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.