Thirty-five people connected with Montreal's so-called Compassion Clubs were charged, Wednesday, with crimes related to drug trafficking.
They were arrested in early June following a series of high profile raids on the clubs, which claim to sell medical marijuana to those suffering from chronic pain.
Police say some of the clubs were illegally selling drugs to people who aren't actually sick.
During the proceedings, a number of supporters demonstrated outside the court.
"The message that I want to send today is that the prohibition of marijuana for medical use is an absolute shame and travesty," said Marc St-Marie. "I think that the patient's rights to be healthy come way before the state's interest in prohibiting marijuana."
Meantime, inside the courthouse, most of those charged pleaded "not guilty."
They say they are planning to fight the charges with a constitutional challenge of Canada's drug laws.
Those charged will return to court in September
