JUDGE: MAN NOT ALLOWED TO CHANGE NAME TO NJWEEDMAN COM

CAMDEN, N.J. - A self-styled marijuana activist will not be allowed to
change his name to NJWeedman com.

The name change for Edward Forchion was nixed Friday by Superior Court
Judge John A. Fratto.

A spokesman for the Camden County Prosecutor's Office said the ruling came
after prosecutors argued the name change would "promote an illegal activity."

Forchion was placed in an early-release program in April 2002 after serving
16 months of a 10-year prison term for possession of marijuana with the
intent to distribute.

He subsequently was jailed for five months by authorities who said he
violated the program by filming public service announcements pressing for
changes to New Jersey's laws and advocating legalizing marijuana.

When he was released from jail in January 2003, Forchion was returned to
the early-release program but barred by a judge from promoting illegal use
of marijuana after his release.

Forchion, who refers to himself as "NJ Weedman," has said he used marijuana
because of his religious beliefs and for medical reasons.

He has made three bids for a seat in Congress, losing twice and quitting
one race after being indicted on drug charges.