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UK: Cannabis user up for election

Evening Telegraph, Peterborough

Wednesday 29 Mar 2000

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DRUG: Epileptic standing for seat to further legal campaign

A MAN who admits smoking cannabis is to stand for a city council seat on
a ticket of legalising the drug, it was revealed today.

Marcus Davies, of Briar Way, Newark, Peterborough, wants to prove a
point by showing other parties that he will get votes in the City's East
Ward for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance.

Mr Davies says he has smoked cannabis ever since a doctor in the north
recommended it to him to help control his epilepsy in 1988.

And he claims it was wrong to brand cannabis an illicit drug in the
first place, and that he would not stop his sons, aged nine and 12, from
smoking it when they are older.

Despite having his previous home raided by police, Mr Davies has
continued to use it to control his fits.

He said: "I doubt the electorate will make me the next councillor for
the ward, but I hope the support I get will encourage other parties to
realise that people do take cannabis."

The 31-year-old's bid for office in the ward, which covers Newark and
Eastfield, comes in the wake of a major independent report calling for
reduced penalties for people caught with cannabis.

But Mr Davies' platform was attacked today by other parties.

Tory Cllr John Holich, chairman of the social services committee, said:
"What are we coming to? I don't think he will have any success. It's
just a publicity stunt which further degrades local government.

"My personal view is if you do deregulate cannabis or other drugs, you
might as well give up on law and order."

Cllr Cathy Weaver, leader of the Labour group said: "I'm sure the police
would be interested in this individual."

But Minorities Group leader Cllr Ray Pobgee, said: "Anyone is free to
stand. If the community wants to elect him, that is up to them."

 

 

 

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