diff --git a/src/g_hexen/a_clericstaff.cpp b/src/g_hexen/a_clericstaff.cpp
index ecce09d345..45551f55fa 100644
--- a/src/g_hexen/a_clericstaff.cpp
+++ b/src/g_hexen/a_clericstaff.cpp
@@ -83,7 +83,11 @@ DEFINE_ACTION_FUNCTION(AActor, A_CStaffCheck)
 					{
 						pmo->health = player->health = newLife;
 					}
-					P_SetPsprite (player, ps_weapon, weapon->FindState ("Drain"));
+					if (weapon != NULL)
+					{
+						FState * newstate = weapon->FindState("Drain");
+						if (newstate != NULL) P_SetPsprite(player, ps_weapon, newstate);
+					}
 				}
 				if (weapon != NULL)
 				{