I am standing for election on this issue because I believe it is one which effects all of our lives in ways which not all of us may be aware of. As well as being smoked and eaten as a recreational substance, the cannabis plant has many more important uses. If cannabis is fully legalised it will allow us to explore these uses and replace many of today's polluting synthetic alternatives, which would benefit the environment and health. The 'single issue' of cannabis has implications for civil rights, law and order, health, education, the environment, transport and employment. Until the turn of the century cannabis, also called hemp - it is the same plant - was used to produce most of the world's paper (including Bibles, maps and newspapers), rope, canvas, sails, oils for paints and lacquers. The therapeutic value of cannabis has been known since the days of the Ancient Chinese and Egyptians. It's use as a source of fuel (petrol, gas, electricity) was recognised by Henry Ford when he made his first Model T (much of the bodywork was also made out of cannabis)
The laws which ban cannabis have suspiciously put an end to most of that in 1928. Since then huge companies have polluted the world and profited at our expense, producing nylon, plastic, diesel, petrol, nuclear fuels, wood pulp and synthetic drugs and medicines.
The real costs of prohibition are the BILLIONS of pounds of tax-payers money spent trying to police an unenforceable law, and the millions of UK citizens alienated and in fear of arrest and prosecution for the so-called offence of cannabis use in the privacy of their own homes - crimes with neither victims nor malice. We all pay this price for an unjustifiable law.
The legalisation of cannabis has been largely ignored by most politicians, despite recent media attention. Legalisation is supported by some Judges, Police, Doctors, Psychiatrists, Clergy, businesspersons, press, teachers, scientists and millions of people. Cannabis is an issue which effects us all and this election will give YOU a chance to express your support.
If I am elected to this office I will fight for the good of the community, based upon what you the voters want, and the principles of human rights to health , education, privacy and freedom of choice.
Cannabis can be made into: trousers and jeans, shirts and coats, shoes and hats, belts and purses, furniture, fuel, paper, rope, canvas, paint, lacquers. Its seed can be eaten raw or cooked into burgers, cakes, porridge, pasta, pancakes. It can be used to make cosmetics, shampoo, massage oils, cleaners and lotions. It is therapeutically valuable in treating cases of MS, AIDS, depression, insomnia, loss of appetite, glaucoma, excema, psoriasis, cramps, muscle spasms , spasticity, migraine, asthma, back pain, rheumatism. That is what the law is stopping you from having.