Pubdate: Fri, 27 Jan 2006
Source: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)
Copyright: 2006 Times Colonist
Contact:  http://www.canada.com/victoriatimescolonist/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/481
Author: CanWest News Service
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmjcn.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal - Canada)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/kubby.htm (Kubby, Steve)

MARIJUANA CRUSADER SENT BACK TO U.S.

VANCOUVER -- American medical marijuana crusader Steve Kubby was 
reluctantly deported back to California Thursday, where his lawyer 
says he faces a "death penalty."

"I'm being forced into a medical experiment -- this is a very serious 
threat to me," a shaky Kubby said from the international departure 
lounge of Vancouver Airport as he leaned on his wife, Michele, for 
support. "My wife likens it to taking insulin away from a diabetic."

Earlier this week, a Federal Court judge rejected Kubby's final 
appeal to stay in Canada. Michele told court her husband, who is 
stricken with adrenal cancer and has used pot to ease his symptoms 
for nearly 20 years, would die if he returned to California to serve 
out a drug sentence.

Four years ago, Kubby was handed a 120-day sentence in Placer County, 
near Sacramento, for possession of peyote and a magic mushroom stem. 
He was told he could serve it under house arrest but instead the 
family, including two children, fled to Canada in 2001.

He claimed refugee status based on the fact he said he'd be 
persecuted and his life would be at risk if he was sent back.

Kubby's U.S. lawyer, Bill McPike, said his client will likely be arrested.

"Officials in Canada might be sending him back to a death sentence," 
McPike said, adding he hoped U.S. officials won't try to make an 
example of Kubby.

Kubby unsuccessfully ran for governor of California under the 
Libertarian party banner in 1998.
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MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman