Medical Marijuana: The Will Foster Case in Oklahoma
The new information on antiinflammatory effects of marijuana [see "Marijuana, Inflammation, and CT-3..." above] is also relevant to the case of Will Foster in Tulsa, Oklahoma. This case shows the need for legal recognition of medical marijuana, and other law reform.In January 1997 Will Foster, who ran a software business and was formerly a military policeman, was sentenced to 93 years in prison for growing marijuana in his basement to treat his severe rheumatoid arthritis. He had no criminal record.
The sentence consisted of 70 years for growing the plants, 20 years for doing so in the presence of children (his own, who according to Foster never saw or knew about the marijuana, which was in a locked room), and three years for miscellaneous marijuana offenses. While researching this case we looked for indications of anything else that could explain the severity of the sentence, but could find nothing. Foster refused to plead guilty and accept a 12-year sentence, and instead had a jury trial--said to be unheard of in Tulsa in a marijuana possession or cultivation case, which usually leads to a plea bargain.
Will Foster's wife Meg had difficulty finding a lawyer in Tulsa to handle an appeal, but an appeal was filed on September 6, 1997. Two weeks later Foster was transferred to a prison in Texas, 400 miles from his family, where he remains today. He was unable to get his prescription medications or even minimal medical care for his arthritis, until public pressure was organized. The Oklahoma governor rejected requests for clemency.
More information about the case, including updates, a detailed statement by Will Foster, a 2000-word article in Reason magazine, and how people can help, can be found at: http://reason.com/9705/col.smith.shtml
