TOKING FOR PAIN COSTS HER $600

By Jonathan Jenkins Staff Writer

Taking a few hoots for her hurts will cost 57yearold Patricia Weber $600.

Weber pleaded guilty yesterday to possession of a narcotic after police
found a 43gram stash of marijuana in her westend apartment.

Defence lawyer Brian Beresh said the frail Weber, who leaned heavily on a
cane on her way in and out of court, kept the intoxicant for medicinal
purposes and produced a letter from her doctor that said he was aware she
was using it for that reason.

"This is one of those situations where if Parliament acted sooner, Ms.
Weber would likely have avoided a charge," Beresh said, referring to a
recent statement by Justice Minister Anne McLellan on the possibility of
legalizing pot for pain relief.

"My understanding is it's being seriously discussed."

Weber, a former bookkeeper who's been on medical disability for the past
five years, has four previous convictions for possession.

Provincial court Judge Percy Marshall said it was comforting to see Weber
had found something that helped her migraines and arthritis, then fined the
woman $600. That was the same amount she was tagged last time she was
caught smoking up.