REFUGEE PIPE DREAMS

Three Americans living in British Columbia, who were being prosecuted in
the U.S. for various crimes associated with the trafficking and cultivation
of marijuana when they fled, have filed refugee claims. They maintain they
were growing pot for medical purposes, and were being prosecuted unfairly.
"It's a political war against people who are sick," said Renee Boje, who
fled Los Angeles where she was charged with growing and possession with the
intent to traffic. But observers say their refugee claims will likely be
denied, because upholding them would invite a flood of claims from
Americans facing drug charges.