HOPPER'S 'ASY RIDE' ON DRUG CHARGE

Actor Dennis Hopper, known for his portrayal of a drug-taking biker in the
film "Easy Rider," avoided any sentence Friday after pleading guilty to a
marijuana-possession charge in Calgary, Alberta.

Hopper, 64, did not appear in the Alberta provincial court where defense
attorney Edward Greenspan entered the plea on his behalf.

Judge Doug McDonald granted an absolute discharge, which ends the case with
no penalty for Hopper.

"It's fair to say, in terms of Canadian justice, he got the easiest ride
possible," Greenspan said.

Hopper was arrested in October at Calgary's airport with less than a
half-ounce of marijuana after flying from Los Angeles to make a film called
"Knockaround Guys."

McDonald cited Hopper's age, the amount of marijuana involved and the
actor's cooperation with authorities in granting the absolute discharge.