ARREST IN ONE-MAN POT PROTEST

TRENTON -- A Browns Mills man who advocates the legalization of marijuana
lighted a marijuana cigarette in the State House yesterday to protest his
personal situation, and what he calls a "hypocritical" Legislature.

Edward "NJ Weedman" Forchion was promptly approached by state police
officers after lighting up at 1:30 p.m., but says he swallowed the "joint"
before police could complete the arrest. Because there is no physical
evidence, Forchion believes he can beat the charges.

Forchion was charged by state police with being under the influence of
marijuana, hindering apprehension, and improper behavior, according to an
arrest docket. The misdemeanor charges will be heard in Trenton Municipal
Court.

"I just wanted to point out the hypocrisy, the hypocrisy of the
Legislature," said Forchion.

Forchion is a member of the Rastafari religion and says its members use
marijuana, or "ganja," to heal the body and cleanse the mind.

The ganja herb is a religious sacrament to Rastafari, much as peyote is to
Native Americans, and wine is for Christians and Catholics, said Forchion.
It is thus illegal to practice his religion in New Jersey, he said.

The Legislature frequently passes laws that promote other religions or
beliefs, Forchion claims.

Forchion also was protesting several law enforcement agencies in the South
Jersey area and the state police that have arrested him, and the Burlington
County court judges who, he says, have trampled his rights. The judges have
taken away his 5-year-old daughter because of his attitude toward
marijuana, Forchion said.

"If I had chosen Hinduism, or to be a Muslim, they wouldn't be taking my
kid," said Forchion. His daughter lives with her mother, Forchion's former
wife, in Lumberton.

Forchion has been a congressional candidate in the 1st Congressional District.