MARIJUANA PROPONENT PETER MCWILLIAMS DIES

LOS ANGELES -- Peter McWilliams, an outspoken proponent of medical
marijuana use who was awaiting sentencing on drug charges, has died. He was 50.

McWilliams, who died Wednesday in his Laurel Canyon home, had cancer and
was suffering from AIDS, according to a statement from Libertarian Party
supporters.

An autopsy to determine the cause of death was incomplete pending results
of toxicology tests, said Lt. Dan Aiken, a spokesman for the Los Angeles
County coroner's office.

McWilliams was scheduled to be sentenced in August for conspiring to grow
and sell marijuana to cannabis clubs. He pleaded guilty after a federal
judge forbade him to use California's state medical marijuana law as a defense.

McWilliams was forced to stop using marijuana after he was prosecuted, and
his supporters contend his health deteriorated.

"Peter McWilliams was a true hero who fought and ultimately gave his life
for what he believed in: the right to heal oneself without government
interference," said Mark Hinkle, the party's state chair.

"Our office is saddened by Mr. McWilliams' death," said Adriene Hill,
spokeswoman for the U.S. Attorney's office.

McWilliams also wrote several popular books, including "Ain't Nobody's
Business If You Do," "How to Survive the Loss of a Love" and "The Personal
Computer Book."

McWilliams and co-defendant Todd McCormick were arrested in 1997 when more
than 6,000 marijuana plants were found in a Bel-Air mansion and three other
leased locations in Los Angeles County.

McCormick was sentenced to five years in prison in March.