CHARGES STAYED IN POT CASE

A possession charge against medical marijuana crusader Lynn Harichy
was stayed on Monday. The stay effectively puts the charge laid two
years ago into indefinite legal limbo.

Harichy, 38, was pleased, but subdued following the granting of the
stay by Ontario Court Justice Kathleen McGowan. The stay was requested
by federal prosecutor Kevin Wilson, who said the Crown had received
medical information about a "significant decline" in Harichy's health.

The city woman has been hospitalized twice in recent months, Wilson
said, and her illness is "chronic and degenerative."

Harichy smokes pot several times a day to control her multiple
sclerosis symptoms, such as severe shaking. She was charged after
smoking pot on the steps of the local police headquarters to raise the
profile of the campaign to legalize marijuana for medicinal purposes.

Harichy, who admits to feeling like a bit of a pioneer, said "there's
still lots to be done. There's still people in jail." She said pot
smoking should be legalized across the board which would stop "bikers
from making all that money".

Her husband, Mike Harichy, 47, is due in court next week on a
marijuana trafficking charge relating to the now-defunct Cannabis
Compassion Centre the couple ran in London.