POT GROWER 'A DANGER'

Crown Asks For 20-month Sentence

Despite being labelled "a danger to society," medicinal marijuana activist
Raymond Turmel will wait another two months before he is sentenced on drug
charges.

Sentencing was delayed after Crown prosecutor Anouk Desaulniers recommended
a 20-month sentence for Turmel, who was convicted in December of
cultivation and possession of marijuana with the intent to traffic.

Desaulniers defended her recommendation by stating Turmel, who already has
one drug conviction under his belt, is a danger to society because he is
likely to reoffend.

"He doesn't know what happens to the marijuana once he sells it," said
Desaulniers, adding Turmel can't monitor those who use his marijuana. "It
could end up in a schoolyard."

Turmel, representing himself in Gatineau court, admitted to growing
marijuana for chronically ill friends. He said he began growing pot for his
wife, who suffers from chronic pain as a result of a car accident.

Outside the courtroom, the activist has become a vocal opponent against
"impossible" restrictions for those applying to use medicinal marijuana.
Prior to the trial, he conducted a constitutional challenge, which was denied.

"I am a danger to society, she's right," Turmel said. "By the time I'm
finished, the laws will be struck down."

But Desaulniers told the court that the pager, cellphone and electronic
scale found on Turmel and in his apartment prove some of the crop was for
commercial use.

"It's okay to believe in a cause but we can't go around breaking laws," she
said.

Sentencing will resume May 28 after Turmel translates case studies
presented by the Crown into English. He has already filed an appeal with
the Quebec Court of Appeal.