CN ON: Appeal Date Set For Pot Priests

[The GCW]

Pubdate: Wed, 19 Nov 2008

Source: Hamilton Spectator (CN ON)

APPEAL DATE SET FOR POT PRIESTS

Church of the Universe co-founders Michael Baldasaro and Walter Tucker are hoping the date of their next court appearance is a sign of success.

They were told earlier this week the Ontario Court of Appeal will hear the appeals on their marijuana trafficking convictions and sentences next year on April 20.

"The fourth month on the 20th day," Baldasaro said with a wispy laugh. "It came right out of the blue, 420."

The number 420 is popular in cannabis culture and April 20 has become somewhat of a holiday for marijuana enthusiasts.

Baldasaro and Tucker, who use the title reverend, were found guilty last November of multiple counts of trafficking marijuana and sentenced to two years and 12 months, respectively.

Despite being released pending appeal, neither man is permitted to return to their Barton Street church because it was ruled an "offence-related property."

They have also been ordered not to associate with each other.

Their plan is to appeal the bail conditions they consider too strict to the Supreme Court of Canada, saying they hope to file a notice in the next few days.

Both men, neither of whom are strangers to court, founded the Church of the Universe at a Puslinch rock quarry in 1969.

Their theology borrows from various religions but essentially advocates for the legalization of marijuana. Cannabis is their sacrament and they believe hemp is the tree of life.

http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v08/n1046/a05.html?397

Contact: letters@thespec.com