MS PATIENT AVOIDS TRIAL ON DRUG CHARGE

Woman who said marijuana eases her pain agrees to pay $150.

A multiple sclerosis patient who claimed marijuana is the only thing that
eases her pain will avoid a trial on drug charges.

Jeanne A. Horton, 41, agreed to pay $150 and stay out of legal trouble for
two years. In return prosecutors will dismiss misdemeanor charges of
possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, under a
diversion agreement signed Tuesday.

Horton was claiming she used the drug to ease her pain, but Indiana courts
do not recognize the use of medicinal marijuana as a legal defense.

Horton was diagnosed with the disease 17 years ago and has been unable to
get out of bed for the past nine years. She said her health has greatly
improved since she started smoking pot in January.

Proponents say marijuana has been helpful in treating some illnesses by
stimulating the appetite of people with AIDS, counteracting the nausea
caused by chemotherapy, easing the pain of multiple sclerosis and helping
to treat glaucoma.

On April 3 Marion County sheriff's deputies were called to Horton's home in
the 5800 block of Fraser Court. Three visitors were arrested when the
deputies found a small bag of suspected marijuana, glass pipes, clips and
rolling papers. Because Horton was bedridden, officers issued her a summons.