GROWING POT AVOIDS DEALERS

Pot crusader Grant Krieger said yesterday he distributes dope to sick
people so they don't have to deal with "scumbag" street dealers.
Krieger openly admitted growing marijuana to sell for medical use
because it's too dangerous for people to get it another way.

He is charged with possession of marijuana for the purpose of
trafficking after police seized 29 pot plants from his Bowness Rd.

N.W. residence Aug. 25, Krieger, 46, admitted becoming involved in
the Universal Compassion Club to help pain sufferers get access to
the drug.

"When you're dealing in the streets, you're dealing with scumbags and
thieves," he said.

"It's not a very safe place for sick people to be." Under
cross-examination he admitted that not all his clients are
near-suicidal.

"I do supply to non-life-threatening conditions," he told Crown
prosecutor Scott Couper.

Jurors will hear final submissions this morning.