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Pubdate: Sat, 08 Jan 2005 Source: Vancouver Sun (CN BC) Copyright: 2005 The Vancouver Sun Contact: http://www.canada.com/vancouver/vancouversun/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/477 Author: Victoria Times Colonist MEDICAL POT ADVOCATE GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING VICTORIA - Ted Smith, Victoria's own self-appointed champion of medical marijuana, was convicted of drug trafficking Friday. Provincial Court Judge L. Jeanne Harvey convicted Smith, 35, on a charge of possession for the purpose of trafficking in cannabis resin following two days of evidence. He was handed a nine-month conditional discharge. Smith is the founder of Victoria's Cannabis Buyer's Club, one of a number that exist to supply members with a supply of marijuana to use as medicine for various conditions or diseases such as arthritis or epilepsy. The charge against Smith arises from a March 21, 2002 search of the club's Johnson Street offices. Police seized marijuana, cookies, massage oils and salves. The cookies, oils and salves were tested by Health Canada and shown to include cannabis resin, a prohibited substance. This was the second trial for Smith. Last September, a charge of trafficking in marijuana against him was stayed. The judge rejected calls from the Crown for a conditional sentence, which would have given Smith a record. If he abides by his conditions his record will be clear. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth