TRAVERSE CITY - Matthew Barber will pay a fine and submit to house arrest after pleading guilty to the use of marijuana, the drug he says curbs his multiple sclerosis symptoms. District court Judge Michael Haley sentenced Barber - arrested in June with two ounces of marijuana - to 90 days of probation, $345 in fines, and 30 days of "intensive" house supervision through Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan. The misdemeanor offense is punishable up to 93 days in jail. "I don't doubt what Mr. Barber is telling me, but that doesn't mean I can excuse that behavior given the state of the law," said Haley. Diagnosed with M.S. in 2001, Barber said he has exhausted all of the acceptable forms of treatment for a disease that affects the central nervous system. "I want to say it is criminal to keep medicine from patients," Barber told Haley before being sentenced. "Marijuana has helped me. I know it has. I get out more. I am more active." Flanked by his three attorneys, Barber sat in a wheelchair during the late morning hearing also attended by Grand Traverse County Prosecutor Dennis LaBelle. Part of a pre-sentencing report called for Barber to be placed on an electronic tether, a recommendation argued against by his attorney, Dean Robb. "He is already on a tether," said Robb, joined by Marian Kromkowski and Matthew Posner in defending Barber. "This wheelchair is enough of a tether for him." Haley agreed, but sentenced Barber to the 30 days of Goodwill supervision, tantamount to house arrest. Barber will be able leave for medical visits, but had to cancel a trip to Washington, D.C., planned for this week to speak about his condition with other members of the M.S. Patients Union. "Under the circumstances, I am happy with (the sentence)," said Robb afterward. "Matt will be a significant player in taking this fight to the next level."
Herbsparky
See....that's just wrong. When this is happening in America I can't say I hold my head high to be an American. God help this country....it's all gone to hell.
greenconan
I concur ... im beginning to think the most american thing i can do is move to europe!
*sigh GC
Herbsparky
I'm lookin for another planet Conan.
greenconan
hey, that heavens gate stuff doesn't sound so bad now does it?!
;-)
GC
smotpoker
:(
nothing short of depressing howd things get so out of whack?
the land of the free....where i cant grow a plant in my closet without fear of going to the slammer....what a crock of shit..
and honestly how can justice be served to a wheelchair bound MS patient whos done nothing but try to ease his pain with a plant. hes not stealing to support an oxy contin habit. or tuning out with heroin.
has the world no respect anymore?
Herbsparky
Cyanide Conan?
greenconan
no way herb, im going to survive peak oil! start the planning now, thats all i have to say -- ;)
GC
marymaryquitecntrary
just keep on growing AND keep your police record clean. those of us who do this are setting a 'good example' for the decrimilization of MJ.
those who grow, sell, and get caught are hurting ALL of us who grow for our own enjoyment or to ease our pain.
believe me, 'we've come a long way, baby', from the way it was back in the 60's. at least some states are coming around!
so grow, smoke, and stay out of trouble!
trillions of atoms
well sheit herbie- theyve been planning to colonize mars for at least ten years. lets both make reservations!!!!!!
