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 [...]]]> 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.

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 [...]]]>

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