cannabisnews.com: Medical Marijuana Advocate Freed Medical Marijuana Advocate Freed Posted by CN Staff on July 06, 2002 at 12:47:18 PT By Sandra McCulloch Source: Victoria Times-Colonist A 32-year-old Victoria man who pleaded guilty to possession of less than three kilograms of marijuana for the purpose of trafficking walked out of Victoria provincial court Friday free of a criminal record. "I feel amazing and greatly relieved," said Philippe Lucas outside court. "This has been a heavy weight on my shoulders for the last 20 months." Lucas received an absolute discharge on a matter that was closely watched by those seeking the decriminalization of marijuana. Lucas is the president of the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, an organization that provides marijuana to its members for medical purposes. The society has operated from a commercially zoned site in Oak Bay for 14 months with tacit police approval.But the attitude of the police changed when Lucas reported a break-in and that one kilogram of marijuana had been stolen. While the marijuana was recovered, Lucas was charged with possession when he claimed ownership.Judge Robert Higinbotham said the case must be viewed in a broad context. "To date the combination of federal regulations and the College of Physicians trepidation has made it extremely difficult for applicants to obtain approval to use marijuana."Further, the federal government has so far been unable to ensure any legal supply of marijuana to those whom Health Canada thinks need it as therapy. This is a particular hardship for those who cannot grow it."Lucas is articulate, intelligent and fluently bilingual in both official languages, noted Higinbotham."He has ... become an important resource both in Canada and our local community on the issue of the medicinal use of marijuana. He has consulted with, and influenced, both federal cabinet ministers and local city councillors. Snipped:Complete Article: http://www.freedomtoexhale.com/vc.htmSource: Victoria Times-Colonist (CN BC)Author: Sandra McCulloch Published: Saturday, July 06, 2002Copyright: 2002 Times ColonistContact: letters times-colonist.comWebsite: http://www.canada.com/victoria/timescolonist/Related Articles & Web Site:Vancouver Island Compassion Society http://www.thevics.com A Couple of Tokes To Ease The Pain http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12077.shtmlOf Cannabis and Compassion http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread10989.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #3 posted by Ethan Russo MD on July 06, 2002 at 20:05:01 PT: Judicial Decision The decision in Philippe's case is online:http://www.thevics.com/rvlucas.pdfEvery judge and prosecutor in the USA should have to read this. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by Ethan Russo MD on July 06, 2002 at 19:24:06 PT: Thank God, and a Reasonable Judicial System Philippe is a hero. I met him in April for the first time, and was immediately impresssed with his knowledge, generosity and compassion.Philippe is not only supplying clinical cannabis patients on Vancouver Island, but is also doing key research on effects of cannabis on Hepatitis C and other diseases.I am proud to call him a friend, and proud that Canada has the sense to see this issue in a reasonable light, a few miles and a world away. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Letsgetfree on July 06, 2002 at 18:58:01 PT You mean he's not a... ...lazy pothead? I'm sorry but there have been scientific studies that show weed makes you apathetic, unmotivated, a dropout, you lose iq, it kills brain cells....how can this guy be so great if he smokes weed. I don't believe it, he's a criminal and should be locked away. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment