Pubdate: Tue, 23 Jan 2001
Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)
Copyright: 2001, Canoe Limited Partnership.
Contact:  #250, 4990-92 Avenue, Edmonton, Alberta, T6B 3A1 Canada
Fax: (780) 468-0139
Website: http://www.canoe.ca/EdmontonSun/
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Author: Nova Pierson
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/grant.htm (Grant Krieger)

JAIL HASN'T GONE TO POT JUST YET

CALGARY --  Grant Krieger is in the joint this morning - but his joints aren't.

The multiple sclerosis sufferer - who has fought to allow the sick to 
possess and use marijuana - began serving a 33-day jail sentence yesterday.

But the three ounces of marijuana he'd brought with him to ease his pain 
were turned away from the Calgary Remand Centre, even though last month a 
judge ruled Krieger could grow and use pot to ease his pain.

"I'm like Daniel walking into the lion's den with three ounces with me," 
said the gaunt 46-year-old before giving himself up at a police office.

Krieger plans to sue after being denied his marijuana in jail. He said it 
eases his suffering with fewer side effects than pharmaceuticals and allows 
him to walk.

"If they take it away from me it would be inhumane," he said. Krieger 
signed the papers yesterday to begin serving 22 days in lieu of $1,200 in 
fines for probation breaches.

But officials realized he had another $550 fine for smoking a joint on the 
courthouse steps.

He said he can't afford to pay the fines, so is going to jail instead for a 
total of 33 days. He could be out early, as soon as 11 days. "Hon, you'll 
call?" his wife Marie said, as he gave her one last hug and kiss before 
giving himself up.

Arrest processing unit Staff Sgt. Pat Larabie said federal prosecutors told 
police not to arrest Krieger, despite the amount of weed he openly brought 
with him.

Instead police drove Krieger and his pot to jail, knowing it would be 
denied at the door.

"The only alternative we have is to keep it here for him when he gets 
back," said Larabie.

Alberta Justice spokesman Bart Johnson said officials saw no reason to make 
an exception for Krieger, and added they're not worried about a lawsuit.

"We've had a legal opinion from our own civil lawyers. Our conclusion is 
although he may have a right to possess marijuana for medical purposes, 
it's not his constitutional right to possess marijuana in a correctional 
facility," said Johnson.

He said pot would create security concerns in jail - the same way alcohol, 
knives and guns aren't allowed in. But Johnson said jail officials are 
aware of Krieger's condition and will dispense medicines as needed.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens