Pubdate: Fri, 13 Sep 2002 Source: Chilliwack Progress (CN BC) Copyright: 2002 The Chilliwack Progress Contact: http://www.theprogress.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/562 Author: Robert Freeman Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/kubby.htm (Kubby, Steve) HAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LICENCE, CAN'T GROW He's got a licence from Health Canada to grow marijuana, but now Brian Carlisle says he can't get his grow-lights back from the RCMP after they were seized in July last year. "It's selective persecution," says Mr. Carlisle, who claims other medical marijuana users in the same situation have had their grow equipment returned. Mr. Carlisle is seeking a court order next week for the return of four grow-lights and 51 marijuana plants seized by Hope RCMP officers. He says he was told by the exhibits officer in Hope that there is a "new protocol" in place and that he would have to apply to Health Canada and to the B.C. Attorney-General to get his equipment back. Meanwhile, Mr. Carlisle says he has to buy marijuana from other sources. "I've been forced to deal with the most shady characters," he says. RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim Delnea says the Hope detachment is acting on instructions from Crown counsel. "My federal Crown counsel directed me not to return (the equipment)," he says, because Mr. Carlisle "was in contravention of the law prior to receiving his permit" from Health Canada to grow marijuana for medical purposes. Cultivation and possession charges against Mr. Carlisle were stayed in court after he got his Health Canada licence to grow medical marijuana on Sept. 9.