POT DECISION RESERVED

SAINT JOHN, N.B. - Decision has been reserved until Oct. 5 in the case
of Jim Wood, who claims his marijuana use is treatment for his chronic
back pain and is trying to get charges of cultivation and trafficking
the drug dropped. A year ago, Mounties seized 57 plants at his home.

RCMP drug expert Const. Mark Gorbet told court Tuesday that 12 plants
would suffice for personal use and the only reasonable explanation for
so many plants was that they were meant for sale.

Wood's lawyer is aksing that the charges be set aside until the
federal health minister rules on whether marijuana can be used for
medical reasons.