Pubdate: Thu, 17 Jan 2013 Source: Trentonian, The (NJ) Copyright: 2013 The Trentonian Contact: http://www.trentonian.com Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1006 Author: Matthew Osborne Page: A3 'NJ WEEDMAN' GETS 2 YEARS PROBATION OUT OF 30-MONTH ORDEAL NJ Weedman Avoids Prison After 30 Months, $25k MOUNT HOLLY - After 30 months of trials and tribulations, the now-famous Ed Forchion - a.k.a. the "NJ Weedman" - avoided prison time Wednesday. "Yeah, I'm famous now," Forchion said. "Famous and broke." Forchion was sentenced to two years probation in Burlington County after being found guilty of fourth-degree marijuana possession. "The prosecutors wanted me to get 18 months of prison time," a relieved Forchion said. "They fined me $3,500, but it beats prison. "At the end of the day, I won." That victory came at a price, though. On Oct. 18, Forchion was acquitted of a handful of possession charges after a separate weeklong trial. To battle the charges, Forchion has been traveling back and forth from California for 2 1/2 years to make his appearances in court. "I've spent more than $25,000 fighting thise case, and I don't know how much was wasted by the state to just fizzle out to probation. It makes you wonder why we are even prosecuting marijuana cases any more." Forchion has long campaigned for the legalization of marijuana, which he has used for recreational and medicinal purposes. The 48-year-old has a prescription for marijuana to help with pain during his fight against bone cancer. "Because of this case, I have lost everything," he said. "The prosecutors in Burlington complained to the D.A. in Los Angeles and they wiped me out, took everything I owned." As for what's next for the Weedman, Forchion at least has some prospects to go along with his freedom. "There are a couple of reality shows interested in the Weedman character," Forchion said. "I have already been selected for one, now it's just a matter if the show gets picked up." Forchion - who joked that he'd love to be "the next Snooki" - said the possible show would be set in West Virginia and have something to do with marijuana growers in that area. "I've got to try to make something out of this. I'm not getting any younger," Forchion said. "I need to find some money to retire on." - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom