Taking One for the Kids: Activist Arrests Continue

By all accounts, Bobby Moulton is a nice guy. The soft-spoken, Indiana native loves kids and a few years back he found his calling when he learned how effective cannabis oil could be in the treatment of cancer, particularly pediatric cancer.

“I was a sick lil’ one myself,” he recalls. “Ear infections, pneumonia, seizures and a bleeding ulcer that perforated when I was 13. I became involved with sick kids at birth.”

Inspired by his own experience, Moulton decided to devote his life to helping pediatric cancer patients. He estimates helping 35 patients directly and countless others with advice and guidance. Last summer, he was helping a child who lived in New York and decided to move to a nearby legal state, Rhode Island, to be closer to the boy. That fall, Moulton was arrested for marijuana.

His arrest was the result of a betrayal by a 20-year-old Michigander whom Moulton refers to as “the kid” and whom he agreed to help by giving the young man a new start in Rhode Island. While Moulton was away in Ohio the kid stole Moulton’s cannabis oil and sold it to some real kids in the town of West Warwick.  A 13-year-old girl became ill and police arrested the kid who copped a plea and turned in Moulton.

The police seized 4-5 ounces of trim, 4-6 plants, 60 grams of oil, syringes and empty capsules. But what really nailed Moulton was the “still” that he used to manufacture the cannabis oil.  He was charged with manufacturing with intent to sell. He faces ten years in jail.

Bobby’s story is indicative of a new class of “drug offenders,” idealistic activists who learn the hard way that not everyone accepts the medical utility of cannabis and that doing the right thing doesn’t necessarily mean you get treated right.

“I drove back from Ohio to turn myself in thinking I would go in and out fast. I have a very good legal team. “Moulton explained.  “That was not the case. They held me two weeks.”

When Moulton finally was released on bail he returned to an eviction notice at his apartment and everything of any value was gone.  His case will come to trial later this fall and the best case scenario, according to Moulton, is a hung jury.

Rhode Island is one of 23 states that recognizes the medical utility of cannabis. The law was passed in 2005 and allows possession of 2.5 usable ounces and up to 12 plants for patients. Moulton hoped to become a registered caregiver in the state which would have allowed up to 5 ounces and 24 plants but he had not yet fulfilled the residency requirement for the state. Regardless, Moulton was in clear violation of the state medical cannabis regulations.

“If I have to take it for the kids,” he says with a mixture of bravura and resignation, “Then, that’s what I’ll do.”

Sadly, Moulton joins a rapidly increasing number of individuals who learn the value of medical cannabis and then embrace the lifestyle of activism the way some embrace the fundamentalism of religion. The conversion is so complete, so enthusiastic that it often blinds the converted to the realities of the quagmire into which they wade with such high hopes and good intentions. The cynical axiom, “no good deed goes unpunished,” can be very real.

Bobby Moulton is a good soul. His Facebook page is filled with pediatric cancer stories, gold ribbons and comments from dozens of family members of Bobby’s kids. There is no mention of his arrest, no ranting against the system, no pity-fest.

“I hate to ask for the help and was quite embarrassed to do so,” he said of his “Love and Care for Bobby Moulton” post on YouCaring, a Compassionate Crowdfunding site. Even in that public setting, his modesty is obvious.

“I am fighting a very serious battle right now. I have run into some bumps in my journey and need immediate help,” he wrote.

For Bobby Moulton those bumps could become insurmountable.

Do you think children should have access to cannabis for medical treatment?