Pubdate: Fri, 22 Mar 2002
Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Canada Web)
Copyright: 2002 CBC
Contact:  http://www.cbc.ca/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1412
Feedback: http://cbc.ca/aboutcbc/contact/index.html
Author: Lisa Cordasco
Audio Link: 
http://vancouver.cbc.ca/clips/Vancouver/ram-audio/bc_cordasco_020322.ram
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

MARIJUANA CLUB FOUNDER IN JAIL

Victoria - Police have arrested Ted Smith, the founder of the 
Vancouver Island Cannabis Buyers Club, and charged him with drug 
trafficking.

The club operated from an bookstore in downtown Victoria, selling 
marijuana to people with medical conditions.

Victoria Police Sergeant Darren Lauer says an ongoing investigation 
showed that Smith was selling pot to other people as well.

Smith says he's had to cut off dozens of people who weren't buying 
for medical purposes, but adds he's not about to stop helping those 
who need it.

"Either this country considers me a criminal and I should be put in 
jail for the rest of my life because I'm never going to quit, or the 
community should recognize that medical marijuana is incredibly 
important to keep some people alive" he says.

Police are recommending the city close down the business permanently. 
They also want Smith kept in jail until his trial.
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