Pubdate: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 Source: Vancouver 24hours (CN BC) Copyright: 2006 Canoe Inc Contact: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3837 Author: Matt Kieltyka, 24 Hours ACTION: This article is resplendent with errors of fact. Please See http://www.kubby.org/ Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/kubby.htm (Kubby, Steve) A TEARFUL PLEA OF DESPERATION Michele Kubby stood outside federal court in Vancouver yesterday in tears, saying all she can do is wait for a knock on the door before being forced out of the country. Kubby was in court to make the last stand for her husband, Steve Kubby, a cancer patient and medical marijuana user who is facing deportation to face a 1998 California drug conviction. She told the courtroom that if deported, Steve would be thrown in jail and wouldn't have access to the treatment he needs. "My husband is being asked to go down to the States and be an experiment to see how long he lasts without medical help," Kubby argued at one point. "Sorry to get angry, but my husband's life is on the line." Steve Kubby was to serve a three-month term under house arrest in 2001 for growing marijuana in his home, but came to Canada with his family due to more lenient drug laws. Yesterday's hearing marked the end of a long legal battle including the immigration refugee board, court of appeal and federal court. The decision, expected later this week, will determine whether Kubby will be granted leave to stay in Canada. The entire family, who reside in a rural area near Kamloops, faces deportation. Immigration lawyer Keith Reimer said there are compassionate-use laws available in California for Kubby to use marijuana and that his life would not be in danger if he was deported. Feeling hopelessness after taking her husband's defense into her own hands, Kubby asked Canadians for help and understanding. "I'm not a lawyer, I'm a wife and a mother," she cried. "I need to ask the Canadian people for help because I'm losing the battle for my husband's life. We're waiting for a knock on the door for someone to take us away." - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake