In addition to sending letters like the one I sent to Judge Reed (below) asking for leniency for John Wilson, please send e-mails to Governor Jon Corzine asking him for an outright pardon for Wilson. It's easy. Just go to: http://capwiz.com/norml2/issues/alert/?alertid=14300601
December 28, 2009
Hon. Robert B. Reed, J.S.C.
P.O. Box 3000
Somerville NJ 08876
Dear Judge Reed:
I am writing to ask you for leniency when you sentence John Ray Wilson on February 5, 2010.
John Wilson is a multiple sclerosis (MS) patient who was using marijuana to ease the symptoms of his disease. Now he faces many years in a New Jersey state prison for doing so. I believe it is a travesty of justice to imprison any seriously ill patient for using marijuana to relieve suffering. It is especially disturbing when the patient has MS. I don’t know if you ever saw a patient suffer and die from MS, but I certainly have in my 33 years as a registered nurse (RN). It’s not a pretty sight. MS is a terrible disease that strikes otherwise healthy young adults in their 20’s and 30’s. It is chronic (meaning it lasts a lifetime) and progressive (meaning it only gets worse). There is no cure. The progressive course of this disease leads patients first to a wheelchair, and then to a bed where they often choke to death on their own secretions or die of pneumonia. Along the way they are racked with dreadful pain and spasms that traditional medications cannot relieve.
The National MS Society recently confirmed in an Expert Opinion Paper that standard therapies often provide inadequate relief for the symptoms of MS and that marijuana helps with MS symptoms such as pain and spasticity. Moreover, these experts suggested that the neuroprotective effects of marijuana could halt the progression of this disease—stop it from getting worse.* These are compelling reasons for MS sufferers to use marijuana therapeutically.
Marijuana shows such promise as an adjunct in the management of MS, as well as other neurological diseases, that there should be numerous medical studies conducted to aggressively determine the limits of marijuana’s therapeutic potential. Instead, not a single clinical study of marijuana is being done in New Jersey, nor has there ever been such a study in this state. A patient in New Jersey, who is faced with the grim prognosis of MS and the hope that marijuana offers, currently has no choice but to break the law.
The New Jersey legislature stands on the brink of legalizing marijuana for MS patients like John Wilson. Hopefully, the “NJ Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act” (S-119 & A-804), will pass into law even before you sentence Mr. Wilson. But if the lawmakers delay, it is inevitable that medical marijuana will eventually be legalized in New Jersey. The science supporting medical marijuana is too compelling to deny, as I’m sure you will agree when you review the references I have provided, below.
Justice, compassion, and even fiscal common sense all support a most lenient sentence for John Wilson. Thank you for your anticipated cooperation.
Sincerely yours,
Ken Wolski, RN, MPA
Executive Director
Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, Inc. www.cmmnj.org
609.394.2137
ohamkrw@aol.com
The Coalition for Medical Marijuana New Jersey, Inc. (CMMNJ) is an all-volunteer, 501 (c)(3) public charity whose mission is to educate the public about the benefits of medical marijuana (cannabinoids). For more information, visit our website at: www.cmmnj.org
* “Recommendations Regarding the Use of Cannabis in Multiple Sclerosis,” Expert Opinion Paper, National Clinical Advisory Board of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, 2008.
http://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-multiple-sclerosis/treatments/complementary--alternative-medicine/marijuana/download.aspx?id=1023
See also: “Multiple Sclerosis and Medical Cannabis,” Americans for Safe Access, 2008. http://www.safeaccessnow.org/article.php?id=4558
See also: “Emerging Clinical Applications for Cannabis & Cannabinoids, A Review of the Recent Scientific Literature, 2000 — 2008,” National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, 2008. http://www.norml.org//index.cfm?Group_ID=7121
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Friday, December 18, 2009
John Wilson: Not guilty on most serious marijuana charge
Somerville- The jury returned a not guilty verdict to John Wilson on the first-degree felony charges against him. But the MS patient could still face time in prison after being found guilty of second-degree charges of ‘Manufacturing’ marijuana and third-degree possession of hallucinogenic mushrooms.
If he had been convicted of “operating and maintaining a marijuana production facility” John would have faced a minimum of 15 years in state prison. That could have amounted to a death sentence for the 37 year old because of the degenerative nature of the disease. He had grown seventeen cannabis plants after researching online how to cultivate medical marijuana.
Wilson was allowed to remain with his family on bail until his sentencing hearing on February 5, 2010. At such time, supporters hope, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Act could be a law.
READ MORE
Stay tuned to the CMMNJ blog for updates and further information
If he had been convicted of “operating and maintaining a marijuana production facility” John would have faced a minimum of 15 years in state prison. That could have amounted to a death sentence for the 37 year old because of the degenerative nature of the disease. He had grown seventeen cannabis plants after researching online how to cultivate medical marijuana.
Wilson was allowed to remain with his family on bail until his sentencing hearing on February 5, 2010. At such time, supporters hope, The New Jersey Compassionate Use Act could be a law.
READ MORE
Stay tuned to the CMMNJ blog for updates and further information
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
ALERT: Judge allows John Wilson to mention MS at trial
Somerville - It was honest and sincere; it was the truth. On the stand in his own defense, John Wilson was allowed to tell the jury that he has Multiple Sclerosis.
“I told them I was not a drug dealer and I was using the marijuana to treat my MS.” John had been asked what he said to the State Police officers who arrived to investigate the 17 cannabis plants spotted by helicopter.
It seems Wilson has been truthful with law enforcement authorities about his intentions regarding the medical use of his marijuana from their first contact with him.
NBC 4 in NY was in the courtroom and correctly called the single-sentence event a "Stunning Reversal at Medical Marijuana Trial."
Here’s how it happened. Because of the Judge’s earlier limitation rulings, Defense Attorney James Wronko and Deputy Attorney General Russ Curley took great care in their lines of questioning when the defendant took the stand. Wilson could not offer anything regarding medical marijuana; that he has Multiple Sclerosis or that cannabis can help treat MS. John's testimony today was grueling with numerous and lengthy sidebars.
Earlier in the day Detective Sergeant William Peacock, head of the NJ State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit, testified that during their search of John’s property he could not recall asking what John intended to do with the cannabis plants. Another State Trooper on the scene testified that he did not recall any conversations either.
Yet since John has been up-front with everyone about how marijuana helps with his Multiple Sclerosis, even the cops who showed up at his doorstep in 2008, he was allowed to say it to the jury as well.
READ MORE
THANK YOU ALL CMMNJ VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HELD SIGNS EVERY DAY!
“I told them I was not a drug dealer and I was using the marijuana to treat my MS.” John had been asked what he said to the State Police officers who arrived to investigate the 17 cannabis plants spotted by helicopter.
It seems Wilson has been truthful with law enforcement authorities about his intentions regarding the medical use of his marijuana from their first contact with him.
NBC 4 in NY was in the courtroom and correctly called the single-sentence event a "Stunning Reversal at Medical Marijuana Trial."
Here’s how it happened. Because of the Judge’s earlier limitation rulings, Defense Attorney James Wronko and Deputy Attorney General Russ Curley took great care in their lines of questioning when the defendant took the stand. Wilson could not offer anything regarding medical marijuana; that he has Multiple Sclerosis or that cannabis can help treat MS. John's testimony today was grueling with numerous and lengthy sidebars.
Earlier in the day Detective Sergeant William Peacock, head of the NJ State Police Marijuana Eradication Unit, testified that during their search of John’s property he could not recall asking what John intended to do with the cannabis plants. Another State Trooper on the scene testified that he did not recall any conversations either.
Yet since John has been up-front with everyone about how marijuana helps with his Multiple Sclerosis, even the cops who showed up at his doorstep in 2008, he was allowed to say it to the jury as well.
READ MORE
THANK YOU ALL CMMNJ VOLUNTEERS WHO HAVE HELD SIGNS EVERY DAY!
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Update: John Wilson trial underway - support needed
Supporters are being asked to have a strong presence inside and outside the courtroom throughout the trial. Please contact Ken Wolski: ohamkrw (at) aol.com or Chris Goldstein: director (at) normlnj.org if you would like to help this effort. Somerville, NJ- The trial is moving with unexpected speed for John Wilson, a New Jersey Multiple Sclerosis patient who was found to have with 17 cannabis plants outside his home last year. A jury was selected and the trial got underway today at 1:30PM at the Somerset County Courthouse.
The prosecutor and judge have zealously kept out any testimony regarding medical marijuana or even personal use, arguing the reason why the plants were grown is irrelevant.
The state Attorney General’s office has charged him with the first-degree felony of 'Operating a Drug Manufacturing Facility,' a statute originally created to go after cocaine dealers. The Superior Court Judge presiding over the trial has barred John and his defense attorney from mentioning to the jury that John even has MS.
Supporters held signs in front of the courthouse again today, the third public demonstration for John.
State Senators Nicholas Scutari and Raymond Lesniak have asked for NJ Governor Jon Corzine to grant a pardon. They are both co-sponsors of the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act and Senator Scutari is himself a municipal prosecutor in Lynden. Their statement requesting the pardon was strongly worded:
“It seems cruel and unusual to treat New Jersey’s sick and dying as if they were drug cartel kingpins. Moreover, it is a complete waste of taxpayer money having to house and treat an MS patient in a jail at the public’s expense,” said Senator Scutari, D-Union, Middlesex and Somerset. “Specifically, in the case of John Ray Wilson, the State is taking a fiscally irresponsible hard-line approach against a man who’s simply seeking what little relief could be found from the debilitating effects of multiple sclerosis. Governor Corzine should step in immediately and end this perversion of criminal drug statutes in the Garden State.”
“Without compassion and a sense of moral right and wrong, laws are worth less than the paper they’re printed on,” said Senator Lesniak, D-Union. “New Jersey’s tough criminal drug laws were never intended to be used against patients suffering from chronic and terminal medical conditions. The prosecutors and presiding judge have set up a scenario where Mr. Wilson is no different than a common street thug in the eyes of the law.” Read their release in full
Here are some related recent news articles about the trial
http://www.mycentraljersey.com/article/20091215/NEWS/912150338/Testimony+continues+Wednesday+in+Franklin+man+s+marijuana+trial
http://abclocal.go.com/wpvi/story?section=news/local&id=7170696
Breaking: Wilson's jury selected, marijuana trial begins 1:30PM
John Wilson just called from the Somerset County Courthouse. The jury selection was unexpectedly speedy. His trial will begin today at 1:30PM.
Rally for John Wilson a success: Video
Somerville – Volunteers from CMMNJ and NORML-NJ demonstrated in front of the Somerset County Courthouse in support of MS patient John Wilson. Jury selection has begun in his trial where he faces 15-35 years for growing seventeen cannabis plants to treat his MS. Without healthcare it was something that brought him relief.Although the rally was a success John continues to face an overzealous prosecution and a frightening potential sentence.
CMMNJ has rallied in support of John since his case emerged. When the judge in the trial barred John from ever telling the jury that he has MS the outrage was instant. Two state Senators have now asked for an Executive Pardon.
Thank you to all of the motivated CMMNJ volunteers who attended the rally! CMMNJ Board of Directors in attendance: Ken Wolski, Jim Miller, Ed Hannaman, Jim Bissell and Chris Goldstein. John’s trial is continuing, if you would like to participate in the daily presence at the courthouse, please contact us: ohamkrw@aol.com or media@cmmnj.org
Please send a letter to Governor Corzine and Attorney General Anne Milgram.
Below is video news from WPVI-TV Channel 6 in Philadelphia.
Friday, December 11, 2009
The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) supports the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (S119/A804)
Letter from the NJSNA 12/9/09
The New Jersey State Nurses Association (NJSNA) supports the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act (S119/A804) and we urge the NJ General Assembly to pass this legislation.
A804 will protect patients who use marijuana with a physician’s... prescription under a program run by the NJ Department of Health and Senior Services. At the same time, this legislation contains, and continues, sufficient safeguards to protect the public against drug abuse. Medical marijuana is currently legal in 13 states and in the majority of these states teen marijuana use has declined, according to government studies. Medical marijuana has not led to broader legalization of drugs anywhere in the country in the 14 years medical marijuana programs have been in place.
In 2002, NJSNA adopted a resolution at its annual membership meeting that recognized the therapeutic value and safety of medically recommended marijuana. At that time, NJSNA urged the Governor and the State Legislature to move expeditiously to make medical marijuana legally available to New Jersey residents who could benefit from it.NJSNA has repeatedly testified in support of medical marijuana since the New Jersey Compassionate Use Medical Marijuana Act was first introduced in 2005.NJSNA represents over 110,000 Registered Professional Nurses in the State.
In 2004, the American Nurses Association (ANA) adopted a Position Statement on “Providing Patients Safe Access to Marijuana/Cannabis.” The ANA supports the right of patients to have safe access to therapeutic marijuana/cannabis under appropriate supervision of the prescriber and the education of registered nurses regarding current,
evidence based therapeutic use of marijuana/cannabis. The ANA represents 2.7 million RN's in the U.S.
NJSNA would appreciate your support for this important treatment for patients in need of it.
Should you wish to discuss this matter further, you may contact Dr. Barbara Wright, NJSNA Interim CEO {contact info}.
Sincerely,
Barbara Goldberg-Chamberlain,
PhD, RN, APN, CCRN, WCC
President- New Jersey State Nurses Association
The Voice for Nurses in New Jersey!
www.NJSNA.org
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