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Letter from Phillipe Lucas to Ted and CBC Staff

By Hempology | December 4, 2002


By Phillipe Lucas, Vancouver Island Compassion Society

December 2nd, 2002


Ted and CBC staff,


Today was a very uncomfortable and unpleasant situation for everyone. I came to your club alone and open
to discussion and reconciliation, but feel that I was met with accusations rather than any sincere interest
in addressing your stated concerns. I don’t enjoy conflict, nor do I tolerate negativity at the VICS. There
may be some real enemies of the CBC out there (the police, for example), but I can assure you taht our concerns
on how best to run our organization, not how to undermine your club.




We are currently involved in research with the University of California, San Francisco, McGill University,
and the BCCCS. We have neither the time nor the inclination to speak about your organization. When asked, we
point out our obvious differences (Dr.’s notes, non-profit status) and leave it at that. We stand by our
model, and we have had some judicial success with it; you can certainly do the same. The fact remains that
some people prefer one organization over another: for example, some appreciate the lower prices of some of
your products, others have grown accustom to some of our recurring strains. This is McDonald’s and Burger
King – a choice – and hardly the conflict-based relationship you imagine it to be.


This evening was probably the most that the VICS staff have ever talked about the CBC (except for after
busts, which concern all of us). Our interest is for both clubs to flourish, but we will continue to work
as hard as possible to be the best club in town – I absolutely encourage you to do the same. Our recent
success (in court and otherwise) should be celebrated by all, not resented. Our victories take nothing from
you; in fact I’m sure that Bob will mention our case more than once during your own trial. I can assure you
that we all hope that you will have as much success in the courts as well; the movement depends on forward
momentum – every loss is a setback.


When I offered to pull out of the benefit because of the recent conflict between the clubs, Scott made it
clear that he wouldn’t hold the event at Soundgarden without the participation of the VICS. With the interest
of BOTH clubs in mind, I agreed to proceed with the benefit. I know that I can enjoy this night of shared
energy and enthousiasm without conflict; are you able to make the same guarantees? On December 20th, we have
a chance to hold this benefit as a symbolic act of reconciliation between the clubs; I hope that we can
make it a merry CannaChristmas for us all.


Although I am still against the idea of a third party mediator, both myself and the VICS staff would be
happy to meet with you and your staff at your convienence if you feel it neccessary to do so. Call my at
884-9821 anytime. Otherwise, please go through your days with the knowledge that we are in no way acting to
undermine the CBC, now or ever; we have much more important things with which to worry ourselves.


Sincerely,

Phillipe Lucas

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