NO MEDICAL PERMIT, NO POT

COURT: Man fined $750

A Sarnia man who grew marijuana to treat long-standing medical
problems was fined $750 in Sarnia court.

Christopher Walters, 31, previously pled guilty to marijuana
cultivation on May 26, 2009 in Sarnia and was sentenced Wednesday.

The "quite small" grow operation was found during a police search of
his home, said Justice Mark Hornblower.

Defence lawyer Terry Brandon argued the marijuana was for personal use
and presented numerous letters attesting to his medical conditions.

Walters suffers from a gastrointestinal condition that has required
surgery throughout his life and from a childhood brain injury.

The letters indicate he has used every other means to alleviate
chronic pain.

Hornblower said his circumstances were "extremely unique" but until he
received a government exemption he must follow the law.

He placed Walters on 18 months probation when he must stay away from
drugs, unless granted the medical exemption. The order requires his
probation officer to offer guidance on the legal process required to
obtain the permit.