From: [hemp nation] at [pobox.com] (Hemp Nation Headquarters - Christopher Clay, proprietor)
Newsgroups: rec.drugs.cannabis,alt.drugs.pot
Subject: Constitutional Challenge - VICTORY BONDS
Date: Thu, 15 Aug 1996 04:36:20 GMT
Organization: Hemp Nation

My name is Christopher Clay. I am the 25-year-old proprietor of Hemp
Nation in London, Canada. Three years ago, I opened this country's
first hemp store, formerly called the Great Canadian Hemporium and now
known as Hemp Nation. 

Despite my legalization efforts and the sale of controvertial
products, the police left the Hemporium alone for nearly two years. In
late 1994, I began selling quality viable marijuana seeds to the
public. Another six months went by with no police interference.
Finally, on May 17, 1995, I began selling clones, small female plant
cuttings. One of them was purchased by an undercover police officer. 

Four hours later, I was in prison and the Hemporium was being looted
by police. In total, $30,000 worth of inventory and an additional
$20,000 worth of seeds were seized. I was charged with possession of a
narcotic, possession with intent to traffic, trafficking, cultivation,
and selling "drug paraphernalia". 

After inspecting my store and home, also trashed by police, I
contacted Toronto Osgoode Hall law professor Alan Young and we decided
to launch a constitutional challenge of Canada's marijuana laws. If we
succeed, all cannabis offences will be removed from the Criminal Code.


Alan plans to demonstrate the unconstitutionality of cannabis
prohibition by bringing expert witnesses to London to testify directly
before the judge and jury. Confirmed witnesses include Harvard
researcher Lester Grinspoon, M.D., and Addiction Research Foundation
scientist Patricia Erickson.  The total cost to fly in these witnesses
will exceed $10,000. 

Over $5,000 has been spent so far to get things started; the
additional $10,000 must be raised by Spring 1997, when the trial is
expected to begin. To fund this effort, we have printed 2,000 Hemp
Nation Victory Bonds. These numbered hemp certificates are available
for a $25.00 donation to the Constitutional Challenge and each is
redeemable for a quarter-ounce of high-grade marijuana once
prohibition has ended. 

The Crown Attorney has offered to drop all charges except simple
possession if a guilty plea is entered. A discharge would likely
result, but I have refused and the constitutional challenge will
continue as planned. 

Please support our efforts by purchasing a Victory Bond or making a
small donation. Since the 1960's, more than half a million Canadians
have been arrested for the "crime" of smoking flowers. 

Let's end this unjust, irrational persecution while we have the
chance.

For full details, see the Hemp Nation website:
http://www.hempnation.com/
or e-mail [c h ris clay] at [hempnation.com]

_________________________________________________
  HEMP NATION HEADQUARTERS - www.hempnation.com
101-343 Richmond St.  *  London,ON Canada N6A 3C2
        
      THE GROW YER OWN MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN
                                                              
Toll-free voice (North America)    1-888-781-HEMP 
Toll-free fax   (North America)    1-888-HEMP-FAX  
International voice                1-519-433-5267
International fax                  1-519-433-7725
E-mail                  [c h ris clay] at [hempnation.com]