Despite Calif. address, 'Weedman' is on NJ ballot

MOUNT HOLLY, N.J. (AP) — A perennial New Jersey political candidate who proudly calls himself a pothead says he's surprised he managed to get on the ballot in a state legislative race even though he now lives in California.

Edward Forchion (FOR'-chin), who likes to be known as Weedman, lives in Los Angeles where he runs a medical marijuana dispensary.

He's is running as an independent in southern New Jersey's 8th District to raise awareness of his platform to legalize marijuana.

No one tried to challenge his right to run in the same district where state Senate candidate and nine-time Olympic gold medalist Carl Lewis was taken off the ballot last month for failing to meet a residency requirement.

Forchion is currently in his native New Jersey to face trial on drug-dealing charges.