POT CRUSADER READY TO ENTER POLITICS, MAYOR UNDECIDED ON SECOND TERM

A crusader for more liberal marijuana laws has become the first announced
candidate for Victoria mayor in the upcoming fall election.

Ted Smith, 33, informed city council of his intention after expressing
frustration over the city's approach to his business, which attempts to
provide pot to medical users.

He currently faces six drug trafficking charges and his Cannabis Buyers
Club of Canada has been raided by city police four times.

But Smith said recently he does not plan to be a single-issue candidate,
citing the need for more attention to the human side of downtown development.

Mayor Alan Lowe said he has not yet decided whether to seek re-election but
he is getting close to making a decision.

"Maybe I need to take a walk in the snow," Lowe said, laughing.

Smith isn't the only pro-pot candidate to get involved in civic politics.
Philippe Lucas, president of the Vancouver Island Compassion Society, said
he plans to seek a Green Party nomination to run for a seat on city council.

Earlier this month, Lucas received an absolute discharge after pleading
guilty to possession of less than three grams of marijuana following a raid
of the Compassion Society's office in Oak Bay. The raid occurred after
Lucas reported a break-in to police.

Lucas also said he doesn't want to be seen as a single-issue candidate and
has rejected running for the Marijuana Party because of its "libertarian"
policies.

The Victoria Civic Electors, the NDP's municipal wing, earlier nominated
six candidates for council, including incumbent councillors Rob Fleming,
Pamela Madoff and Denise Savoie.