Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) has pardoned an ophthalmologist who served six months in jail in 2014 for growing cannabis for his sick wife before the state legalized the plant for medical use. Dr. Paul Ezell lost his ability to practice medicine as a result of his conviction.
At the time of his arrest, Ezell said he began growing cannabis to help his wife reduce the use of prescription opioids. The grow was discovered after someone reported Ezell after finding some plant clippings in the trash as the doctor was disassembling the operation.
According to a press release from Lt. Gov. John Fetterman’s (D) office, the pardon will allow Ezell, now 65, to return to his profession as an eye doctor.
“Here’s a doctor of 30 years who had not so much as a speeding ticket, and then his whole life is ruined for giving his wife medicine that’s now legal in Pennsylvania. This is a prime example of the destructive power of reefer madness. … He lost his wife, his career, everything. Today, Dr. Ezell can start to rebuild his life. Cases like his illustrate why we must end marijuana prohibition before it destroys one more life.” – Fetterman in a statement
Fetterman chairs the Pennsylvania Board of Pardons and is a proponent for cannabis law reforms.
The case of Ezell’s daughter, who also lost her nursing license due to the charges, is set to be heard by the pardon board next month.
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