Cruel Consequences: Portraits of misguided law
Alabama NORML proudly presents 'Cruel Consequences,' a non-profit organization founded by Tamara Netzel, a valued member of Virginia NORML. The mission is to bring attention to the devastating effects of marijuana prohibition through powerful stories and compelling portraits of those directly impacted.
Cruel Consequences has successfully initiated discussions and awareness campaigns at various community events, college classes, and even prestigious gatherings such as the Virginia Attorney General’s Cannabis Summit held in December 2019.
For more information about please visit their website at cruelconsequences.org
Have a story to tell? Share your story.
Featured Stories:
Sean Worsley
While on a cross-country trip to visit family, an Iraq War veteran and purple heart recipient and his wife were arrested in Pickens County charged with a Class C felony for possession of marijuana for “other than personal use.” Sean had a medical cannabis card from Arizona. He used cannabis for PTSD and back and shoulder pain.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Difficulty with finding housing
- Served time and faced 5 years in jail
- Legal fees
- Loss of veteran resources
- Extradited from Arizona to Alabama
Dr. Jeff Khleif
Pharmacist arrested and charged with a misdemeanor for possession of marijuana and paraphernalia. He used cannabis as a mood stabilizer after devastating loss.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Legal fees
- Used as leverage in custody battle
- Missed job opportunities
- Loss of family
Stories from 'Alabama's War on Marijuana'
Mary Thomas
Police arrested Mary Thomas, 75, for a felony marijuana possession charge labeled as "other than personal use." Officers discovered a small amount of marijuana, which Thomas occasionally used recreationally, after a friend of her grandson turned out to be an informant.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Civil asset forfeiture
- Court fines and fees
- Probation
- Lost valued right to vote
Wesley Shelton
After falling asleep on a city bench, Wesley Shelton was arrested after police searched him and found a small $10 bag of marijuana. Unable to post $250 for bail, he spent 15 months in jail due to a backlog in Alabama drug testing lab.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Case sent to grand jury
- Unpayable bond set
- 15 months in jail
- Alabama drug testing lab delays
Michael Brooks
A few grams of marijuana ruined Michael Brooks' life. His home was raided by Mobile PD twice and he was charged with distribution, making him a felon. The charges hung over his head for years, despite never distributing marijuana.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Home raided at gunpoint with children present
- Continue family harassment by police
- Loss of employment
- Financial ruin
Kiasha Hughes
Pregnant Kiasha Hughes arrested for marijuana possession while changing clothes between work shifts, after her boyfriend asked her to hide some baggies.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Civil asset forfeiture - $547 cashed check from work
- Hospital visit after release
- Loss employment opportunities & career goal derailed
- Probation and court fees
Nick Gibson
During the largest drug raid on or near the University of Alabama campus in 30 years, Nick Gibson and 60 other students were arrested. Out of 183 drug charges, 75 were for first-degree possession of marijuana, including Nick's case.
Consequences of Arrest:
- Civil asset forfeiture
- $40k in court cost and legal fees
- Faced 15 officers with guns