Pubdate: Wed, 06 Feb 2002
Source: Indianapolis Star (IN)
Copyright: 2002 Indianapolis Newspapers Inc.
Contact:  http://www.starnews.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/210
Author: Vic Ryckaert

MS PATIENT AVOIDS TRIAL ON DRUG CHARGE

Woman who said marijuana eases her pain agrees to pay $150.

A multiple sclerosis patient who claimed marijuana is the only thing that 
eases her pain will avoid a trial on drug charges.

Jeanne A. Horton, 41, agreed to pay $150 and stay out of legal trouble for 
two years. In return prosecutors will dismiss misdemeanor charges of 
possession of marijuana and possession of drug paraphernalia, under a 
diversion agreement signed Tuesday.

Horton was claiming she used the drug to ease her pain, but Indiana courts 
do not recognize the use of medicinal marijuana as a legal defense.

Horton was diagnosed with the disease 17 years ago and has been unable to 
get out of bed for the past nine years. She said her health has greatly 
improved since she started smoking pot in January.

Proponents say marijuana has been helpful in treating some illnesses by 
stimulating the appetite of people with AIDS, counteracting the nausea 
caused by chemotherapy, easing the pain of multiple sclerosis and helping 
to treat glaucoma.

On April 3 Marion County sheriff's deputies were called to Horton's home in 
the 5800 block of Fraser Court. Three visitors were arrested when the 
deputies found a small bag of suspected marijuana, glass pipes, clips and 
rolling papers. Because Horton was bedridden, officers issued her a summons.
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