Disabled Compassionate Medicinal Cannabis Pioneer Arrested by Norfolk Street Crime Unit at his Niagara Falls Medicinal Cannabis Co-op prior to Grand Opening of Niagara Region's 1st federally licensed medicinal cannabis production site / educational centre / dispensary.
At approximately 18h45 on Thursday (Feb. 17) evening, 2 Officers from the Norfolk Street Crime unit executed what they claimed was an unusual judicial warrant issued under section 650.01(4)(b) of the Criminal Code of Canada for the pre-trial arrest and detention of Rick West - one of North America's most known and highly respected compassionate medicinal crusaders. The takedown occurred on Main Street inNiagara Falls, at Rick's latest Medicinal Cannabis co-operative, seed bank and vapour lounge which had been set to open. This was done quietly - without any press.
Senior arresting officer, J. Eberley, told Rick's legal representatives that due to Rick's fragile medical condition, he would be taken to the Norfolk hospital in Simcoe, and held under police guard for a bail hearing at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, instead of a cellblock.
Rick and his legal team insisted that the officers take all of Rick's prescription medications and advised the officers that Rick would require medications as prescribed - and that any denial of same to him would be considered to be at best, cruel and unusual punishment, and at worst, torture. Given the circumstances, the police packed up 192g of Rick's medicinal cannabis, 1 herbal vaporizer, cannabis candies, lozenges, 1 cannabis cookie, and 7 other different prescription medications for hyper tension, and other conditions. Rick suffers from severe arthritis, chronic pain, PTSD, IBS, PCD, depression, mood swings, hypertension, and a painful genetic disorder involving connective tissues in his joints. He is also prescribed up to 70g of cannabis per day as required.
It appears that Rick's arrest was due to an outstanding 2009 production of cannabis marihuana [S. 7(1) CDSA] charge which has been before the courts for more than a year, despite the Crown's intent to offer an absolute discharge due to the fact that all cannabis plants found to be in Rick's possession during the raid had been prescribed by, and accounted for, by his doctor. See: http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?archive=true&e=1768611
"We are going to make him as comfortable as we can - we are only doing our jobs", said PC. S. Adams to Rick's legal team and supporters.
"We don't like this any more than you do", he is quoted as saying.
At 10:00 p.m., Jason J. Bowman, Rick's legal agent, was told by acting Norfolk County OPP Detachment sergeant, that: "He is being seen by a doctor and will be housed in our cells - he will NOT be going to any hospital - we will see you at the bail hearing".
Further, when advised by Bowman, of Rick's precarious medical state, and asked about next of kin and hospital transfer notification arrangements, the sergeant laughed, and retorted:
"He will NOT be receiving any of his so-called medication".
http://theniagaraseedbank.ca http://targetkangaroo.jigsy.com
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Marijuana Greenhouse Tourby OGASeeds3,039 views
Terrifying - Outrageous
"As you know, I was arrested, packed into an uncomfortable vehicle, and denied my medications for hours on end. I was also forced to throw up out of a moving Police car while wearing no seatbelt. These facts scare me, and many others."
- Rick West (February 21st, 2011 Letter to the Crowns and to the Court - Page 2, Para. 2)
niagaraseedbank 10 months ago