CANNABIS GROUPS RALLY BEHIND BIZ

Source: Press & Journal, Aberdeen

Pub Date: Monday, 30 Jun 2003

Subj: UK: Cannabis groups rally behind Biz

Contact: editor@pj.ajl.co.uk

Cited: THC4MS http://www.thc4ms.org.uk

CANNABIS GROUPS RALLY BEHIND BIZ

CANNABIS campaigners will be heading for Orkney today to show their support for MS sufferer Biz Ivol, who is on trial for supplying the drug.

The Legalise Cannabis Alliance, and other campaigning groups aim to show their solidarity with Mrs Ivol, who faces charges of growing the Class B drug and giving cannabis chocolate to fellow MS sufferers.

Campaigners are pooling resources to make the 1,650-mile round trip from England.

Mrs Ivol was arrested almost two years ago amid allegations that she was supplying cannabis to MS victims across the UK.

She has already pleaded not guilty to three charges involving the possession, production and supply of the drug.

Her trial resumes on Wednesday at a sports centre in Kirkwall - a modern building with better access for her wheelchair than the town's sheriff court.

Mrs Ivol, who is confined to a wheelchair, has vowed to take her life once the case is over as she feels she is a prisoner trapped in her own body.

She has already taken delivery of her own cardboard coffin.

Journey

Campaigners will start their journey from Nuneaton in Cheshire at 3pm today.

Legalise Cannabis Alliance spokeswoman Clara O'Donnell said: "It has reached the point where enough is enough. Why can people not use a plant to heal themselves?

"If Biz dies the Government will have blood on their, hands, and as they already know of Biz's plans, they are in effect assisting her suicide."

MS sufferer Chris Baldwin, pioneer of cannabis cafes, has had bail restrictions lifted by Worthing Magistrates in Sussex to allow him to go to Scotland.

Campaign group THC4MS (Cannabis for MS) continues to supply Mrs Ivol's products to many MS sufferers throughout the UK.

The group's spokesman, Mark Gibson, asked: "Regardless of race, creed, colour, political persuasion or whether you believe cannabis should or should not be legalised, how can anyone fail to support Biz?

"If this were a sick dog in Iraq, the politicians and animal rights movement and church leaders would move heaven and earth to help."