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