POT GROWERS PLANT MEDICINAL MARIJUANA CROP

Vancouver - This spring, as area gardeners put in their annual vegetable
and flower plantings, a local marijuana advocacy group is planting a more
potent crop.

The group, which calls itself the 'Merlin Project', plans to produce pot
for medicinal users and distribute it through non-profit organizations.

The Vancouver-based group wants licensed growers to produce excess pot for
medicinal use, to be distributed through organizations like the Canadian
Cancer Society.

Under the federal government's Marijuana Medical Access Regulations of July
2001, individuals suffering chronic pain may seek legal authority to
possess and grow marijuana for medical purposes.

Lance, who wishes to be identified by first name only, is one of 137
Canadians allowed to grow and smoke pot for medical reasons.

Lance currently has 11 plants that he grows from a bedroom in his apartment.

He says that with the help of the Merlin Project, he hopes to soon have 75.

Michael Maniotis of the Merlin Project says he intends to use the extra
plants to provide medicinal marijuana for organizations like the Canadian
Cancer Society.

Cancer Society spokesperson Marcelo Dominguez claims he doesn't know
anything about anyone giving them marijuana.

Dominguez says he doesn't know how the organization would be allowed to
distribute pot or even if it could accept such donations.

Health Canada says licensed growers can only grow enough marijuana for
their personal use.