EX-SOLDIER AWOL FROM GRASS-GROWING HEARING

An arrest warrant has been issued for a former soldier now fighting the
Canadian government for the right to smoke marijuana, but it's being held
pending a court appearance in Lunenburg Wednesday morning.

Herbert Shawn Wilson said he'll be there, and didn't even realize he'd
skipped out on a court appearance until yesterday.

The Chester man served as a peacekeeper in Cyprus and was awarded the
United Nations Peacekeeping Medal, Canadian Peacekeeping Service Medal and
Nobel Peace Prize Medal. He's also a member of Mensa Canada.

He has been charged with production of a controlled substance, which
carries a maximum seven-year jail term.

Wilson said he smokes marijuana for a degenerative disk disease in his
lower back. He tried nine different prescription painkillers, but said they
all made him sick. When he smokes marijuana, he said, "it's like the pain
melts away."

Wilson was supposed to have a preliminary hearing in Lunenburg on Monday,
but didn't show up. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but it is being
held in case he turns up for his newly scheduled hearing this morning.

Wilson said his Kentville lawyer was supposed to seek an adjournment, but
failed to do so.

He said he's having an "impossible" time finding a lawyer to represent him.
He's on welfare, but legal aid will only represent him if he pleads guilty,
he said. "It's ridiculous. I don't know what to do. I can't defend myself."

Wilson said he'll "issue a promissory note so that as soon as I get rid of
the charges, I can get a job and pay a lawyer."

He said he can't get a job unless his name is cleared, but he won't plead
guilty to something he believes is not illegal.

Wilson said Toronto lawyer and Osgoode Hall law professor Alan Young has
offered his advice at no charge, but won't come to Nova Scotia to represent
him. Young is representing seven Canadians -- including a Bridgetown,
Annapolis Co., woman -- suing the federal government for access to marijuana.

A defence trust fund has been set up for Wilson by Maritimers United for
Medical Marijuana.