Local police and the RCMP carried out massive raids in the Halifax area Monday, seizing 4,000 marijuana plants and arresting 10 people. The raids were conducted at 19 locations, including executive-style homes in Fall River, Sackville, Waverly, Tantallon, and Clayton Park, as well as apartments in Halifax. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1096926832761_14?hub=Canada#

Authorities arrested two people and seized a speedboat and about $2 million worth of ecstasy and marijuana after a bust at a border checkpoint. http://news10now.com/content/all_news/?ArID=29079&SecID=83

In a case that's rekindling the debate over the effects of smoking marijuana, a Quebec man has had his murder sentence reduced -- because he was under the influence of marijuana at the time. Described as a life-long substance abuser, 31-year-old Martin Veilleux had been on a marijuana binge when he stabbed his good friend, for no apparent reason, in March of last year. http://www.ctv.ca/servlet/ArticleNews/story/CTVNews/1096493530184_91902730/?hub=Canada

In the news: Vansterdam Now rally last week, comments by Philippe Lucas. Flash rocks!

VANCOUVER - A provincial court judge refused to grant bail to a woman whose cafe had been openly selling pot over the counter for months.The decision puzzled and saddened Carol Gwilt's supporters."That's crazy -- there are harmful people out there," said David Malmo-Lavine, a friend and fellow marijuana activist. "She's put in there and they're let out to make room for her."Michael Boudreau, Gwilt's co-accused, said thousands will be dismayed by the court's decision.

It seems Vancouver mayor Larry Campbell is stepping back from his former approval and recognition of the harm reduction aspects of Da Kine, and lumping it in with the Vancouver Eastside's drug problem.Prompted by more media investigations, Canada Post wonders about mailorder bud businesses (feat. comments from Flash).

Medical activist Alison Myrden talks with live radio callers:Part 1: Canadian bunk med pot with Alison's opinion as a medical user. 4 minPart 2: Decrim strategy vs prohibition's harm with Alison and other caller's opinions. 17 minPart 3: Amigula - medical cannabis scammers with business report. 14 minThanks to Escapegoat

Is Da Kine's day over? After a second arrest, owner Carol Gwilt and staff are intimidated by Vancouver Police. Street dealers return to Commercial Drive. Bud Buddy gets more media attention and they too may have to shut down before more busts happen.Thanks go out to Flash, Ray and Karamceutical.Carol from Da Kine is being held without bail and there is now a media ban on the story.William J. Kitchen Provincial Court Judge Telephone: 604 660 4300 Facsimile: 604 660 4322 222 Main StreetVancouver BCV6A 2S8

Da Kine owner Carol Gwilt re-arrested and kid star Macaulay Culkin busted with pot.Some high school students in rural Quebec are being recruited for work as part-time marijuana pickers, often hidden in corn fields, by growers often associated with organized crime.Bud Buddy on CTV, and grow op busts continue.Thanks to Francouver and Green Guardian.

Police in Vancouver have re-arrested the owner of a so-called 'pot cafe' on a charge of breaching her bail conditions.Carol Gwilt and seven employees in her Da Kine Smoke and Beverage cafe were arrested on Sept. 9. The move came after BC's Solicitor General encouraged police to crack down on the place.Police had let the cafe conduct business as usual despite extensive media reports that it was openly selling marijuana over the counter.