CRUSADER CUFFED

Judge Says Strong Chance Ms Sufferer Will Keep Selling Pot

A judge had no choice but to refuse bail to medical marijuana crusader
Grant Krieger yesterday, says his defence lawyer.

In making his ruling, provincial court Judge Brian Stevenson said
because Krieger -- who suffers from multiple sclerosis -- intends to
still grow, use and provide marijuana to other sick people, he must
remain in custody.

"There is a strong likelihood he will commit further offences ... and
create a lack of confidence in the administration of justice," said
Stevenson.

Krieger, 45, was arrested this week after police found 29 marijuana
plants in his Bowness home.

He will spend at least the weekend in jail before making a plea
Monday.

But his lawyer, Adriano Iovinelli, said if Krieger sticks by his
convictions he could be behind bars much longer.

Iovinelli said Krieger has been honest about his intention to continue
his small grow operation and involvement with his organization, the
Universal Compassion Club.

The club is made up of sick or dying people who he sells marijuana to
- -- at no profit -- only after receiving letters from their doctors.

If Krieger stands by that, Iovinelli said it could mean he's in jail
until his trial for possession for trafficking and cultivating
marijuana -- possibly six months away.

If convicted, he would face jail time, after one other Alberta and one
Saskatchewan conviction.

"No one wants to be in jail," Iovinelli said outside
court.

"So, he's taking the stand to grow marijuana and use marijuana." But
Krieger isn't a common street drug dealer, said his wife, Marie, after
the bail hearing.

"I suppose the judge is in a difficult position, but I think at the
same time there has to be an allowance for compassion," she said.

"There is a great difference between the average street drug dealer
and my husband."

Krieger began smoking marijuana after the pain from his MS drove him
to attempt suicide in 1995.

Iovinelli said the marijuana serves as a pain-killer and
muscle-relaxer for Krieger's symptoms.

"Even if it's all in his mind, even if it's a placebo, if it works for
him -- why not?" he said.

Police serving a summons on Krieger saw three plants in his backyard,
said Crown prosecutor Dan Mitsuka.

He showed them the other 26 growing in his house.

"It's not a likelihood, it's a virtual certainty (he'll re-offend),"
said Mitsuka.

"He continues to profess the intent to commit the offences."