WOODY HELPS HEMP GROWER

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) -- Woody Harrelson has come to the defence of a
California man who is trying to fight drug charges by using the state's new
medical marijuana law.

The actor, an advocate for the legalization of hemp, testified Thursday as
a character witness for his friend B.E. Smith.

Smith was convicted of felony charges of possession and cultivation of
marijuana in May.

He faces up to five years in prison at his sentencing next week.

Smith said he grew pot to help sick people. Such a defence could offer him
immunity in a state court.

Proposition 215 -- which was approved by voters in 1996 -- allows for the
growth and consumption of marijuana for medical use.

"Are we living in a democracy when the federal government and a puppet
judge blatantly disregard a law created by the people?" Harrelson asked in
court.

At one point, Harrelson, frustrated at not being able to talk about medical
marijuana, clashed with the judge and accused him of "keeping the truth
from the jury."

Judge Garland Burrell warned Harrelson he might find himself behind bars if
he continued to defy the court.