ACTIVIST JAILED AFTER TESTING POSITIVE FOR POT

Medical marijuana activist Todd McCormick was jailed by a federal
magistrate Friday after prosecutors said that he tested positive for the
drug, violating a condition of bail in his pending trial for cultivating
more than 4,000 cannabis plants.

Despite emotional pleas by McCormick and his lawyer that the government's
test results were wrong, U.S. Magistrate James McMahon ordered the
27-year-old cancer victim taken into custody. A bail revocation hearing was
set for April 22.

McCormick had been free on $500,000 bond since last July when federal drug
agents raided a Bel-Air home where he was growing marijuana plants that he
said were intended for medical use. Using marijuana for medical purposes
became legal statewide with passage of Proposition 215 in 1996.

Under terms of his bond, posted by actor Woody Harrelson, McCormick agreed
to refrain from marijuana use and to undergo random drug tests. The order
was broadened recently to include legally prescribed drugs, such as
Marinol, that contain synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the essence
of pot.

Defense lawyer Eric Shevin argued that it was unfair to deprive McCormick
of his freedom before hearing from both sides' experts on what the tests
really mean. He said the positive tests probably reflect Marinol still in
McCormick's body.

Shevin filed an emergency appeal and said he hoped a hearing would be held
Monday.