorney, James Wronko of Somerville, to challenge that ruling while the case is ongoing. It could be the subject of a future appeal, he said.The two legislators are not only seeking the pardon but also pushing a bill titled “New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act.” The bill would decriminalize possession and use of marijuana by state registered patients with debilitating illnesses. It would also establish treatment centers where patients can purchase the drug.

It passed the Senate in a 22-16 vote in February and awaits a vote in the Assembly.

Members of the Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey stood outside the Somerset County Courthouse Friday morning as Wilson was appearing before Reed in a pre-trial conference. The members held signs advocating that marijuana for medicinal purposes be legalized.

Toms River resident Jim Miller, who co-founded the organization, became involved when his late wife Cheryl faced arrest for using marijuana to relieve her pain, said the organization will be stationed outside the courthouse when Wilson goes on trial in December.

Next to Miller on the sidewalk was an empty wheelchair that held his wife’s picture.

“This entire block is going to be lined” with demonstrators during the trial, he said. “It would be nice if the governor steps in,” he said. READ IN FULL

More about medical marijuana in New Jersey at www.cmmnj.org