On November 21st, 2000 at approx. 9 am, The Vancouver Island Compassion Society (The VICS) was subject to a police raid resulting in loss of monies and product.

Philippe Lucas, Director of The VICS, was charged with two felony counts. One of Possession of a controlled substance and one of Possession with the intent to traffic.

Philippe Lucas was released on bail early this afternoon.

A Rally is being planned outside the Oak Bay Police Dept. for Noon Friday, Nov. 24th.

The Vancouver Island Compassion Society (VICS) is a non-profit organization incorporated on Nov. 12th, 1999 (Societal #40698). In thirteen months of operation at our present location we have registered and assisted 131 critically and chronically ill members using natural therapies with a focus on medicinal cannabis. Following the template of medicinal marijuana clinics such as the BC Compassion Club Society in Vancouver (1200+ members), we strictly monitor registration. We are a referral-only operation and treat conditions for which there is much clinical and observational evidence of cannabis’effectiveness. These include HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis-C, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, cancer, epilepsy and MS.

So far the VICS has operated without hindrance or interference; we have never been informed of a single complaint made against the organization or its members. In order to pre-empt supposed difficulties, the VICS does not allow smoking on the premises, and members are asked to sign a contract stating that they will not redistribute medications and that they will utilize all procured products within the privacy of their own homes. The VICS would not hesitate to expel a member who endangered the safety of the society by defying said rules.

Thus far we have received enthusiastic support from the local media, the medical community, the social service networks and the public at large, (93% of whom believe that cannabis should be legalized for medical reasons- National Post poll, spring ‘00).

In my thirteen months as director of the VICS, I have witnessed the many progresses of our members following cannabis treatment. Glaucoma patients have regained sight, HIV/AIDS patients have put on lost weight, cancer patients have gained both hope and strength. I have seen members return to work after their doctors have given them a virtual death sentence. This is not merely anecdotal evidence, this is a very real necessity for our sick and dying members.

Our present cannabis prohibition laws were recently deemed unconstitutional by the Ontario Court of Appeals since they do not account for medicinal uses of marijuana; they should not be wielded by the Oak Bay Police or the RCMP to indite the sick and suffering members of this society. This is not a legal matter; it is a health and welfare issue and should be treated as such.

The VICS was created on a foundation of deep concern and compassion; we are here to help. With the continued support of the community and the strength of our members we will continue to do so.

Philippe Lucas and The VICS can be reached at 250-360-8955 or info@thevics.com