Pubdate: Tue, 04 Jun 2013
Source: Comox Valley Echo (CN BC)
Copyright: 2013 Comox Valley Echo
Contact:  http://www.mapinc.org/media/785
Author: Lise Broadley

CONDITIONAL DISCHARGE FOR COMPASSION CLUB LEADER

Ernie Yacub, head of the Comox Valley Compassion Club, was given a
six-month conditional discharge Thursday for his role in running the
medical marijuana grow-op and dispensary.

In March Yacub pleaded guilty to one count of possession for the
purpose of trafficking in exchange for a stay on a second related
charge. He had planned to challenge the validity of laws governing
access to and distribution of medical marijuana but abandoned the plan
earlier this year in part because of the associated costs.

On Thursday, Provincial Court Judge P. Doherty handed down the six
month conditional discharge - which means Yacub has avoided jail time
and a criminal record - as well as a 10-year prohibition on possessing
firearms.

"I was hoping for an absolute discharge given that cannabis
prohibition is an unjust law in the first place and the government
medical marijuana program has been found unconstitutional several
times," said Yacub after sentencing. About 20 supporters attended
Thursday's hearing at the Courtenay Court House.

The North Island Compassion Club provides people in medical need with
dried marijuana for smoking as well as edible and topical marijuana
products. Yacub argued the club and others like it fill a vital gap
for those who need safe, reliable access to affordable marijuana for
those in medical need.

While currently those approved to use marijuana can either purchase it
through Health Canada, grow it themselves or have an approved third
party grow it for them, in 2014, medical users will no longer be
allowed to grow their own and will only be allowed to purchase dried
marijuana for smoking from licensed producers.

Yacub took control of the local compassion club in 2004. He ran it out
of his rented Courtenay apartment until police raided it in 2011. At
the time of the raid, Yacub was looking for someone else to take the
reins.

The Judge acknowledged that Yacub didn't benefit financially from
running the club, aside from having the $600 monthly rent on his
residence paid, and described Yacub as "compassionate, big-hearted and
empathetic." He added that, "the club was always open and above
board," about its activities.
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MAP posted-by: Matt