Medical Marijuana

by **Woodruff** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:15 am

http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/component/flexicontent/item/45880-finally-medical-marijuana-is-on-its-way-to-new-jersey?Itemid=248

Ok, so I don't get this part of the article:

Back in March, John Ray Wilson was sentenced to five-years in prison for growing pot in the backyard of his Somerset home. At his trial, he wasn't permitted to tell the jury he grew the pot to relieve the symptoms that came from having multiple sclerosis, even though New Jersey approved the legalization of medical marijuana in January of 2010.

He wasn't permitted? He's on the stand? But can't give honest testimony? WTF?

Further, this is a simple dried herb. Any sick person can grow it, but if they do, it is illegal. But if a corporation crushes it up and puts it in a pill, they can sell it to hospitals and pharmacies for big bucks.

Why does this make sense to anyone?

by **aad0906** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:25 am

I think he was acquited.

by **Frigidus** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:31 am

Woodruff wrote:http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/component/flexicontent/item/45880-finally-medical-marijuana-is-on-its-way-to-new-jersey?Itemid=248

Ok, so I don't get this part of the article:
Back in March, John Ray Wilson was sentenced to five-years in prison for growing pot in the backyard of his Somerset home. At his trial, he wasn't permitted to tell the jury he grew the pot to relieve the symptoms that came from having multiple sclerosis, even though New Jersey approved the legalization of medical marijuana in January of 2010.

He wasn't permitted? He's on the stand? But can't give honest testimony? WTF?

Further, this is a simple dried herb. Any sick person can grow it, but if they do, it is illegal. But if a corporation crushes it up and puts it in a pill, they can sell it to hospitals and pharmacies for big bucks.

Why does this make sense to anyone?

It makes a lot of sense to the army of lobbyists that own our politicians.

by **2dimes** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:40 am

Woodruff wrote:Why does this make sense to anyone?

Because as a corperation we need to make the maximum profit we can for our share holders.

by **nietzsche** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 1:11 pm

Makes sense just like everything else makes Woodruff.

The power is of those who have money to pay shark lawyers, befriend judges and legislators.

by **thegreekdog** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 2:10 pm

I can't find out why he wasn't allowed to testify that he had multiple sclerosis. I looked at a bunch of things and they weren't helpful. Given the tenor of the article here (and the link to the case itself), I wonder if the defendant chose not to take the stand and it's been spun that he's not allowed to testify. Because I clearly cannot think of a reason why he would not be allowed to testify in his own defense. The only thing I can think of is that if he said on the stand "My doctor says I have MS," then it's hearsay. But the defense could just call the doctor to the stand (it is not clear if they did that or not).

Anyway... despite Chris Christie's outstanding track record on fiscal issues, it is clear that he is not representative of any kind of small government movement with respect to social issues (although he's still better than 90% of Republicans with respect to medical marijuana).

by **Maugena** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:12 pm

At a quick glance I thought the title of this was Medical Maugena.
Anywho.
I thought that, despite being legalized by any particular state, its status is still held as illegal by the federal government.
This guy that I know has a medical marijuana card but he's not legally able to buy some. Why?
Random tangent. Hue. Hungry, tired... and now blood pressure is rising...? Spinning...

by **Woodruff** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:46 pm

thegreekdog wrote:I can't find out why he wasn't allowed to testify that he had multiple sclerosis. I looked at a bunch of things and they weren't helpful.

Yeah, me too. I couldn't find much of anything clarifying. Weird.

thegreekdog wrote:Given the tenor of the article here (and the link to the case itself), I wonder if the defendant chose not to take the stand and it's been spun that he's not allowed to testify.

Certainly possible and, if so, highly annoying on the writer's part.

thegreekdog wrote:Because I clearly cannot think of a reason why he would not be allowed to testify in his own defense. The only thing I can think of is that if he said on the stand "My doctor says I have MS," then it's hearsay.

I suppose. I would think a simple showing of his medical records would clear that part up, though.

thegreekdog wrote:Anyway... despite Chris Christie's outstanding track record on fiscal issues, it is clear that he is not representative of any kind of small government movement with respect to social issues (although he's still better than 90% of Republicans with respect to medical marijuana).

He is on many things, in my view. While I certainly don't hold him in HIGH esteem, I do favor him over many, on both sides of the aisle (because that's a pretty low bar, right there).

by **2dimes** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:02 pm

You a communist or sumpin?

Next you'll wanna make your own cheeseburgers,

by **Woodruff** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:13 pm

2dimes wrote:You a communist or sumpin?
Next you'll wanna make your own cheeseburgers,

I've been called a Marxist many times in these fora...perhaps that's close enough?

by **2dimes** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 7:18 pm

I don't know much about that fancy talk but.. I know if you want a Quarter Pounder with cheese you go to McDonalds.

by **jonesthecurl** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:14 pm

2dimes wrote:I don't know much about that fancy talk but.. I know if you want a Quarter Pounder with cheese you go to McDonalds.

And you say "When are you guys gonna start making a decent burger?"

by **2dimes** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 10:26 pm

jonesthecurl wrote:
2dimes wrote:I don't know much about that fancy talk but.. I know if you want a Quarter Pounder with cheese you go to McDonalds.

And you say "When are you guys gonna start making a decent burger?"

Out of beets.

Because you're a commie and that's what commies eat.

by **jonesthecurl** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:26 pm

Only if prepared by a commie chef.

(say it aloud)

by **2dimes** on Tue Oct 23, 2012 11:32 pm

I'll have to say it to the wife tomorrow. I'm not getting it and she's asleep.

by **xeno** on Wed Oct 24, 2012 2:32 am

They don't want us to smoke the holy herb. Don't be surprised by any of this beuaracracy

by **BigBallinStalin** on Wed Oct 24, 2012 8:53 am

jonesthecurl wrote:Only if prepared by a commie chef.

(say it aloud)

I'm a Commie and proud.

by **Funkyterrance** on Wed Oct 24, 2012 9:18 pm

Does it stand to reason that he couldn't disclose his illness in court because the charges were about growing it, not using it? I can use painkillers if prescribed by a doctor but I can't produce them legally, even for my own use.

by **Woodruff** on Thu Oct 25, 2012 1:01 pm

Funkyterrance wrote:Does it stand to reason that he couldn't disclose his illness in court because the charges were about growing it, not using it? I can use painkillers if prescribed by a doctor but I can't produce them legally, even for my own use.

I suppose it's possible, as I don't know the rules. But it wouldn't make sense in my opinion, as that is still a "mitigating factor" (I would think).

by **Nola_Lifer** on Fri Oct 26, 2012 2:56 pm

Funkyterrance wrote:Does it stand to reason that he couldn't disclose his illness in court because the charges were about growing it, not using it? I can use painkillers if prescribed by a doctor but I can't produce them legally, even for my own use.

You're talking apples and oranges here. You'd be producing a chemical compound when making pain killers but marijuana is a plant. All you need is soil, water, and some sun, son.

by **Funkyterrance** on Fri Oct 26, 2012 5:24 pm

Nola_Lifer wrote:
Funkyterrance wrote:Does it stand to reason that he couldn't disclose his illness in court because the charges were about growing it, not using it? I can use painkillers if prescribed by a doctor but I can't produce them legally, even for my own use.

You're talking apples and oranges here. You'd be producing a chemical compound when making pain killers but marijuana is a plant. All you need is soil, water, and some sun, son.

Yeah I realize it may have not been the perfect analogy but legally speaking it fits the bill.

by **PLAYER57832** on Fri Oct 26, 2012 7:30 pm

Funkyterrance wrote:Does it stand to reason that he couldn't disclose his illness in court because the charges were about growing it, not using it? I can use painkillers if prescribed by a doctor but I can't produce them legally, even for my own use.

Most of the rules allow people to grow a small amount for their own use, but I am not sure about this state.