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NJ WEEDMAN RELEASED FROM JAIL AFTER JUDGE RECONSIDERS HIS SENTENCE

A well-known marijuana activist has been released from jail, his attorney said this afternoon.

A Burlington County judge reconsidered the sentence imposed on Ed Forchion, known as "NJ Weedman," after a motion made by his attorney.  Forchion's attorney, who asked not to be named, said today the judge re-sentenced his client to "time served," meaning he will not have to return to jail.

Last year Forchion was sentenced to an unusual 270-day staggered jail sentence, allowing him to serve his time in 20 20-day periods of incarceration.  The staggered sentence allowed Forchion to have 10-day periods of release to receive treatment for cancerous giant cell tumors in his legs.  Forchion says he needs medical marijuana to ease the pain caused by the tumors.

Forchion was convicted of possession of marijuana after a 2010 motor vehicle stop in Evesham.  He was initially charged with possession and distribution, but was acquitted on the distribution charge in a jury trial.

Forchion's attorney said he filed the motion because at the time of sentencing the judge said he would reconsider once a portion of his jail time was up.

Forchion will still have to pay fines and penalties, but his sentence does not include any time on probation, his attorney said.