Pubdate: Thu, 16 Aug 2007 Source: Hants Journal, The (CN NS) Copyright: 2007 Transcontinental Nova Scotia Media Group inc. Contact: http://www.novanewsnow.com/rubrique-710-County-of-Hants.html Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/4549 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mjcn.htm (Cannabis - Canada) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal) ADVOCATE CONTENDS MARIJUANA LAWS OUTDATED, UNJUST Chummy Anthony became an activist for the Marijuana Party of Canada in 2003 and spoke with conviction as he recalled the personal journey that led to his advocacy against the injustice of marijuana laws. Anthony says public pressures; police monitoring; family feuds; and severe arthritis pain were overwhelming when he decided, against all personal beliefs of marijuana being a healthy substance and a constitutional right, to research the proper way of obtaining a permit for medical marijuana in 2002. A doctor uncomfortable with prescribing medical marijuana suggested a computer access site would be beneficial to procure a permit, Anthony said. "I went into a public computer access site with my 10-year-old son and started punching up information about medical marijuana. "The person looking after the site came up and immediately ordered me to shut down the computer," Anthony said. " I argued it was my constitutional right to obtain information and education on anything in this free county of Canada." Defend his rights Anthony says he returned within days with placards in hand to defend his position. He stood his ground as police arrived and threatened arrest. Finally, Anthony said, "I'm going to commit a crime. You might as well arrest me now. I'm going to consume medical marijuana without a permit. You see what I'm going through trying to get a permit and I can't get one. Just put the cuffs on me and take me to jail because I'm tired of being frightened." Anthony was never arrested, but has retired the idea of seeking a legal permit for medical marijuana. "Now I encourage others to not get a permit because I'm trying to get a point across," he said. "As long as marijuana users keep acting like were doing something wrong, politicians and police will keep treating us like criminals. People need to be more comfortable and stop acting like there is something to be ashamed of. We need to stand up and fight these unjust marijuana laws." Anthony continued his campaign by helping to host an information session at the Victoria Park Bandstand Aug. 4 during Sam Slick Days in Windsor. The stand was set up by the Maritimers Unite for Medical Marijuana Society and offered a chance for discussion by any person seeking information concerning cannabis. The stand was popular, with approximately 75 people stopping by throughout the day. 'Reality is it does affect your brain': RCMP Chummy Anthony became an activist for the Marijuana Party of Canada in 2003 and spoke with conviction as he recalled the personal journey that led to his advocacy against the injustice of marijuana laws. Anthony says public pressures; police monitoring; family feuds; and severe arthritis pain were overwhelming when he decided, against all personal beliefs of marijuana being a healthy substance and a constitutional right, to research the proper way of obtaining a permit for medical marijuana in 2002. A doctor uncomfortable with prescribing medical marijuana suggested a computer access site would be beneficial to procure a permit, Anthony said. "I went into a public computer access site with my 10-year-old son and started punching up information about medical marijuana. "The person looking after the site came up and immediately ordered me to shut down the computer," Anthony said. " I argued it was my constitutional right to obtain information and education on anything in this free county of Canada." Defend his rights Anthony says he returned within days with placards in hand to defend his position. He stood his ground as police arrived and threatened arrest. Finally, Anthony said, "I'm going to commit a crime. You might as well arrest me now. I'm going to consume medical marijuana without a permit. You see what I'm going through trying to get a permit and I can't get one. Just put the cuffs on me and take me to jail because I'm tired of being frightened." Anthony was never arrested, but has retired the idea of seeking a legal permit for medical marijuana. "Now I encourage others to not get a permit because I'm trying to get a point across," he said. "As long as marijuana users keep acting like were doing something wrong, politicians and police will keep treating us like criminals. People need to be more comfortable and stop acting like there is something to be ashamed of. We need to stand up and fight these unjust marijuana laws." Anthony continued his campaign by helping to host an information session at the Victoria Park Bandstand Aug. 4 during Sam Slick Days in Windsor. The stand was set up by the Maritimers Unite for Medical Marijuana Society and offered a chance for discussion by any person seeking information concerning cannabis. The stand was popular, with approximately 75 people stopping by throughout the day. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom