Pubdate: Wed, 08 Jan 2003
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2003, Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.fyiottawa.com/ottsun.shtml
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Tobi Cohen

POT NO IMPAIRMENT, TOKER TELLS HEARING

KILLALOE -- Impairment from marijuana is a rarity for Rick Reimer who 
testified yesterday that smoking an average of 12 joints a day has boosted 
his tolerance, leaving him perfectly capable of such mundane activities as 
driving a car.

Wearing large winter boots, a striped gray suit and a pink, purple and blue 
tie, the goateed former lawyer and marijuana activist appeared in Killaloe 
court reeking of pot to defend himself against impaired driving charges.

While Reimer admitted he used the drug for "recreational" purposes since 
the age of 14, the multiple sclerosis sufferer received a medical exemption 
to toke in 2000.

"I engage in lots of activities in the course of a day that I would (not) 
engage in if I was impaired by marijuana," Reimer said, citing his ability 
to defend fine points of law, saw wood, host a radio show, recite poetry, 
and write plays.

Reimer, who had just driven himself to the tiny courtroom, said he was just 
as impaired at that moment as he was when he was pulled over by police 
along Hwy. 58 in February of last year.

Ability To Impair

While toxicology expert Dr. Robert Langille said marijuana does have the 
ability to impair driving, Reimer maintained that impairment is subjective 
and depends on individual tolerance and how familiar the smoker is with a 
particular batch of marijuana.

While Reimer admitted he might have swerved over the line while "changing a 
CD" or "lighting a joint," he said it was not directly related to impariment.

The unsteadiness police witnessed when he exited his vehicle, he said was 
more likely the result of his medical condition.

Nothing Special

While Crown Attorney Mac Lindsay suggested Reimer was too impaired to 
notice the arresting officer had tried to give him a break by asking his 
girlfriend to drive instead, Reimer said he wasn't looking for any special 
treatment.

"It's not his place to tell me, 'you're allowed to do this and she's 
allowed to do that,' " he said. "I think the duty of police is if they 
think a crime is being committed to lay charges ... I think they didn't 
know what to do."

Testimony continues in Pembroke court today.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Stevens