A reader asked us to pass along this man’s amazing story. Here is what I could dig up. The first story is the start, the second is the result, and the third part is another explanation of the case:
A Plea From a Patient — The Jeffrey W. Kennedy Story
By Jeffrey W. Kennedy (found at medicalmarijuana411.com)
My name is Jeffrey w Kennedy. I am disabled.
I suffer from very Painful Neuropathy of the Feet & Legs, Failed Back Surgery & Depression.
I live in Palm Beach County, Florida, Which is where I was arrested for trying to grow Medical Marijuana, (26 plants) they claim.
It all started August 29th 2009 when our home was burglarized. I came home to find the front door open. I thought the burglar(s) may still be in our home. I am the owner of a (38) Caliber Hand Gun with a permit to carry, of which I had left at home that day.
In fear of being shot with my own gun, I called the Boynton Beach Police. They arrived and cleared our home.
Although the burglar(s) had fled with over $20,000.00 of cash, jewelry and electronics, the police told me to sit and not to move. They began to question me as if I had robbed my own home. They then began to question me about my Marijuana use.
Rather then telling them a lie, I told them that I did use Medical Marijuana as I am disabled and suffer from very Painful Neuropathy of the Feet & Legs, and Medical Marijuana is the only thing that seems to stop that Pain.
Soon after my explanation, they claim they discovered my medical garden and arrested me. The State of Florida is now charging me with Trafficking. I have hired Attorney Michael c Minardi to handle my defense.
Trial has been delayed for the second time now. My Attorney on December 13th 2010 will appear for a Status Check, at that time a New Trial Date should be rescheduled for early next year in Palm Beach County, Florida court room.
The Honorable Judge Miller is allowing, The Medical Necessity Defense.
This Defense has never been tried in a Palm Beach County Court.
We have some Experts in place, but our looking to add more. And we our in need of Public Support & Donations.
If you feel you have the Compassion to assist or help tell my story or Donate to my Legal Fund, A Non-Profit Tax Deductable Account has been set up at any Bank Atlantic.
The Jeffrey Kennedy Medical Necessity Defense Fund.
Thank you for your time, concern & generosity.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey W Kennedy
From Jeffery Kennedy — Trial Dismissed!!
BREAKING NEWS — From our friend, Jeffery Kennedy:
HISTORICAL MEDICAL CANNABIS TRIAL HAS BEEN DISMISSED!!!!!!!!! The State Has Decided To Dismiss All Charges On Jeffrey Kennedy ! This Could Not Have Been Done With Out The Support Of All.
And For That My Wife And I Thank Everyone Involved !
…Please Be Safe,
Jeffrey & Sharon Kennedy
I started with just a few supporters that believed in me. Those Few Supporters Have Turned Into Thousands. And From That Support, Our Voices Have Now Been Heard As One. And The State Of Florida, Now Knows That I am Not A Criminal. And For That I Am Grateful.
Thank you to everybody that believed in me and in this fight for Medical Cannabis and the right to choose over Opiates. All though no laws have been changed, I think they (government) are taking notice. That Cannabis Has Many Quality Medical Benefits And The Laws Will Change Soon Every Where.
Thank You & Be Safe,
Jeffrey & Sharon Kennedy
Pot charges dropped for Boynton Beach man
BOYNTON BEACH, Fla. — 53-year-old Jeff Kennedy was prepared to spend five years in prison for growing marijuana for medical reasons. But on Friday, Kennedy showed up in court wearing a t-shirt stating, ‘I am a patient not a criminal,’ and it turns out the state agrees. The state dropped the charges at the last minute.
“I’m just going to go forward and advocate for medical cannabis,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy suffers from chronic pain caused by a botched back surgery. His legs burn and twitch constantly. Doctors have prescribed him a cocktail of highly addictive and dangerous pain killers.
“It is slowly killing me,” said Kennedy.
Kennedy says marijuana works better than his prescription meds and do not have the dangerous side affects. Kennedy’s attorney says today’s dismissal proves other patients who use medical marijuana have a proven legal defense to do so.
“Anybody else who may be in similar situations, they know now or can be educated that they do have a defense if they do want to use cannabis,” said Michael Minardi, Kennedy’s lawyer.
Jeff says he will continue to fight until it’s legal to use medical marijuana in the state. Just like it already is in 15 other states and the district of columbia.
“Take this all the way and standup not for my rights and disabled person in the state of florida that can benefit from cannabis.”
But the state’s attorney’s office says not so fast. Attorney Jill Richstone spoke with WPEC and said, “There is no policy that we are accepting a medical marijuana defense. We look at each case individually.”
Richstone went on to say it was decided not to continue on with a trial because Jeff kennedy did not have a grow house to sell marijuana to other people.
