POT ACTIVIST DIES IN BOAT ACCIDENT

Marijuana activist Ian Hunter, a former mayoral candidate in Victoria, died
in Nelson last week in an apparent boating accident.

He was 41.

Hunter was in the forefront of the fight to have hemp and marijuana
legalized. His activism began in Vancouver in the 1980s and continued in
Victoria where he opened the Sacred Herb hemp shop.

He ran afoul of local authorities in 1996 when he grew a marijuana plant in
the store and sold pot seeds.

Sarah Bedard managed the store while Hunter waged his activist campaign,
then bought it when he could no longer get a business licence. She said her
former boss continued his pro-pot ways after moving to Nelson two years ago.

He was working at a store called Holy Smoke, and took part in the
pro-marijuana Church of the Universe Hour on Kootenay Co-op Radio.

As well, said Bedard, he was working with the Valhalla Institute promoting
alternative lifestyles.

Bedard said Hunter was a colourful, unique character.

"He was so animated, so alive in what he did," Bedard said. "He really
believed in the causes he supported, he was really open about what he
believed in."

She said there will be a memorial service for Hunter in Victoria sometime
in the next two weeks, though details have not been finalized.

She suggested that anyone seeking details contact her at the Sacred Herb,
384-0659.