Pubdate: Thu, 09 Jan 2014
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer, The (PA)
Copyright: 2014 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc
Contact:  http://www.philly.com/inquirer/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/340
Author: Jan Hefler

MARIJUANA ACTIVIST COLORADO-BOUND

Diane Fornbacher, a nationally recognized marijuana legalization
activist from Collingswood, is moving her family to Colorado. She says
she needs cannabis to alleviate a health condition that New Jersey's
medical marijuana program doesn't cover.

Fornbacher, who sits on the national board of NORML, an organization
that has fought for legalization for decades, says she has complex
PTSD, which is not one of the dozen ailments that qualify for cannabis
in New Jersey.

On New Year's Day, Colorado became the first state in the country to
allow the sale of recreational pot. It also has a more inclusive
medical marijuana program.

Fornbacher, who publishes Ladybud, an online magazine that promotes
cannabis, says Colorado's first recreational pot retail outlet, 3d
Cannabis, in Denver, has also offered her a job working there because
of her commitment to the cause. "I might grow it or cook it," she said.

She also wants to move because she is upset that N.J. authorities
tried to take her two children away two years ago on false charges she
was growing marijuana in her home.

"My biggest reason for moving is I want to protect myself and my
children," said Fornbacher, 36. Married with two sons, ages 11 and 4,
she hopes to move within two months.

Her husband, who does computer programming, plans to
telecommute.

Nearly 18 months ago, Fornbacher said that she was surprised when
state welfare workers tried to remove her children. Her oldest son had
mentioned the word hemp to a teacher, who began questioning him about
it, Fornbacher said.

State welfare authorities later came to her house with the police and
said they wanted to look around, she said.

She said she later received a letter from the state Division of
Children and Families saying the investigation was closed because the
charges were unfounded.

A DCF spokesperson said the agency could not comment due to
confidentiality issues.  
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D