"WEEDMAN" - CHOSE HIS OWN METHOD

The tale of "NJ Weedman" might be coming to an end … but not the way Edward
Forchion envisioned. A self-styled crusader for marijuana and judicial
reform, it turns out that Forchion is a common criminal, who now has run
away from his punishment.

The Browns Mills man had a flair for calling attention to himself and his
alleged causes. While some people call for education reform, the Weedman
pushed for the legalization of marijuana. It's not that far-fetched of a
banner to wave. Some of the top minds in the country debate legalization of
the drug.

But Forchion liked to live on the edge when it came to promoting his cause.
Over the years, he was accused of lighting up joints at the Camden County
Democratic Headquarters, at the office of U.S. Rep. Rob Andrews in Haddon
Heights and on the floor of the state Assembly. He also ran for various
public offices on the "Legalize Marijuana Party" ticket.

Forchion's brushes with the law finally caught up with him. He pleaded
guilty to conspiracy and marijuana possession, but filed a motion to
retract his plea. He is scheduled to be sentenced Friday. He could face a
sentence of 10 years in prison.

But the Weedman hopes he's not around for that. Last week, he called the
Courier-Post and said he has sought asylum at the Cuban Embassy in Canada.
His motive: "I can't just walk into jail."

We don't feel a bit sorry for Forchion, who chose his methods of protest
with a full knowledge of what could happen to him. In hindsight, he
probably wishes he had utilized more conventional forms of dissent.

We do recognize that there are victims who will be harmed, though. Namely,
his four children, whose dad might wind up behind bars for a long time or
living in a foreign country to avoid prison.

It's time to step up and take it like a man, Ed. Come back home to Camden
County. Serve your time - which could be as little as six to 30 months. Do
the right thing.

Then, if you want to continue your fight to legalize marijuana, do so - but
do it in a way that allows you to come home to your children every day.