MARIJUANA ACTIVIST WHO REFUSED TO GIVE DNA IS INDICTED

Camden - An outspoken advocate for the legalization of marijuana was
indicted Thursday on charges of refusing to submit a DNA sample for a
statewide data bank, authorities said.

Ed "NJ Weedman" Forchion, 39, was charged by a grand jury in Camden County
with one count of criminal contempt, said Camden County Prosecutor Vincent
P. Sarubbi. A state law requires most convicted criminals and parolees to
submit to DNA tests. Forchion, a former truck driver from Pemberton
Township, was convicted in December 2000 for his role in attempting to
distribute 40 pounds of marijuana. Last fall, Forchion wrote Gov.
McGreevey, inviting him to kiss his behind and "retrieve the DNA from your
lips."

A hearing is scheduled in state Superior Court in Camden tomorrow before
Judge Robert G. Millenky. If convicted, Forchion faces up to 18 months in
prison.