DENNIS HOPPER GETS OFF POT CHARGE

CALGARY, Alberta (AP) -- 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.

Hopper, 64, did not appear in the Alberta provincial court where defense
lawyer 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 half an
ounce of marijuana after flying from Los Angeles to make a film called
``Knockaround Guys.''

A drug-sniffing airport dog barked at Hopper's bags, and the actor admitted
he had marijuana in two film canisters, Greenspan said.

``He cooperated with the police,'' the lawyer said in court, describing his
client as a hard-working, decent family man with a clean record.

``Don't confuse the `Easy Rider' character with the man,'' Greenspan said.

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