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UK Glasgow: Pro-dope demo expected to go ahead despite council denying permission Peter Swindon Glasgow Evening Times Monday 20 Apr 2015 The event organised by Glasgow Cannabis Social Club was blocked by the council but almost 4000 people have indicated on Facebook that they intend to pack the square anyway. The annual '420 event' sees campaigners come together in a public place on April 20 to call for the legalisation of the Class B drug. Last year Glasgow Cannabis Social Club held a gathering of 150 people at Glasgow Green despite the council denying the group permission. Among the speakers will be retired Glasgow police officer Jim Duffy, a former chairman of the Scottish Police Federation, who now speaks for pressure group Law Enforcement Against Prohibition (LEAP). He said: "We promote the legalisation and regulation of all currently controlled drugs as an alternative to the long running, failed and discredited system of prohibition. "Legalisation and regulation should not in any way be confused with the supply of these substances to anyone under the age of 18 or the mistaken belief that they do no harm. "There are without doubt medical benefits that can be obtained from cannabis and opiates like heroin. "What currently drives the market is prohibition and the money that is generated by the criminals who currently run and control the market. "Legalisation and control would remove the criminal element from this market and allow the focus to change from enforcement of a clearly failed policy towards education and treatment. "LEAP promotes education about drugs but accepts that at the end of the day people have a choice and like alcohol, tobacco and gambling, if people choose that path then they should be allowed so to do." According to the Facebook event, other speakers are expected to promote the so-called health benefits of cannabis as well as encouraging people to "grow their own". A range of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs and rolling papers, will be available to buy in George Square from 10am. The event was criticised by Scottish Conservative chief whip John Lamont who said: "Festivals openly promoting and championing illegal behaviour cannot be tolerated, particularly in one of Glasgow's focal points." A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "We told the applicant we were refusing permission because the event appeared to encourage the use of cannabis and it was felt that this would not be appropriate." A spokesman for Police Scotland said: "We are aware of the potential for events and gatherings related to cannabis on April 20. If events are to take place they will be policed appropriately." http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/pro-dope-demo-expected-to-go-ahead-despite-council-denying-permission-203930n.123410888
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