MAN SAYS DRUG USE IS RELIGIOUS

ST. JOHNSBURY, Vt. -- A West Burke man who claims he uses marijuana for
medical and religious reasons is challenging the constitutionality of state
laws prohibiting the drug.

Richard W. Nichols, 45, plans to appeal drug convictions that were entered
against him Wednesday at a hearing in Caledonia District Court.

Nichols' attorney, Steven B. McLeod, said he would take the case to the
Vermont Supreme Court. McLeod said in court papers that Nichols has a mode
of Christian worship "which is personal to him." Based on certain Bible
verses, Nichols believes he has a religious right to use marijuana, he said.

Nichols claims marijuana helps him meditate, and said it also alleviates
his bouts of depression.

Deputy Caledonia County State's Attorney Alan W. Singer described Nichols'
argument as a "plain attempt to legalize marijuana for personal use."

Nichols pleaded no contest Wednesday to two counts of marijuana possession
plus related charges of violating bail.

Both drug counts date from last March,.

Judge Alan W. Cook sentenced Nichols, per the agreement, to six to 18
months in jail, all suspended except for 30 days on furlough. He also put
Nichols on probation, including a condition that Nichols has to abstain
from marijuana. The sentence is on hold pending the state supreme court
appeal.