OTTAWA - The Supreme Court of Canada has overturned the convicion of a medical marijuana crusader on charges of possession of pot for purposes of trafficking.

In a 7-0 judgment, the court granted a new trial to Grant Krieger of Calgary, who says he should have the right to distribute marijuana to people who need it to ease the pain of serious illness.

Krieger himself suffers from multiple sclerosis and has legal permission to smoke pot for medical purposes.

He doesn't have permission from the federal government to supply it to others - but freely admits that he's done so anyway.

The judge at his trial in 2003 instructed the jury that they had no choice, under the law, except to find Krieger guilty.

Two jurors objected and said their consciences wouldn't permit them to convict. They asked to be excused from he case, but the judge refused the request.