PROBATION CLARIFICATION SOUGHT

HILO (AP) - A Big Island marijuana advocate released from prison this week
is seeking court clarification of the five years of probation he faces.

One condition says Jonathan Adler cannot possess marijuana "while in
custody," but Adler said he is no longer in custody and his state medical
marijuana registration allows him to possess marijuana.

Another condition prohibits him from being present where marijuana is used,
but Adler said that would prevent him from practicing his religion with
other believers of the Religion of Jesus Church, which uses marijuana as a
sacrament. Adler is a pastor in the church.

Circuit Judge Greg Nakamura postponed a hearing on Adler's request until
April or later, when expert witnesses can be called.

Adler, 50, was released Tuesday from the Hawaii Community Correctional
Center after serving a six - month sentence for his guilty plea to five
marijuana felonies.

Adler, who says he requires marijuana for chronic pain and religious
purposes, was convicted last June of possessing more than 50 marijuana
plants and of possessing drug paraphernalia. The charges were filed in
September 1999.

At the time of his sentencing, Adler was a candidate for governor as a
Natural Law Party candidate. After he was sentenced, he became ineligible to
hold office.