MEDICAL MARJIUANA CASE HALTED

MONTREAL -- A judge has halted the drug-trafficking trial of two
marijuana activists who were involved in a club that dispensed the
drug for medical use.

A lawyer who represented the federal government at the trial said
yesterday's decision amounts to an acquittal for the accused.

"When the judge orders a stay of proceedings, that is tantamount to an
acquittal," Robert Marchi said in an interview.

Quebec court Judge Gilles Cadieux, who had postponed making a decision
on the case about 10 times, said the absence of a legal source of
marijuana takes away the right to life and liberty for those who need
it. He also said he wouldn't rule on the constitutionality of
marijuana laws.

Marc-Boris Saint-Maurice, director of the Compassion Club, and
Alexandre Neron, who worked at the club, were accused of possession of
marijuana and trafficking.

Montreal marijuana activists grew bolder after winning the court
battle, immediately setting up a Web site that takes orders for
medicinal marijuana.

"This service is being offered as an interim measure to fill in where
the government has so far failed," said Mr. Saint-Maurice, who is also
leader of the federal Marijuana party.