Dec 17, 2009
multiple sclerosis, New Jersey, trial
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 14th 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.