POT ACTIVIST LOSES BID TO HAVE CHARGES STAYED

CALGARY (CNS) -A medical marijuana activist has lost his bid to have
drug-trafficking charges against him stayed in Alberta -- his second
judicial setback in less than a week.

Grant Krieger was looking for a constitutional exemption on Wednesday
from his marijuana trafficking conviction, arguing his actions were
protected under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms. The Alberta Court
of Appeal rejected Mr. Krieger's bid.

The multiple sclerosis sufferer has admitted he sent two packages of
marijuana to Manitoba in 2003 and 2004, but has argued he was
supplying it to sick people for medicinal purposes.

At Mr. Krieger's 2006 trial, it was argued it was too difficult for
some ill people to get permission to use the drug under Marijuana
Medical Access Regulations, with doctors being reluctant to sign off
on the treatment due to insurance concerns.