Forchion, who owns a Trenton cafe that has been openly advertising the sale of illegal marijuana, said the officer simply didn't like his political stance on marijuana.
"This was a street robbery by the Wanaque police department," Forchion added.
"This guy started talking about the gateway theory. He started talking about kids and heroin. He did not like me. And he did not like the Weedmobile. And it will be part of my lawsuit that he used my free speech and my freedom of expression as justification to initiate police action."
While the Wannaque arrest will lead to more litigation, it will also be play a role in his ongoing lawsuit. Attorneys representing the state have asked a judge for time to file their reply.
"Most people thought they were voting to legalize marijuana when in fact, if you read the amendment and our existing marijuana laws, marijuana will remain illegal and I think the state bamboozled the citizens, hoodwinked them in the voting to give certain people — these 'cannabis cartels' — the opportunity to make billions while still continuing to illegalize the masses of us," Forchion said.
Forchion was charged with possession of marijuana under 50 grams, a disorderly persons offense; possession of hashish under 5 grams, a disorderly persons offense; possession with the intent to use drug paraphernalia, a disorderly persons offense; fourth-degree possession with the intent to distribute marijuana under 5 grams; fourth-degree conspiracy to distribute marijuana; and three motor vehicle summons for improper or unclear plates, operation of a motor vehicle while in possession of drugs, and color of lights emitted.