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."
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom