Pubdate: Tue, 02 Aug 2005
Source: Ottawa Sun (CN ON)
Copyright: 2005 Canoe Limited Partnership
Contact:  http://www.ottawasun.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/329
Author: Megan Gillis
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)

LOCAL POT USER FREED

Activist Rick Reimer Behind Bars For Night For Altercation With Cop

A local medical marijuana activist was on his way home yesterday after 
landing in the joint over the weekend.

Rick Reimer, 51, vowed to fight a public intoxication charge after being 
arrested at Hemp Fest in Lawrencetown, N.S., and spending an uncomfortable 
night in jail.

Aims To Fight Charge

"It's Rick's intention to come back and fight the charge," said Debbie 
Stultz-Giffin, a festival organizer and chairwoman of the non-profit 
Maritimers United for Medical Marijuana.

"It's a $111 summary conviction but he's willing to spend $5,000 to come 
back and fight it."

The retired lawyer and folk singer, best known for beating an impaired 
driving rap, has a federal medical exemption that allows him to smoke pot 
for his multiple sclerosis symptoms.

MS symptoms -- including impaired balance and slurred speech -- may have 
made him seem impaired, Stultz-Giffin said.

Hemp Fest was wrapping up for the night on Sunday when a toking Reimer had 
an altercation with an RCMP officer.

Supporters say he was shoved into a car, hitting his head.

Reimer is the second Hemp Fest speaker to end up in jail.

The RCMP didn't respond to a request for a comment.

Marc Emery, leader of the BC Marijuana party, was arrested Friday. He's 
wanted in the U.S. for conspiracy to manufacture marijuana, distribute 
seeds and engage in money laundering.
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MAP posted-by: Beth