ABSOLUTE DISCHARGE FOR MEDICAL MARIJUANA USER

PORT HARDY - After admitting he used marijuana for arthritis pain,
46-year-old Darrin Frank Kulyk received an absolute discharge, June 8
in court.

Police found a few grams of marijuana in Kulyk's vehicle during a
routine traffic stop on Feb. 4, said federal Crown counsel Paul Grier,
who asked that Kulyk be sentenced to probation and community work.

Defence lawyer Dan Nowosad told court Kulyk has no record, uses
marijuana for arthritis pain and deserves an absolute discharge.

"He has now gone to the doctor in Port McNeill and asked for legalized
marijuana," said Nowosad.

Judge Brian Saunderson approved the absolute discharge, which left
Kulyk without a criminal record. "Too bad you didn't see the doctor
earlier," said the judge. "They can provide people with a letter
saying it is appropriate."