Police Don't Want To Call 'www.Pot' Black

[boulder]

Edmonton police say the launch of an Internet-based home-delivery service for medicinal pot users has left them in a quandary.

 

Marc-Boris St-Maurice, head of the Marijuana Party of Canada, announced the service after a Quebec Court judge said depriving medicinal pot users of a legal source violates their right to life and liberty. The decision isn't binding in Alberta.

 

Charges of trafficking or possession will still be prosecuted here, said Janet Henchey, director of federal prosecutions for Alberta.

 

But a veteran member of the city police's anti-cannabis Green Team said uncertainty over pot laws has left cops in a difficult position.

 

"If it was brought to our attention we might have to get involved, but I hope we don't have to," said Det. Clayton Sach.

 

"Some of those medicinal marijuana users are really suffering - there are plenty of other bad guys out there."

 

St-Maurice and Alexandre Neron faced charges of possession and trafficking after Montreal police raided their compassion club in 2000 and seized marijuana.

 

But Quebec Court Judge Gilles Cadieux yesterday ordered a stay of proceedings. St-Maurice said -- http:// www.marijuanahomedelivery.ca -- will serve anyone in Canada who can produce a doctor's letter proving they suffer from any one of more than 200 listed ailments.

 

St-Maurice said letters and sworn declarations will be checked before pot is sent by mail at a price of $30 for two grams or $120 for 10 grams.

 

"Yes, this service is illegal, but I think it's arguable there's no likelihood of a conviction."

 

Canada Post spokesman Teresa Williams said the company will continue to contact police if "suspect items" are found.

 

"It's still illegal to transport illegal substances in the mail."

 

Source: Edmonton Sun (CN AB)

Author: Keith Bradford, Edmonton Sun