NOT A SUPPORTER OF COMPASSION CLUBS

Re: Photo With Be Compassionate, Jan. 14.

I am shocked and outraged that your paper used a photo of me leading
with this column. I am the first of two Canadians granted Section 56
exemptions from the federal minister of health on June 9, 1999, after
winning a constitutional challenge on May 10, 1999, before Justice
Harry Laforme in the Ontario Superior Court. That allowed me to
cultivate and use marijuana for medical use.

I do not support the so-called "compassion clubs." They are fleecing
the poor and defying the law. Charging street prices and operating as
fronts for anonymous growers -- what is it about them that is not
black market? Neither I nor any of my sick friends can afford the
cost and health risk associated with buying commercial grade
marijuana sold at clubs.

Jim Wakeford, Toronto.