POT SMOKER WANTS FEDS TO BE HIS DEALER

TORONTO (CP) - The first Canadian awarded an exemption by Ottawa to smoke
marijuana for medicinal purposes was in court yesterday seeking a
government supply of the illicit drug.

Jim Wakeford, who has full-blown AIDS, has unsuccessfully tried to
cultivate pot. Now, he is seeking a court order that will force Ottawa to
supply marijuana to him as a medicine.

While court heard a proposed federal research project could eventually meet
that need, Wakeford's lawyer said that won't happen fast enough for his
client.

"Jim doesn't need research, he's a dying man," said Louis Sokolov.

Wakeford's lawyer told court the marijuana his client wants is available at
the National Institute of Drug Abuse in the U.S. and a U.K. company.

Lawyer Alan Young is asking the court to also grant immunity to caregivers
who put themselves in legal jeopardy when supplying Wakeford with the drug.

"To think of someone with a terminal illness having to roam the streets
looking for a dealer is really not something I think Canadians will accept
or tolerate," Young told Ontario Superior Court.

Since a groundbreaking ruling in 1999, when Wakeford won the right to
possess, cultivate and use marijuana for the purposes of treating his
AIDS-related symptoms, about 35 Canadians have received similar exemptions
from Ottawa.

"I live alone with a cat," Wakeford said yesterday in an interview. "Unlike
Blanche DuBois, I can't rely on the kindness of strangers. I depend on the
health-care system."

While yesterday's court challenge is specific to Wakeford, court heard it
will have an impact on each of the Canadians given the right to use
marijuana for medicinal purposes.

One of those Canadians was in court listening to the arguments yesterday,
quietly rolling a joint on his lap while the sweet smell of the dried weed
wafted through the courtroom.