cannabisnews.com: Crusader Cuffed





Crusader Cuffed
Posted by FoM on August 28, 1999 at 06:54:01 PT
Judge says chance MS sufferer will keep selling
Source: Calgary Sun
A judge had no choice but to refuse bail to medical marijuana crusader Grant Krieger yesterday, says his defence lawyer. 
In making his ruling, provincial court Judge Brian Stevenson said because Krieger -- who suffers from multiple sclerosis -- intends to still grow, use and provide marijuana to other sick people, he must remain in custody. "There is a strong likelihood he will commit further offences ... and create a lack of confidence in the administration of justice," said Stevenson. Krieger, 45, was arrested this week after police found 29 marijuana plants in his Bowness home. He will spend at least the weekend in jail before making a plea Monday. But his lawyer, Adriano Iovinelli, said if Krieger sticks by his convictions he could be behind bars much longer. Iovinelli said Krieger has been honest about his intention to continue his small grow operation and involvement with his organization, the Universal Compassion Club. The club is made up of sick or dying people who he sells marijuana to -- at no profit -- only after receiving letters from their doctors. If Krieger stands by that, Iovinelli said it could mean he's in jail until his trial for possession for trafficking and cultivating marijuana -- possibly six months away. If convicted, he would face jail time, after one other Alberta and one Saskatchewan conviction. "No one wants to be in jail," Iovinelli said outside court. "So, he's taking the stand to grow marijuana and use marijuana." But Krieger isn't a common street drug dealer, said his wife, Marie, after the bail hearing. "I suppose the judge is in a difficult position, but I think at the same time there has to be an allowance for compassion," she said. "There is a great difference between the average street drug dealer and my husband." Krieger began smoking marijuana after the pain from his MS drove him to attempt suicide in 1995. Iovinelli said the marijuana serves as a pain-killer and muscle-relaxer for Krieger's symptoms. "Even if it's all in his mind, even if it's a placebo, if it works for him -- why not?" he said. Police serving a summons on Krieger saw three plants in his backyard, said Crown prosecutor Dan Mitsuka. He showed them the other 26 growing in his house. "It's not a likelihood, it's a virtual certainty (he'll re-offend)," said Mitsuka. "He continues to profess the intent to commit the offences." By NOVA PIERSON -- Calgary SunPubdate: August 28, 1999Calgary SunCrusader Willing to Go To Jail - 8/27/99http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread2637.shtml
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