Pubdate: Thu, 26 Oct 2006
Source: Toronto Star (CN ON)
Copyright: 2006 The Toronto Star
Contact:  http://www.thestar.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/456
Author: Joanna Smith, Staff Reporter

POLICE DESCEND ON EAST-END HEAD SHOP

Toronto police raided a drug paraphernalia shop associated with a 
group advocating the use of medical marijuana Wednesday night, 
arresting more than 20 people and seizing pot, hash and cannabis plants.

The G13 Shop, a three-storey house on Queen St. E. near Woodbine 
Ave., became the subject of a police investigation about a month ago 
after Beach area residents and businesses began complaining about 
disorderly conduct.

Police charged about 10 people with trafficking drugs and the rest 
for possession, drug squad Det. Sgt. Larry Cowley said.

He said they also seized about five pounds of pot and hash as well as 
about 75 marijuana plants, adding more accurate numbers would be 
available soon.

Named after a strain of marijuana that, according to the shop's 
website, is known for prolonged strong effects without inducing 
paranoia, the G13 Shop advocates for the medical use of cannabis, 
which the website says "has been misrepresented by the government 
through prohibition and propaganda."

The website says the shop's purpose is to educate people about "how 
organic growing methods can improve your health."

According to the website and a sign on the front of the building, the 
G13 Shop is associated with the Toronto chapter of the Assembly of 
the Church of the Universe, which was voted the city's "best house of 
worship" by an annual reader poll in the current issue of NOW Magazine.

The "church" is housed in the basement of Trinity St. Paul's Church 
on Bloor St. W. north of Spadina Ave. and claims the Old Testament 
gives proof that cannabis was an ingredient in holy oil from the time 
of Exodus.

NOW says perspective parishioners shoudn't expect to be zoned out on 
special brownies at the church and quotes Rev. Brother Bruce as 
saying: "We want to be sure people are actually true of heart."
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MAP posted-by: Elaine