John Wilson, the New Jersey man who had been charged with operating a drug manufacturing facility for the marijuana he grew to treat his multiple sclerosis, was found guilty yesterday of two lesser charges, and now faces five to 10 years in prison.

Throughout most of his trial, Wilson had been prevented from mentioning his condition, any evidence of marijuana’s therapeutic value, or the fact that New Jersey may be weeks away from becoming the 14^th state to pass a medical marijuana law.

In a small victory, Wilson was found not guilty of the most serious charge (operating a drug manufacturing facility) perhaps in part because he was finally allowed to mention his disease before the jury in the trial’s closing days. Regardless, this 37-year-old with a debilitating disease is now facing the possibility of spending the next decade of his life behind bars, simply for trying to relieve his symptoms with “one of the safest therapeutically active substances known to man.”

When will the insanity stop?

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Last week, we brought you the story of John Wilson, a 37-year-old New Jersey man who stands accused of operating a drug manufacturing facility, even though he says the marijuana he grew on his property was for personal use only to treat his multiple sclerosis. Nevertheless, Wilson is facing 20 years in prison and—most outrageously—had been prevented from mentioning his disease or anything about the effectiveness of medical marijuana to the jury, even though New Jersey might soon become the 14^th state to pass medical marijuana.

Luckily, that is no longer the case.

While taking the stand on his own behalf yesterday—and after a series of conferences between the judge and lawyers from both sides—Wilson was permitted to explain what he told police officers when they asked him about his marijuana plants: “I told them I was not a drug dealer,” he said, “and I was using the marijuana to treat my M.S.”

This is a small victory, yes, but now at least the jury has a better understanding of why Wilson was growing marijuana. If that realization still results in Wilson being found guilty, two state senators have said they will ask Gov. Jon Corzine to pardon Wilson before he leaves office next month.

Stay tuned for updates.

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