PRO-CANNABIS
GROUP WANTS A PLACE TO TALK
Source: Horley
Life, UK
Pub Date:
Friday, 20 February 2004
Contact:
editorial@lifenewspapers.co.uk
PRO-CANNABIS GROUP WANTS A PLACE TO TALK
The Horley
branch of the Legalise Cannabis Alliance is considering opening a cafe. The
first step will be to hold a series of meetings to debate the pros and cons of
smoking the drug.
Branch Member Winston
Matthews, 47 of Court Lodge Road, Horley said his is also considering standing
as a candidate at the next general election.
He said mainstream society generally held a dim view of cannabis users
but compared with alcohol drinkers are much more peaceful.
Mr Matthews had
wanted to stand at this year's local elections but is prohibited because he is
serving a one-year suspended sentence for possession with intent to
supply. He is a member of the friends
of Worthing Koffee Shops and was given his
sentence the
same day as friend and owner Chris Baldwin was jailed for possession of the
drug.
As for his
General Election plans, Mr Matthews said "I know it'll probably not win but it will take votes away from
other candidates and they don't like that."
Mr Matthews said
there were no plans to open the cafe until his sentence has finished next
January. He said "Eventually the
aim is to open a cafe and hold a meeting centre in Redhill for people from
Horley and surrounding area."
He made it clear
smoking would not take place on the premises and warning signs banning the use
of the drug would be posted in the cafe.
Mr Matthews started smoking cannabis at 21 but now uses it to relieve pain in a broken vertebra in his back.