CANNABIS
GRAN SPEAKS OUT AT RALLY
Source: BBC News
Date: Sunday, May 15, 2005
Subj: Cannabis gran speaks out
at rally
Web: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/london/4540347.stm
Cited Grandma Pat http://www.ccguide.org/pattabram.php
A grandmother who was spared jail after making cannabis-laced casseroles
for herself and friends was one of the speakers at a pro-cannabis rally.
Patricia Tabram, 66, spoke at the Cannabis Education March and Rally in
Trafalgar Square, central London.
Ms Tabram, from Northumberland, admitted in April to possession with
intent to supply and was given a suspended six-month prison sentence.
The march began in Russell Square, central London, at 1300 BST on
Sunday.
The annual event usually takes place in south London.
Drug dealers
But Lambeth Council would not permit the seventh Cannabis March and
Festival in Brockwell Park, Brixton, because of drug dealers at previous
events.
However, the Greater London Authority has allowed it to go ahead.
Organisers of the Brixton festival said they were aware of drug dealers
being present but had wanted to work with Lambeth Council and the police to stamp
out the problem.
Other speakers at the event included Peter Tatchell from gay rights
group Outrage and Roger Warren-Evans, barrister for human rights group Liberty.
The subject of returning cannabis to a Class B drug after it was
downgraded to Class C will be discussed at the rally as will health concerns,
drug testing and driving under the influence.
Campaigners
say they want the drug regulated and say legalisation would not lead to
increased use.