HAS MEDICAL MARIJUANA LICENCE, CAN'T GROW

He's got a licence from Health Canada to grow marijuana, but now Brian
Carlisle says he can't get his grow-lights back from the RCMP after they
were seized in July last year.

"It's selective persecution," says Mr. Carlisle, who claims other medical
marijuana users in the same situation have had their grow equipment returned.

Mr. Carlisle is seeking a court order next week for the return of four
grow-lights and 51 marijuana plants seized by Hope RCMP officers.

He says he was told by the exhibits officer in Hope that there is a "new
protocol" in place and that he would have to apply to Health Canada and to
the B.C. Attorney-General to get his equipment back.

Meanwhile, Mr. Carlisle says he has to buy marijuana from other sources.

"I've been forced to deal with the most shady characters," he says.

RCMP Staff Sgt. Jim Delnea says the Hope detachment is acting on
instructions from Crown counsel.

"My federal Crown counsel directed me not to return (the equipment)," he
says, because Mr. Carlisle "was in contravention of the law prior to
receiving his permit" from Health Canada to grow marijuana for medical
purposes.

Cultivation and possession charges against Mr. Carlisle were stayed in
court after he got his Health Canada licence to grow medical marijuana on
Sept. 9.