Heavy

The hearing was somber for myself and others close to me. Many activists showed out in support and I was grateful to see each and everyone. It was inspiring to know that the courtroom was filled with people that believe in medical cannabis and were willing to take time out of their day to come out in a show of support. I cannot express my gratitude enough in simple words. We appeared in front of the Honorable Judge Claudia Wilken and listened as the prosecution read off the "crime" that we had been accused of. It was somewhat amusing to hear the US Attorney say "Reefer's" but it was even more refreshing to hear him say "Compassion Medicinal Edibles." I was asked by the Judge explicitly if I understood the entire plea situation and the long list of questions that come with that process. They ask so firmly and directly that it almost seems as if they are trying to talk you out of it or something. I had made me decision and there was no question she could have asked that would have convinced me facing a mandatory ten year minimum for medicated edibles was a good idea. She asked me if I agreed to the charges being brought against me and if I was prepared to plead guilty to those charges. I simply replied, "With a heavy heart, I do." She accepted the plea and the hearing was over. I was instructed to report to the probation office to begin the interview process, as they will submit a report advising the court about my status in the community and their findings relating to my sentencing. As we left the courtroom, most of the entire courtroom followed us out and it was a moving moment for me, as it was just powerful by nature. Once again, words do not express my gratitude. I must say I do not understand the sentencing process completely, but I went over the paperwork with my attorneys in detail and finally was finished at 4:20 ironically enough. When I departed the building, my friend and fellow activist, Justin was sitting there to greet me, resolved not to leave, as he did not want me to walk out to noone waiting. My wife raced the kids home to get ready for the big baseball game. We are the Cardinals. I drove home thinking about what had just happened. I was glad that it was over for now and hoped that my stomach would quit feeling queasy soon enough. I got home. Put on my Cardinals jersey and raced to the ballpark to watch my young son get his first three hits and RBI of the season, as my team went on to our first victory of the season. As I coached 11 young kids I was nowhere near that courtroom or even thinking about what had transpired a few hours earlier. And as we gathered around third base chanting "2-4-6-8, Who Do We Apppreciate?" I understood why I had made the decision I did today and was glad that I had.