Pubdate: Mon, 05 Aug 2002 Source: Maclean's Magazine (Canada) Section: The Week Copyright: 2002 Maclean Hunter Publishing Ltd. Contact: http://www.macleans.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/253 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/renee.htm (Boje, Renee) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) REFUGEE PIPE DREAMS Three Americans living in British Columbia, who were being prosecuted in the U.S. for various crimes associated with the trafficking and cultivation of marijuana when they fled, have filed refugee claims. They maintain they were growing pot for medical purposes, and were being prosecuted unfairly. "It's a political war against people who are sick," said Renee Boje, who fled Los Angeles where she was charged with growing and possession with the intent to traffic. But observers say their refugee claims will likely be denied, because upholding them would invite a flood of claims from Americans facing drug charges. - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager