Medical Marijuana Case Coming Up

Eric Hafner is on a mission. The Los Angeles, CA, resident who was arrested in in late November of 2011, and charged with possession of under 50 grams of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, is rallying against the charges.

He claims, on his Facebook page, that he suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder and “uses medical marijuana to treat the symptoms of his illness after traditional prescription medication failed.”

According to his Facebook page, Hafner contends that he was charged following a stop by Middletown police in which he was a passenger in a vehicle. Possession of under 50 grams of marijuana is a disorderly persons offense.

Hafner claims he is facing up to a year in jail, a criminal record and more than $1,000 in fines for “using his medicine.” According to NJ statute, the penalties for possession of less than 50 grams of marijuana are up to six months' jail time and $1,00 in fines. The penalties cited by Hafner and the actual statute are maximum penalties. He was charged, not convicted.

Hafner’s Facebook page further cites the following:

New Jersey legalized Medical Marijuana in 2010, yet over 2 years later the Department of Health and Senior Services has failed to implement the law. A recent Rutgers-Eagleton Poll (Nov 11) found that 86% of New Jersey voters support legal medical marijuana. The people of New Jersey are vehemently opposed to this unjust prosecution being undertaken in their name and demand the charges against Mr. Hafner be dropped without delay.

He is hosting a rally outside of Middletown Township Town Hall, , at 8 a.m. on March 12.

Do you support Hafner or think his plea is a bad excuse to smoke marijuana? Tell us in the comments section below.