BC Provincial Court, Nov 13/02
Police investigating an accident near David Lange's home discovered a 230-plant operation. Lange, 36, had nine previous narcotics convictions. He pleaded guilty to a charge of producing marijuana, saying it was for the compassion club.

The judge decided that Lange was operating to fill a void created by the legal framework, at minimal risk to the public. The operation was not a typical profit-motivated commercial venture, but motivated by compassion and a small profit. Lange had been conviction-free for almost 10 years, and he was applying for a license to produce marijuana for designated persons.

Lange was granted a conditional discharge and one year of probation.