ASSEMBLY CANDIDATE IS ARRESTED IN STRATFORD

Ed Forchion, the self-proclaimed "NJ Weedman," who is running for the
Assembly and the Camden County freeholders board on a "legalize marijuana"
platform, has been arrested on several warrants.

When Stratford police stopped Forchion, 35, of Chesilhurst, Monday night
and charged him with speeding, they discovered that Woodbury, Winslow,
Gloucester Township and Haddon Heights had warrants out for his arrest
because he failed to appear for municipal court dates within the last year
for possession of small amounts of marijuana,resisting arrest and
trespassing. After Stratford police gave Forchion tickets for speeding,
driving with a suspended license, driving with an expired license, and
driving without insurance, they transported him to the county jail, where
he was being held yesterday after failing to post $2,995 bail.

Stratford Police Chief James Fuller said neither he nor the arresting
officer had been aware that they were stopping Forchion, an outspoken
opponent of marijuana laws and local and state government who has had
run-ins with the law before.

He was arrested Nov. 24, 1997, in Bellmawr and charged with possession of
more than 25 pounds of marijuana, which is punishable by up to 20 years in
prison. Forchion has said he wants his case argued before a jury in the
hope that the men and women will nullify marijuana laws and vindicate him.

His next court date in that case is scheduled for Nov. 1, the day before
Election Day.

He is running for the Assembly in the Eighth District and is listed on the
ballot as Edward "NJ Weedman" Forchion.