HOLY SMOKE TRIAL DRAWS TO A CLOSE

Judge Delays Decision Until Sept. 26 to Allow Written Submissions

The last of the evidence was heard in the Holy Smoke trial last week,
as the judge deciding to present his final decision at 9 a.m. on Sept. 26.

He is allowing time to review written submissions made by the prosecuted.

"I think we did a pretty good job entering the evidence," said Paul
DeFelice, one of the people being charged in the case.

Originally opened in 1996, Holy Smoke was intended to be more of a
political action than a retail venture.

DeFelice explained he was happy with the way the trial went because
he said the prosecuted were never challenged and the defendants were
able to present all the evidence they wanted, with the court deciding
later if it was relevant.

"I think we did the best we could with our resources," DeFelice said.

Originally, the judge was set to make his decision on Friday, May 2,
but changed his mind.

"That's good news for us because he was saying he was going to rule
on Friday, which wouldn't be good because it's like his mind was
already made up," said DeFelice.

DeFelice and the rest of the Holy Smoke team are hoping to sway the
judges decision with their written submissions, which have a set
timeline of submission.

"We have had positive coverage.

"If nothing else, the word got out about how safe cannabis can be," he said.

DeFelice, Alan Middlemiss, Kelsey Stratas and Akka Annis were charged
with trafficking and drug possession.