HARRELSON TESTIFIES IN DRUG CASE

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - Woody Harrelson has come to the defense of a
California man who is trying to fight federal 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, who 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 has said that he grew pot to help sick people. Such a defense could
offer him immunity in a state court because Proposition 215, 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.''

U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. warned Harrelson that he might
find himself behind bars if he continued to defy the court.