A self-proclaimed minister who claimed he smokes marijuana for "religious" and health reasons has been found Guilty of a Felony charge of Manufacturing/Cultivating Marijuana for growing 100 plants.
It took a Brevard County jury only 14 minutes Friday to find 53-year-old Steven Swallick Guilty of the above-mentioned offense. He faces up to 10 years in prison when sentenced next month.
Swallick told the Judge outside the jury's presence that he is affiliated with the "Hawaiian Cannabis Ministries" and that he smokes marijuana and uses it as an ingredient in anointing oil, health drinks and incense to drive away evil spirits. Swallick gets points for originality for his novel, yet unsuccessful defense.
However, Circuit Court Judge Jim Earp ruled that Swallick could not give such testimony to the jury. And, as we've now learned, without his "defense" being submitted to the Jury, it took less than fifteen (15) minutes to convict him.
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