Source: Article, Evening News, Norwich

Date: 3 July 1996

Author: David Barrett

Pro-cannabis campaigners are to put forward a candidate at the next general election in Norwich North, it was revealed last night The local pressure group will be one of the first to run in a parliamentary election on a pro cannabis ticket.

The Norwich-based Campaign to Legalise Cannabis International Association will choose between four potential candidates later this month.

Chairman Jack Girling said: "There's still no headway for legalisation after 25 years of campaigning, so the next step is to give the issue to the people.

"There's a groundswell of opinion that cannabis should be legalised."

Mr Girling says the candidate would seek election under the name of the Cannabis Party and he expects to attract at least 5000 votes, retaining the £500 election deposit.

The drug, which is also known as dope₁ hash, pot or weed, is usually smoked in cigarette form and is thought to be used by up to 1.5 million people in the UK. Supporters say it is a harmless alternative to alcohol or tobacco which can help relieve chronic pain from cancer, arthritis, multiple sclerosis and glaucoma. The local campaign, which has 280 members, will canvas homes in the city to attract votes. "We hope to get more awareness of the facts about cannabis," said Mr Girling. Director of the drugs and legal advice agency Release, Mike Goodman, believes this will be one of the first examples of a pro-cannabis candidate in a British election.

Similar candidates are expected to run for seats elsewhere at the general election.

"We always have a no smoking policy at our election counts," said returning officer for Norfolk North, John Bryant