MEDICAL POT ADVOCATE GUILTY OF TRAFFICKING

VICTORIA - Ted Smith, Victoria's own self-appointed champion of medical
marijuana, was convicted of drug trafficking Friday.

Provincial Court Judge L. Jeanne Harvey convicted Smith, 35, on a charge of
possession for the purpose of trafficking in cannabis resin following two
days of evidence. He was handed a nine-month conditional discharge.

Smith is the founder of Victoria's Cannabis Buyer's Club, one of a number
that exist to supply members with a supply of marijuana to use as medicine
for various conditions or diseases such as arthritis or epilepsy.

The charge against Smith arises from a March 21, 2002 search of the club's
Johnson Street offices. Police seized marijuana, cookies, massage oils and
salves.

The cookies, oils and salves were tested by Health Canada and shown to
include cannabis resin, a prohibited substance.

This was the second trial for Smith. Last September, a charge of
trafficking in marijuana against him was stayed.

The judge rejected calls from the Crown for a conditional sentence, which
would have given Smith a record. If he abides by his conditions his record
will be clear.