MEDIA ALERT: Medical Marijuana Patient John Wilson Faces Bail Hearing Today

MEDIA ALERT: Medical Marijuana Patient John Wilson Faces Bail Hearing Today

WHO: MS Patient John Ray Wilson

WHEN: 9AM-11AM Wednesday August 24, 2011

WHERE: Somerset County Courthouse – Somerville, NJ

WHY: Bail hearing

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137, Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731, William Buckman 856 608 9797

John Ray Wilson will appear in the Somerset Count y Courthouse for a bail hearing today. He has been free on bond pending an appeal. Wilson was sentenced to five years in state prison. The Appellate Court upheld his conviction of “manufacturing” marijuana in late July. Attorney William Buckman has filed a petition to the State Supreme Court.

The bail hearing today will determine if Wilson can remain with his family as the Supreme Court appeal is considered. The 38 year old man lives with multiple sclerosis and without healthcare. Wilson helps to care for his elderly grandmother and disabled brother.

“New Jersey already has some of the most draconian laws in the nation with respect to marijuana, costing taxpayers outrageous sums to incarcerate nonviolent, otherwise responsible individuals-- as well as in this case -- the sick and infirm,” said Buckman. “As it stands, the case now allows a person who grows marijuana to be exposed to up to 20 years in jail, even if that marijuana is strictly for his or her own medical use. No fair reading of the law would ever sanction this result.”

Wilson’s conviction in January 2010 came just as New Jersey’s compassionate use law was passed. The state now recognizes MS as a qualifying condition for marijuana therapy.

Depending on the outcome of the hearing, John Ray Wilson may be taken into custody to begin serving his prison sentence today.

CONTACT: Ken Wolski 609 394 2137, Chris Goldstein 267 702 3731, William Buckman 856 608 9797