Ed Forchion, known as New Jersey's 'Weedman', was found not guilty on charges of distribution on Thursday.



The jury deliberated for one hour before returning a 12-0 vote of not guilty. Forchion was arrested after a traffic stop in 2010 after police say they found a marijuana pipe inside his car and more than a pound of marijuana in his trunk.



Forchion is a longtime advocate for legalizing marijuana. He claims the marijuana in his car was legally obtained in California and that under the state's new medical marijuana law he had the right to travel across state lines.



Forchion's fourth degree possession conviction is being appealed. Sentencing on that charge is scheduled for January 17, 2013.



Forchion tells NBC10 that the jury's finding is a resounding message to the state and the prosecutor's office.

He will spend the next few days campaigning. He's running in N.J.'s 3rd Congressional District against Democratic candidate Shelley Adler and Republican incumbent Jon Runyan.



