Pot advocate sick in jail

[Heretic.Ape.]

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v07/n741/a02.html?1042
POT ADVOCATE SICK IN JAIL - FAMILY

The condition of notorious medicinal marijuana crusader Grant Krieger - -- incarcerated at the Calgary Remand Centre since Monday -- is "rapidly deteriorating," according to his friends and family.

"He's having troubles getting around, he's depressed and he's in pain," said Ryan Krieger, Grant's 25-year-old son.

Ryan has not visited his father in jail and has only spoken with him by phone.

"He is under medical care because his muscles are cramping up and his mobility is diminishing. They are trying to make him feel comfortable."

Grant Krieger, who has multiple sclerosis and uses pot to alleviate the pain, was jailed Monday after being convicted of drug trafficking in March and sentenced to four months in custody.

A provincial court judge delayed sending him to the remand centre until Monday so that Krieger, who is legally allowed to used cannabis, could arrange to take the drug into jail.

Krieger needed to acquire a federal licence allowing him to carry the pot, which required a doctor's signature. He was denied signatures by two doctors, his lawyer told the court.

A spokesman for the provincial Solicitor General's Department said Wednesday he could not confirm or deny whether Krieger was under medical care, due to privacy concerns.

However, said Andy Weiler, the remand centre has a "fairly large" infirmary to which all inmates have access. It is staffed with nurses 24 hours a day and has physicians on call.

"( Krieger ) has access to it and if his condition is deteriorating at all, then he would be placed in that infirmary," Weiler said.

"We will take all steps necessary to ensure that Mr. Krieger receives the necessary conventional medication to help treat his condition."

Krieger has said in the past that traditional medicine does not alleviate his pain. His son said Wednesday his father would likely refuse pharmaceuticals.

"He's been down that road and to take that road would mean more pain and trouble," Ryan said.

Weiler said any inmate can refuse treatment, until they reach a point where they can no longer make decisions.

"At that point we would step in and do whatever is necessary to ensure his health is taken care of," Weiler said. "He is our responsibility while he's an inmate."

Krieger was convicted on two counts of drug trafficking after police seized two packages containing 801 grams of marijuana sent through his Grant Krieger Compassion Club to Manitoba for distribution to people with similar afflictions.