Pubdate: Wed, 13 Oct 1999 Source: Inquirer (PA) Copyright: 1999 Philadelphia Newspapers Inc. Contact: http://www.phillynews.com/ Forum: http://interactive.phillynews.com/talk-show/ Author: Shannon O'Boye Cited: Legalize Marijuana Party http://www.jersey.net/~njdevil/ ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE IS ARRESTED IN STRATFORD Ed Forchion, the self-proclaimed "NJ Weedman," who is running for the Assembly and the Camden County freeholders board on a "legalize marijuana" platform, has been arrested on several warrants. When Stratford police stopped Forchion, 35, of Chesilhurst, Monday night and charged him with speeding, they discovered that Woodbury, Winslow, Gloucester Township and Haddon Heights had warrants out for his arrest because he failed to appear for municipal court dates within the last year for possession of small amounts of marijuana,resisting arrest and trespassing. After Stratford police gave Forchion tickets for speeding, driving with a suspended license, driving with an expired license, and driving without insurance, they transported him to the county jail, where he was being held yesterday after failing to post $2,995 bail. Stratford Police Chief James Fuller said neither he nor the arresting officer had been aware that they were stopping Forchion, an outspoken opponent of marijuana laws and local and state government who has had run-ins with the law before. He was arrested Nov. 24, 1997, in Bellmawr and charged with possession of more than 25 pounds of marijuana, which is punishable by up to 20 years in prison. Forchion has said he wants his case argued before a jury in the hope that the men and women will nullify marijuana laws and vindicate him. His next court date in that case is scheduled for Nov. 1, the day before Election Day. He is running for the Assembly in the Eighth District and is listed on the ballot as Edward "NJ Weedman" Forchion. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake