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August 12, 2003
Coming to a Court Challenges Program Near You
A National Post article (Aug. 12, 2003 A4) reports that a prisoner who had been given a federal marijuana exemption can't get his pot while serving time. Incidentally, he is in Springhill Pen for marijuana-related crimes. But Michael Patriguin, the prisoner affected, is no ordinary guy. He was a candidate in the last N.S. election. He ran as a marijuna actvist. He lost. Too singular an issue I guess. Or perhaps it is okay for the government to grow it--and maybe even dispense it and make money, but it becomes sinfully illegal if you grow and distribute it, yourself.
Now are a few ways of looking at this. First, there is the hypocrisy of denying him his legal dope, when it is common knowledge that our prisons are awash in illegal drugs--all worse than pot. Secondly, you have a provincial judge overturning a federal ruling. Bad form, I'd say. Thirdly, the Prisoner's Rights Committee should take the case to the Supreme Court. Cruel and unusal punishment could be their major thrust.
Another case -- coming to the Court Challenges Program in a courthouse near you, I predict.
The Ombudsman for Bud
© News Junkie Canada
# posted by News Junkie Canada at 3:42 PM
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