POT CRUSADER HIT WITH APPEAL

Marijuana crusader Grant Wayne Krieger learned on the courthouse
steps Wednesday that the Crown prosecutor's office has launched an
appeal to terminate his right to cultivate marijuana.

"This was just delivered to me as I was walking to the car. I can't
believe they would wait until the last possible day to appeal," said
the 46-year-old as he angrily waved the papers.

Thirty days earlier, Court of Queen's Bench Justice Darlene Acton
stayed cultivation charges against Krieger, who has multiple
sclerosis and uses cannabis to treat his symptoms.

At that time, Acton also rejected defence lawyer Adriano Iovinelli's
argument that Kreiger should have the right to distribute marijuana
to others who may require the drug for their medical ailments.

On Wednesday, minutes before learning of the impending appeal,
Iovinelli agreed to a date of June 18 for a trial by a judge and jury
to deal with the remaining charge against Krieger of possession for
the purpose of trafficking.

The charge was laid in August 1999 after police discovered a small
hydroponic growing operation at Krieger's home. Police allegedly
seized 29 plants with a street value of about $25,000.

"The trial is still on despite the appeal," said Iovinelli. "I can't
say this is totally unexpected and I don't really consider this a
setback."

He added he hopes to have the appeal heard before the trial begins.

Krieger added he is willing to go all the way to the Supreme Court of
Canada if he must.

"I plan to fight this tooth and nail. I know what I am doing is right
and the judge agreed with me."

Krieger, however, has other things to worry about, as he starts
serving 22 days in jail for failure to pay previous fines received
for breaching probation.

"I am still going to take a quarter-pound of marijuana with me to
jail and if they decide to seize it, I will sue them."