CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE ILL

Yes, marijuana is on the books as illegal.

Yes, many of the people who peddle the dried plant for profit are only
a cut above those who flog crack, heroin and ecstasy.

But surely, as a society we can agree to leave alone the sufferers who
need a daily toke to ease chronic discomfort, nausea and pain.

Not so in Victoria: Police in B.C.'s capital city busted the
grassroots-based Vancouver Island Compassion Society recently after the
society's director turned to city law enforcers for help in finding the
thieves who cleaned out their organic supplies and $400 from the till.

This is no fly-by-night, higher-than-a kite operation; the registered
non-profit organization has roughly 130 members who have referrals
from their doctors or have received exemptions from Health Canada
under section 56 of the Health Act.

The shop sells only organic weed, in order to ensure a safe source for
member customers, who suffer debilitating diseases such as
fibromyalgia and hepatitis C.

The medicinal strengths of the plant are making headway; the feds are
sniffing around for a cultivator to start the first legal marijuana
farm, and an Ontario judge has given Ottawa a year to make statue
changes that would de-criminalize the drug for people who require a
toke for medical purposes.

And yet, Victoria cops raided the smoke shop after director Phillipe
Lucas reported a break-in. Cops have recommended to Crown that he be
charged with trafficking, which could mean heavy jail time if
convicted. What with all the heavy drug dudes around, can't police
find bigger fish to fry?