Feb, 22
2022
Free News Articles, Legal and Law

Reefer Rabble Rouser Ed ‘NJWeedman’ Forchion to Present Oral Arguments in Federal Lawsuit Against New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy

TRENTON, N.J. -- Reefer rabble rouser Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion and his longtime attorney, John Vincent Saykanic, Esq. will get another day in court to fight the green fight on Wednesday, February 23, 2022 when oral arguments are presented per his cannabis related lawsuit directed at Governor Phil Murphy (Case 3:20-cv-16582-PGS-TJB FORCHION v. MURPHY at: http://njweedman.com/Federal_Cannabis_lawsuit.pdf).

The state is once again seeking dismissal of the case. Governor Murphy, represented by the Attorney General of New Jersey Gurbir S. Grewal, initially requested the dismissal last year to no avail. Honorable Peter G. Sheridan, U.S.D.J., United States District Court for the District of New Jersey will preside.

The case sets an unheralded precedent in the ongoing battlefield for representation with legalization in the booming cannabis industry. In a 40-page document, initially filed November 19, 2020 at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Forchion declared "unconstitutional and invalid the application and implementation of the 'Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Marijuana,'" asserting that the Regulated Cannabis Act, as the amendment is referred to in the lawsuit, "deprives him of equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it subjects him to selective prosecution."

In addition, Forchion noted that voters were duped into believing that they were voting to legalize marijuana, while unwittingly sanctioning a cannabis industry which only grants legalization to a majority of Caucasian owned corporate entities while criminalizing individuals of color, who in effect will not be granted similar access to grow, sale and distribute.

Fast cut to 2022 and Forchion's assertions have become quite substantial. The state of New Jersey made national headlines just recently for their limited awarding of medicinal licenses to minority contractors. To date, reportedly, only one out of 56 medicinal licenses have been granted to a partially Black owned and operated business.

Ed Forchion, along with his attorney, John Vincent Saykanic, Esq., have a zealous history of fighting and documenting the inequities in the cannabis industry. They challenged the state of New Jersey before the United States Supreme Court regarding pertinent issues pertaining to reefer, racial discrimination, and religion back in March of 2016 when Forchion's legal team filed a Petition for Writ of Certiorari to the U.S. Supreme Court (US Supreme Court Docket - 15-8533). They proceeded to present ten questions for review and response from the Court per the subject of race and religion, as it relates to cannabis. The filing marked a landmark stance in the marijuana movement though the case was eventually dismissed.

"Ed has always taken a somewhat radical stance in the fight for legalization and representation in the marijuana community. A visionary of sorts, his observations have tremendous legal merit. Considering the state's longtime racial disparity in marijuana arrests which have taken an unfair toll on its minority communities, this current filing against the governor is sure to set a benchmark as all eyes are currently on New Jersey," states Saykanic.

As Forchion, who recently appeared on MSNBC's "The Cross Connection with Tiffany Cross," explains, "I've been talking about reefer, race and reparations for decades now. Finally, the media, politicians and community leaders are echoing what I have been saying all along. When I created the hashtag '#SellWeedLikeImWhite,' I was taken to task. But here we are in 2022, and the now legalized cannabis industry is run by predominantly Caucasian owned corporations who are benefitting and stepping on the backs of legacy market vendors like myself."

"In short, the community that paved the road for legalization and paid the price with incarceration and felonies, are being locked out of the 'new' industry. My lawsuit boldly addressed these issues, and we are hoping to effect change. This next opportunity for us to present oral arguments in court is a huge victory in this ongoing battle," notes Forchion.

As cited in his lawsuit, Forchion has been vehemently retaliated against in the past by the State of New Jersey. In 2002, he was jailed for advocating the legalization of marijuana. Forchion was held at the Burlington County Jail from August 19, 2002, until late January 2003 when United States District Court Federal Judge Joseph E. Irenas, U.S.D.J., hearing his civil rights suit, agreed that the state had violated Forchion's First Amendment right to advocate marijuana's legalization and ordered him to be released.

In 2016, Forchion and his former partner, Debi Madaio, had their restaurant raided by Mercer County law enforcement authorities on marijuana dealing charges. Forchion was held without bail for over 400 days due to the retaliatory charge of witness tampering. He was acquitted by a jury and all charges were dismissed with no convictions.

Media, legislature, politicians and cannabis activists and supporters worldwide are continuing to take close heed of this case as it maneuvers the smoky realms of legalization.

To light it up with Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion go to https://linktr.ee/NJWeedman .

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone Number: 323-380-8819

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Apr, 15
2021
Business, Free News Articles

Ganja Pioneer Ed ‘NJWeedman’ Forchion Commemorates 4/20 with New Jersey Celebration and Miami Expansion

TRENTON, N.J. -- While "Weed Day" 4/20/21 marks a luminous occasion for longtime marijuana activist and entrepreneur, Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion, in his home state of New Jersey, per the recent legalization of cannabis, the victory is somewhat bittersweet for him. The bitter is that his current "Citizen's Dispensary" operates as a black-market operation as he continues to battle for inclusion within the legal arena.

The sweet is, not only a huge in-store and online celebration party this 4/20, but also the announcement of his expansion, with a 420-themed lounge opening soon in Miami, Florida, entitled, The Joint of Miami. Onsite festivities for this 4/20 at NJWeedman's Joint, located at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, include vendors, live entertainment and food with online streaming across all the NJWeedman's Joint social media platforms and website.

A self-confessed weed smuggler from the early 90's, Forchion's 1997 arrest by the Camden County Drug Task Force and members of the local DEA would turn out to be just one of many over several decades. Never one to back done from authority, he achieved media notoriety when he was arrested for smoking marijuana in front of the entire New Jersey State Assembly in 2000 and garnered a national platform when he fired it up at the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia, PA during the Republican National Convention. It was 10 years before the launch of Instagram and smoking weed publicly was still a criminal act, but there was no social media to make such radical deeds of civil disobedience go viral. Over 20 years later however, with marijuana finally legalized in over half of the United States, Forchion knows that his consistent battles on behalf of the plant are part of the steam engine behind cannabis now being heralded as a 'new' billion-dollar industry.

A cult figure in the marijuana legalization community, Forchion has since become one of the most vocal and controversial members of the pro-pot movement. He is the founder of the Legalize Marijuana Party of New Jersey and has run previous campaigns for Governor, U.S. Senate, Congress, the State Legislature, and the Burlington County Board of Freeholders. After decades of public persecution, Ed Forchion is finally being applauded for his decades of activism. Last month he spoke on virtual panels at Stockton and Princeton University, was featured on NBC News in New York and he is slated to appear on an upcoming segment of ABC-TV Nightline.

His many marijuana infused media stunts are well documented, including his attempt to legally change his name to NJWeedman.com, denied first by the courts in New Jersey in 2004 and in another case in California in 2011. His 2010 arrest in Mount Holly New Jersey, after a traffic stop where he was charged with possession with intent to distribute, with a jury ultimately serving a 12-0 verdict of acquittal, also added to his lore. His marijuana mansion parties in the Hollywood Hills between the years of 2009 and 2011; his Liberty Bell Temple dispensaries in Hollywood and his books, including his first title, "Public Enemy #420," published in 2010 all lend credence to NJWeedman's devotion for marijuana.

Police raids, DEA investigations, and state prosecutors have hounded Forchion coast to coast from New Jersey to Los Angeles and now back in New Jersey, but he has never missed a beat. His current reincarnation is NJWeedman's Joint, opened in 2015 with the support of his business partner, Debbi Madaio. The establishment was raided in 2016 by the local police and Forchion ultimately spent 447 days behind bars, only to later have a large portion of the charges dismissed by a judge.

While NJWeedman's Joint is a bustling marijuana themed eatery and smoke shop, The Joint of Miami will be an extension of the NJWeedman brand, offering a more inclusive cannabis experience. The Joint of Miami, located in the Wynwood Art District, will be a marijuana lounge with 'members only' access. Slated to open midsummer, The Joint of Miami will be a franchise operation and NJWeedman is already fielding inquires in other cities.

"I always dreamed this day would come," expresses Forchion. "I, like so many others, knew there was nothing criminal about this plant, yet we were treated like criminals. Now that it is legalized, our battle is with the politicians and corporations who want to shut out people like me, the brick layers of this industry. I tell everyone, I'm not getting off this 'cannabus.' I've been a ride or die soldier for years now and I'm not going anywhere."

"Back in mid-2000, I left New Jersey for Hollywood, CA. I was one of the early marijuana legalization pioneers out there, until the DEA made me leave. I came back to New Jersey, I saw what was going on and I conquered. My boast is that they can't get a jury of 12 to convict me. Now I'm headed to Miami and I'm super excited about the upcoming Florida expansion with the new lounge location. In fact, I envision 'Joint' locations around the country," notes Forchion.

For more information about NJWeedman's Joint 4/20 party, go to https://njweedmansjoint.com/home.

For more information about The Joint of Miami, head over to https://thejointofmiami.com/.

Take a puff with NJWeedman and read all about his adventures at https://linktr.ee/NJWeedman.

MEDIA CONTACT
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone Number: 323-380-8819

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Feb, 03
2021
Business, Free News Articles, Legal and Law

NJWeedman Responds to New Jersey Governor’s Request for Dismissal in Ed Forchion vs. Phil Murphy Cannabis Case

TRENTON, N.J. -- Veteran marijuana activist Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion put New Jersey under the cannabis microscope late last year when he challenged the state's newly passed marijuana legalization laws with a lawsuit directed at Governor Phil Murphy (Case 3:20-cv-16582-PGS-TJB FORCHION v. MURPHY at: http://njweedman.com/Federal_Cannabis_lawsuit.pdf ).

In response to the governor's recently filed request for the lawsuit's dismissal (http://www.njweedman.com/Federal_Cannabis_Lawsuit_Murphy_REPLY.pdf) , Forchion's attorney, John Vincent Saykanic, Esq. has filed a 78-page complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief (http://www.njweedman.com/Federal_Cannabis_Lawsuit_Njweedman_Response.pdf). Governor Murphy, represented by the Attorney General of New Jersey Gurbir S. Grewal, requested the dismissal claiming in defense that he has not officially signed the state's pending Regulated Cannabis Act. Peter G. Sheridan, United States District Judge for the District of New Jersey has elected to hear oral arguments on February 17, 2021.

Forchion has accused the state of baiting New Jersey citizens into voting for the legalization of a corporate, Caucasian run cannabis industry, under the guise of legalizing marijuana. Forchion notes that under the current developing legislation, marijuana would still be illegal and in fact, criminalized, in underserved communities. Boldly fighting for inclusion and equality for marginalized vendors who are being excluded in the legalization marketplace, Forchion's arguments champion what he defines as the "existing underground marketeers that currently provide 90% of the marijuana consumed in the state."

"I'm demanding small businesses like myself, which ironically are the backs the current industry is built upon, be granted concessions that are due to us based on the well documented history of our marijuana related prosecution across this country. Now, corporations and state politicians are attempting to write us out of this multibillion-dollar industry, and my lawsuit documents and challenges the complicity of these efforts," expresses Forchion. "Considering that Governor Murphy has not yet signed the Regulated Cannabis Act that I am contesting, will he further delay signing it while this case proceeds? And if so, where does that leave the thousands of citizens who voted for legalization?"

Forchion, a cannabis cult figure, has rallied for fair representation and legalization for over three decades now. In 2016, his lawyer, Attorney Saykanic, filed Forchion's case challenging the state of New Jersey before the United States Supreme Court regarding pertinent issues pertaining to reefer, racial discrimination and religion.

"I have always believed in Forchion's legal battles. Since his first arrest in 1997 to his current Citizen Dispensary located across the street for Trenton City Hall, Forchion has never backed down from the systemic racial discrepancies inherit in the structuring of the cannabis legalization industry. This lawsuit may redefine how legalization will ultimately play out in New Jersey. Forchion is controversial yes, but his insight, arguments, and academic understanding of the languaging of law are proving to stand the test of time. Many of us are just now beginning to fully realize the impact of concerns he has espoused for decades now," notes Attorney Saykanic.

In his lawsuit, filed in November 2020, Forchion sought to have the "Court declare unconstitutional and invalid the application and implementation of the 'Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Marijuana.'" Forchion asserted that the Regulated Cannabis Act, as the amendment is referred to in the lawsuit, "deprives him of equal protection and due process under the Fourteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution as it subjects him to selective prosecution."

Forchion also noted that the state unfairly allows Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) dispensaries to possess large amounts of marijuana in violation of federal law while prosecuting individuals such as himself. Forchion has had numerous marijuana related prosecutions brought against him by the State of New Jersey, including a pending matter.

Forchion further proposed that voters were duped into believing that they were voting to legalize marijuana, while unwittingly sanctioning a cannabis industry which only grants legalization to a majority of Caucasian owned corporate entities while criminalizing many individuals of color, who in effect will not be granted similar access to grow, sale and distribute. Comparing the pending legislation to the 1990's cocaine vs. crack dilemma, Forchion cites how the State is subtly creating a distinction between illegal "marijuana" supplied by vendors like him, versus state 'regulated cannabis' sold by majority Caucasian owned and operated corporations.

New Jersey's cannabis legislature has come under increasingly mounting criticism with the state publicly criticized for attempting to push through a corporatized cannabis culture with not enough regard for the constituents that voted it through. The state seemingly hangs in yet further limbo as the Governor may now delay full legislative passage per Forchion's unprecedented filing. News of longtime New Jersey resident, Rohan Marley, and son of reggae legend Bob Marley, entering the market with his Lightshade retail site offers inspiring signs of hope, however.

In the past, Forchion has been vehemently retaliated against by the State of New Jersey. In 2002, he was jailed for advocating the legalization of marijuana. Forchion was held at the Burlington County Jail for over five months when United States District Court Federal Judge Joseph E. Irenas, U.S.D.J., hearing his civil rights suit, agreed that the state had violated Forchion's First Amendment right to advocate marijuana's legalization and ordered him to be released.

In 2016, Forchion and his partner, Debi Madaio, had their restaurant, NJWeedman's Joint, raided by Mercer County law enforcement authorities on marijuana dealing charges. Forchion was held without bail for 447 days due to the retaliatory charge of witness tampering. He was acquitted by a jury and all charges were dismissed with no convictions.

Media, legislature, politicians and cannabis activists and supporters worldwide are taking close heed of this case as it maneuvers the smoky realms of legalization. Find out more about Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion at https://linktr.ee/NJWeedman .

MEDIA CONTACT
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
323-380-8819

PHOTO LINK for media: https://www.Send2Press.com/300dpi/21-0203s2p-nj-weedman-300dpi.jpg

CAPTION: Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion (first image) is fighting for inclusion and equality for marginalized vendors who are being excluded in the cannabis legalization marketplace. Forchion champions for the existing underground suppliers that currently provide 90% of the marijuana consumed in his state. Second image, left to right: Governor Phil Murphy; Senator Nicholas P. Scutari; Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion, the 'elephant in the room'; Scott Rudder, former Republican state legislator; and Senator Stephen M. Sweeney. Graphic art by Clemente "Sketch" Aused Jr./ @pleaseb_thechange

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Nov, 24
2020
Free News Articles, Legal and Law

Ed ‘NJWeedman’ Forchion Wages His Own War on Drugs – Sues the State of New Jersey Over ‘Bait and Switch’ Cannabis Regulation Laws

TRENTON, N.J. -- The 'war on drugs' has just taken a wicked left turn. On Friday, November 20, 2020, one of marijuana's staunchest supporters, Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion held an online press conference at his NJWeedman's Joint location, contesting New Jersey's recent legalization of cannabis. Forchion announced his federal lawsuit against New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy, accusing the state of baiting New Jersey citizens into voting for the legalization of a corporate, Caucasian run cannabis industry, under the guise of legalizing marijuana.

Forchion notes that under the current developing legislation, marijuana will still be illegal and in fact, criminalized, in underserved communities.

View Case 3:20-cv-16582-PGS-TJB FORCHION v. MURPHY at: http://njweedman.com/Federal_Cannabis_lawsuit.pdf.

In a 40 plus page document, filed at the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey, Forchion seeks to have the "Court declare unconstitutional and invalid the application and implementation of the 'Constitutional Amendment to Legalize Marijuana.'" Forchion asserts that the Regulated Cannabis Act, as the amendment is referred to in the lawsuit, "deprives him of equal protection and due process under the United States Constitution and subjects him to selective prosecution."

Forchion notes that the state unfairly allows Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (CUMMA) dispensaries to possess large amounts of marijuana in violation of federal law while prosecuting individuals such as himself. Forchion, a long-time marijuana activist, has had numerous marijuana related prosecutions brought against him by the State of New Jersey, including a pending matter.

In addition, Forchion proposes that voters were duped into believing that they were voting to legalize marijuana, while unwittingly sanctioning a cannabis industry which only grants legalization to a majority of Caucasian owned corporate entities while criminalizing individuals of color, who in effect will not be granted similar market access.

"This new Caucasian corporate cannabis industry is a sham," apprizes Forchion. "Politicians are in cahoots with corporations to take over and control what is now a multi-billion-dollar industry while excluding the existing marijuana market. We are witnessing systematic discrimination. Only 'regulated cannabis' which is defined as the pot sold by dealers licensed by a new bureaucracy called the Cannabis Regulatory Commission will be allowed in the marketplace. But individuals possessing and selling marijuana - such as myself, will still be in violation of the law. The community that paved the road for legalization and paid the price with incarceration and felonies, are being locked out of the 'new' industry and will continue to be locked up."

"It's the cocaine vs. crack dilemma all over again," explains Forchion, "similar to the war on drugs when prison sentences were handed down to people of color for using crack cocaine, while individuals, who were most notably white, were hardly prosecuted for using powder cocaine. Our State Attorney General Gurbir Grewal is on record stating that the new amendment does not authorize 'unregulated marijuana.' New Jersey is subtly creating a distinction between 'marijuana' for the masses versus state 'regulated cannabis' for the establishment," cites Forchion.

New Jersey has come under mounting criticism since the recent passing of legalization. Politicians, community activists and the media have taken the state to task for attempting to push through a corporatized cannabis culture that doesn't seem to best serve its constituents. Headlines have drawn attention to the state's blatant interest in profits over compassion. In fact, lawmakers' first attempt at enabling legislation has been halted amid growing criticism. The number of licenses set aside for Black and Latino communities in the bill has been widely criticized and advocates have demanded more opportunities be extended for people with criminal records for low-level drug convictions.

Forchion, whose lawsuit positions him squarely amid the ongoing conflict, is no newcomer to battle. At cited in his lawsuit, he has been vehemently retaliated against in the past by the State of New Jersey. In 2002, he was jailed for advocating the legalization of marijuana. Forchion was held at the Burlington County Jail from August 19, 2002 until late January 2003 when United States District Court Federal Judge Joseph E. Irenas, U.S.D.J., hearing his civil rights suit, agreed that the state had violated Forchion's First Amendment right to advocate marijuana's legalization and ordered him released.

In 2016, Forchion and his partner, Debi Madaio, had their restaurant raided by Mercer County law enforcement authorities on marijuana dealing charges. Forchion was held without bail for over 400 days due to the retaliatory charge of witness tampering. He was acquitted by a jury and all charges were dismissed with no convictions.

Sign the NJWeedman's Joint Change.org petition at https://www.change.org/p/phil-murphy-demand-gov-phil-murphy-grant-njweedman-s-joint-a-recreational-cannabis-license.

Follow Ed "NJWeedman" Forchion across all social media at @NJWeedman and at https://www.njweedman.com/.

Photo Link: https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/923/FZVfvV.jpg

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone Number: 323-380-8819

Related link: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Jul, 10
2017
Free News Articles, Legal and Law

Political Pot Prisoner Ed Forchion Ends Hunger Strike, Secures Bail Detention Hearing

TRENTON, N.J. -- For over 125 days, New Jersey's most prominent cannabis and bail reform activist Ed Forchion aka NJ Weedman, has languished in a Mercer County cell, held with no bail. On Wednesday, July 12, and Thursday, July 13, at 1 p.m. Forchion finally gets his day in court per a Bail Detention Hearing. Mercer County Court is located at 400 South Warren St in Trenton. Media and supporters are encouraged to attend.

It is sure to be a pivotal moment as new bail law reformists and cannabis activists around the world will be taking notice. Forchion, who is a jury nullification advocate, will represent himself in court.

As one of the more vocal casualties of New Jersey's controversial New Bail Reform law, Forchion's case has garnered international attention as the ethics of the law are being publicly debated. Under the state's new law, which went into effect January 1, officials cite that certain conditions can warrant pre-trial detention, like danger to the community, flight risk or threat to a witness. Opponents, including a wide contingency of bail bond agents, argue that the law denies defendants their constitutional right to bail.

NJ Weedman, the noted "Super Hero of the Potheads" recently ended a two week plus "Hunger Strike for Bail" at the prompting of celebrity bondsman / bounty hunter, Duane "Dog" Chapman, star of the reality TV show, "Dog the Bounty Hunter." Forchion initiated the strike to call national media attention to the New Jersey New Bail Reform Law. With the divisive law inciting a massive uproar, Chapman is positioned as one of its outspoken challengers. Chapman and his wife recently traveled from Hawaii to speak at a town hall meeting on bail reform in Edgewater, NJ and made trips to the Statehouse in Trenton as well, speaking in front of a panel regarding the New Bail Reform. Governor Chris Christie refused to meet with them.

Cites Forchion, "This isn't about cannabis it is about the constitution. For over 200 years The US Constitution guaranteed bail and now Governor Chris Christie has eviscerated it with the NJ Bail Reform Act. I am a political prisoner that has been unconstitutionally detained since March 3, 2017."

Forchion's long standing battle for marijuana law reform has been documented for over two decades. Considered by many as the "grandfather of marijuana reform in New Jersey," Forchion is a bone cancer patient who states he needs marijuana for his symptoms.

This most recent detainment stems from an early March arrest related to witness tampering. Forchion, after learning the name of a confidential informant, posted the information, with his lawyer's clearance, on Facebook. The original charges against Forchion were related to a raid last year on the popular New Jersey eatery, NJWeedman's Joint. Forchion co-owns the restaurant with his partner, Debi Madaio.

To keep abreast of Ed Forchion's battle, follow his page on Facebook at "Ed Forchion." Concerned citizens can support the cause with contributions to his PayPal account at NJWeedmans_Joint@yahoo.com.

A barbeque fundraiser and birthday celebration is scheduled for Ed Forchion on his birthday, at 4:20 p.m. ET on July 23 at NJWeedman's Joint at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, NJ. Follow NJWeedman's Joint on Facebook at "NJWeedman's Joint" for updates and details.

Check out the footage of medical marijuana mom activist Debi Madaio as she campaigns for Forchion's support at the Bounty Hunter's Bail Reform Town Hall Meeting with Duane "Dog" Chapman at https://youtu.be/4N7R4h-iiyM.

Edward Forchion (NJweedman) on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NJWEEDMAN

Media Contact:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
Phone: 323-380-8819

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.

Jun, 21
2017
Free News Articles, Legal and Law, Opinion and Commentary

New Jersey Political Prisoner NJ Weedman Does ‘Hunger Strike for Bail’ from Mercer County Jail

TRENTON, N.J. -- Is orange the new green? Cannabis activist, cancer patient and self-proclaimed "Superhero of the Potheads" Ed Forchion aka "NJ Weedman" might well be pondering this dilemma as he sits out his "Hunger Strike for Bail" protest in New Jersey's Mercer County Jail.

The free speech activist was originally incarcerated on March 3, 2017 and is being held without bail on charges of witness tampering. Forchion has since filed a Federal Writ of Habeas Corpus in U.S. Federal District Court of Trenton New Jersey (Case No. 317CV02669PGS) claiming a tragic violation of his civil rights under New Jersey's new bail reform laws. Forchion has gone without food for over 11 days.

The charges were filed after Forchion, per the approval of his former attorney, posted the name and photo of a police informant on his Facebook page, requesting the public to help him find information on the man. Forchion believed the individual was a paid informant, hired by the Trenton Police, to build a drug case against him. Under New Jersey's new bail reform laws, which went into effect January 1, officials cite that certain conditions can warrant pre-trial detention, like danger to the community, flight risk or threat to a witness.

"I am a peaceful, proud and patriotic pothead," cites Forchion. "Yet I have sat here for over 100 days in a cell while watching real criminals, like murderers and rapists, get released daily on bail. Nothing I did was illegal," Forchion has stated from jail. "Nothing I did was wrong. In fact, I actually thought I was in accordance with the law per the advice of my attorney." (Forchion's attorney has since been removed from the case per his own request.)

Forchion's long standing battle for marijuana law reform has been documented for over two decades. Considered by many as the "grandfather of marijuana reform in New Jersey," Forchion is a bone cancer patient who states he needs marijuana for his symptoms. Forchion's most recent travails with the Trenton Police Department have shined an international media spotlight on the state's current cannabis policy. Forchion contends he is political prisoner due to the "politics of pot Jersey style."

Amongst his many trials and tribulations over the years, Forchion pleaded guilty in 2000 to charges of conspiracy to distribute and marijuana possession and was released on parole after serving 18 months on a reduced sentence. He was arrested again in Burlington County, N.J., in 2010 on marijuana possession and distribution charges. He has fought those charges. Forchion argued his medical condition gave him a "medical necessity" defense to possess and appealed the decision to the NJ Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court.

Forchion achieved Hollywood notoriety when he opened a marijuana dispensary in Los Angeles in 2008, saying it was a temple that used marijuana as part of its religious ceremonies. The California temple was shut down after a federal drug raid in 2011.

Currently Forchion, a Rastafarian, is the co-owner of New Jersey's only cannabis-themed restaurant, NJWeedman's Joint and a spiritual sanctuary, Liberty Bell Temple III, located directly across from New Jersey's Trenton City Hall. He opened the businesses, alongside his partner, medical marijuana mom activist and registered nurse, Debi Madaio. The restaurant and sanctuary receive not only a steady stream of customers but also worldwide media attention.

Follow Ed Forchion's court case on Facebook at "Ed Forchion". Concerned citizens can support the cause with contributions to his PayPal account at NJWeedmans_Joint@yahoo.com.

Witness the most recent court proceedings at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NJexiSU0SFE and check for Debi Madaio's interview about the matter on New York's PIX11 at http://pix11.com/2017/06/19/nj-nurse-with-adopted-son-who-suffers-from-seizures-calls-for-less-strict-marijuana-laws/ .

A barbeque fundraiser and birthday celebration is scheduled for Ed Forchion on his birthday, July 23 at NJWeedman's Joint at 322 E. State St. in Trenton, N.J. Follow NJWeedman's Joint on Facebook at "NJWeedman's Joint" for updates and details.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Makeda Smith
Jazzmyne Public Relations
makeda@jazzmynepr.com
323-380-8819

Related link:

This news story was published by the Neotrope® News Network - all rights reserved.