Last spring, Philadelphia-based cannabis activist N.A. Poe made headlines after police raided a Poe-hosted cannabis party in a South Philly warehouse.
Poe was ordered to serve four years’ probation, perform 100 hours of community service, and pay a $2,500 fine.
“The event, which took place in a warehouse on the 4500 block of Worth Street, was publicized on Instagram by Philly Smoke Session, which was charging $50 per person to attend,” reported the Philadelphia Inquirer at the time. “Confiscated in the raid were about 50 pounds of marijuana, $50,000 in cash, four handguns, and about 100 pounds of THC-infused edibles, according to police.”
After raiding the warehouse party, which drew upwards of 500 attendees, police proceeded to Poe’s home, where authorities reportedly seized an additional nine pounds of cannabis.
When the smoke cleared, Poe stood charged with seven offenses, including a felony offense of “causing a catastrophe.” This past January, Poe pleaded guilty to two felony charges—possession with intent to deliver marijuana and conspiracy—after which the other charges were dropped.
Yesterday in Philadelphia’s Common Pleas Court, N.A. Poe received sentencing for his guilty pleas. As Philly.com reports, Judge Scott DiClaudio ordered Poe (whose legal name is Richard Tamaccio Jr.) to serve four years’ probation, perform 100 hours of community service, and pay a $2,500 fine.
Given Poe’s history of theatrical activism, his community service could be something to see. However, probation and cannabis activism are a dicey combo. Good luck, N.A. Poe.
(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
