Posted on: Wednesday, June 26, 2002

Marijuana advocate convicted on drug charges

Associated Press

A Big Island marijuana advocate running for governor as a third-party candidate has been convicted on drug charges filed three years ago.

Jonathan Adler, 50, who says he requires marijuana for his asthma and for religious purposes, was convicted of possessing more than 50 marijuana plants and of possessing drug paraphernalia.

Adler, a Puna resident, faces up to 60 years in prison upon sentencing, scheduled for Aug. 26, but probation is more likely, his attorney said.

Adler filed nomination papers April 1 to run for governor as a candidate for the Natural Law, but Rex Quidilla, state Office of Elections spokesman, said Adler cannot run for state office once he is sentenced for the felony.