Pubdate: Fri, 05 Jul 2002 Source: Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (Canada Web) Copyright: 2002 CBC Contact: http://www.cbc.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1412 Note: Audio Link: http://vancouver.cbc.ca/clips/Vancouver/ram-audio/bc_bennett_020705.ram; Jill Bennett reports for CBC Radio News POT CRUSADER OFF THE HOOK Victoria - A Victoria marijuana advocate charged with possession for the purpose of trafficking has been given an absolute discharge in B.C. Supreme Court. Lucas says the reasons given by the judge reinforcesthe work he dies Philippe Lucas, the executive director of the Vancouver Island Compassion Club, was charged after police raided his club 20 months ago. He made a deal with the Crown, and pleaded guilty. On Friday, a B.C. Supreme Court Justice threw out the charge, saying the Compassion Club is helping those who use marijuana for medicinal purposes. Lucas says the reasons given by the judge reinforces the work he does at the Compassion Club. "He agreed that the Health Canada medical access program is a misnomer," he says. "That there is nobody right now getting medical marijuana who can benefit from it. He deemed the actions of the Vancouver Island Compassion Society were neither harmful to the individuals involved or to society as a whole." Lucas hopes the court ruling will send a clear message that medical marijuana is useful when handled safely. He also hopes it will also serve as a wake up call to Health Canada to get it's medical marijuana program back on track to supply the need for the drug. - --- MAP posted-by: Beth