LOCAL POT CLUB NOT ABOUT CHALLENGING POLICE

I'm writing this letter to offer an apology and to right a wrong.

I owe the Parksville RCMP a sincere apology. Let me explain why.

I opened the medicinal marijuana club July 23, 2001. Shortly before opening
the club a story appeared about us in this paper. In the article I said
that I had spoken to the local police and informed them of what we were
doing. I had a decent and productive meeting with the officer and I left
the meeting in good spirits. I also thought that the police would leave us
alone if they didn't receive any complaints, I said as much to the local media.

Unfortunately this statement left certain people with the impression that I
didn't think the police would carry out their duties or wouldn't uphold the
law in this case because it was a good cause.

Certain people thought I was challenging the authorities, blowing pot smoke
in their faces as it were.

It appeared to some that I was showing disrespect for the police, I assure
you this was not my intention.

The officer I spoke to at that meeting back in July did not at any time
during our conversation say to me that the police would leave us alone if
no complaints came in. If this was the impression I left with all of you
then I humbly apologize for any offence taken and I officially retract the
statement.

I believed then and still believe that we are working within a legal grey
area. We are providing a much needed service to a select group of people
with incurable illnesses or injuries, people whom Health Canada has left
hanging out to dry. Health Canada says that Canadians may use marijuana for
pain and suffering, but they refuse to allow any sick or injured people
access to a safe source.

Thus forcing these people to turn to the criminal element to secure their meds.

I can honestly say that I am not a drug dealer by any standards set by this
society, and anyone who thinks differently should come and meet some of our
club members. There are over 100 now and you can pick almost any illness or
injury because most of them are represented here, be it cancer or
amputation, glaucoma, MS,or severe migraine headaches. Our youngest member
is 18, our oldest is 78.

I do believe we are doing a good thing here and I pray that our federal
government will see the light and repeal these insane marijuana laws sooner
rather than later. Hopefully long before I have to be arrested. Do I want
to be arrested? Not really.

Mark Russell, Coombs