SOURCE: Toronto Star
CONTACT: lettertoed@thestar.ca

Marijuana crusader gets probation, fine
By Peter Krivel, Staff Reporter

Hempcrusader Chris Clay has received probation and a fine on possession
and trafficking convictions, but he vows the fight will continue.

"My lawyers have filed an appeal," he said Friday after he was given three
years probation and a $750 fine in a London, Ont. courtroom.

Clay was charged when he owned a retail store called Hemp Nation. In
addition to the probation and fine, an inventory of products he sold in his
store, worth $50,000 to $60,000, was forfeited.

"I don't think I should have been found guilty," he said. "But since it
happened, I'm certainly glad I'm not in jail."

Clay will serve his probation in Vancouver, where he is moving by the end
of this month to assist a group that helps AIDS, cancer, and multiple
sclerosis sufferers obtain marijuana to ease their pain.

An employee of Clay's store was also charged with possession and
trafficking offences after a police raid, but was later acquitted.

Clay admitted during the trial that he was on a campaign to change the
marijuana drug laws when arrested.

Clay said he has received $30,000 to cover legal costs, mainly from an
Internet support site. He said about 25 per cent of that amount has come
from Canadians.
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Hemp Nation * http://www.hempnation.com/
Chris Clay * Email chris.clay@hempnation.com