Ed "New Jersey Weedman" Forchion's 1st Ad

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Forchion, who was recently released from prison after a 17-month stretch, was arrested on May 27 after speaking out against marijuana laws in front of the Burlington County Courthouse. Part of Forchion's parole deal, according to authorities, was that he could not openly promote the use of marijuana. So the dreadlocked Forchion, never one to shy away from a challenge, has fought back by shooting the commercials wearing a marijuana-leaf shirt while standing in front of an American flag. "The liberty this flag represents is in grave danger ... the drug war is destroying our free society," he says in one spot. "Even doctors are openly challenging the myth marijuana is dangerous ... who do you believe? Your doctor or your politician?" The spots, which can be seen by Comcast subscribers, will first run Saturday night on CNN during the first part of the 9/11-themed "America Remembers." Come September, the commercials will be running locally on MTV, CNN, the Comedy Channel, FOX News and Comcast Sports. Known nationwide, Forchion, a Browns Mills resident, has pulled many stunts to bring attention to the marijuana legalization movement. He's run for office, getting 2,706 votes for Burlington County freeholder and 1,983 votes during a congressional run. He also has lit up joints in courtrooms, a judge's office and, most famously, during a session of the state assembly. Forchion is also readying an appeal to his earlier marijuana conviction, and plans to use "jury nullification" as his defense. Jury nullification, in it's pure sense, is when a jury decides that a law is unjust, and thus refuses to convict. Forchion is pursuing the appeal despite the very real possibility that he could be sent back to prison for upwards of 20 years. Forchion has said in many interviews the reason he's willing to risk his freedom is for the legalization of marijuana and the upholding of the First Amendment.