GROWER BURNING FOR POT FIGHT

A Beachburg-area man who just got permission to use pot as medicine
doesn't want drug charges against him dropped.

"I want the court to hear my case," said Robert Brown, 43, who suffers
from hepatitis C.

After a year-long wait, Brown was granted an exemption to use
marijuana for medicinal purposes this week by Health Canada. The
approval came after he staged a one-man demonstration on the
snow-covered grounds of Parliament Hill last weekend.

In December 1998, police raided Brown's farmhouse and seized plants,
literature and growing lamps. He and wife Linda -- who does not use
cannabis -- were charged with possession, cultivation and intent to
traffic. Their week-long trial is scheduled to begin in June.

"I just want the charges dropped against Linda," said Brown. "She is a
kind, sweet and gentle woman, and I think it's disgraceful that
they're using her as a tool against me."

This week Crown attorney Tim McCann said Brown's constitutional
exemption and the state of his health may have a bearing on how the
case proceeds.

But Brown insists it's still important to argue the case on grounds of
"medical necessity."

Because of the current drug charges and one former drug possession
conviction, Brown is not permitted to cross the border to the U.S.

He is now seeking permission to travel across the border to receive
experimental treatment in Texas.

Brown, the 20th Canadian to receive Health Canada's exemption, smokes
marijuana joints and drinks tea brewed with the plant to battle the
chronic nausea and other symptoms associated with his disease.