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Glasgow bureaucrats trying to stop freedom of speech in case it promotes cannabis! Alun Buffry Alun Buffry's Blog Monday 06 Apr 2015 I guess the council would not object if it was a pro-tobacco campaign and people were smoking that plant openly, despite the fact that tobacco is untold more dangerous than cannabis and kills hundreds of thousands a year - so it must be down to law - bad law - which is what the protest is about, the very hypocrisy - that and information that could be given out that cannabis plant provides massive (and even life-saving) benefit to hundreds of thousands of people in the UK - shame on you ALL that supports the punishment of victimless people for possession or cultivation of a plant in their own homes and for their own use. The arguments for repeal of change in law or how it is presently applied is essentially supported by several political parties standing candidates in the forthcoming elections in Scotland - CISTA (Cannabis If Safer Than Alcohol), the Scottish Green Party and the LIb Dems and, I think, the SNP - so is the council going to try to stop them broadcasting their calls for legal change too - are they going to stop them proclaiming the benefits of cannabis and the hypocrisy of the law? It seems to me that since no offence has been committed until the time somebody lights a joint and then it is the duty of the police to react, this ban must be purely political in nature and not based upon law at all. The laughable thing is the fact that cannabis is smoked in the park almost daily and police do nothing. The sad thing will be the cost of policing the event as it will undoubtedly go ahead anyway - protests tend to ignore nonsense like this from politicians and civil servants. http://www.eveningtimes.co.uk/news/george-square-cannabis-celebration-blocked-by-council-202457n.122194187 Edinburgh Times, April 6 2015 George Square cannabis 'celebration' blocked by council PLANS to stage a "cannabis celebration" in Glasgow's George Square have been blocked by the council. 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. Five people were reported to the procurator fiscal for flouting the law by lighting up in full view of police. The maximum penalty for possession of cannabis is five years' imprisonment. Organisers of this year's event have set up a page on Facebook and more than 3000 have already agreed to descend on George Square. Among the speakers will be a former Strathclyde police officer who campaigns for the legalisation of drugs. However, The Evening Times has learned that Glasgow Cannabis Social Club has not been given the green light to use George Square. A spokesman for Glasgow City Council said: "They applied for permission and we refused. 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." If the event goes ahead a range of drug paraphernalia, such as pipes, bongs and rolling papers, will be available to buy in George Square. Speakers are expected to promote the so-called health benefits of the plant as well as encouraging people to "grow their own". Among those taking to the stage 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). However, the planned event has been 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. "Last year, people were openly smoking cannabis on Glasgow Green, and it seemed the police were powerless to do anything about it. "That cannot be allowed to happen this time round." 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." Glasgow Cannabis Social Club declined to comment. Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: cannabis, Cannabis Club, CISTA, Glasgow, protest, Scottish Green Party Saturday, 28 March 2015 ALUN BUFFRY - 2 news books now in paperback "ALL ABOUT MY HAT - THE HIPPY TRAIL 1972" PAPARBACK isbn 9780-0-9932107 ON AMAZON isbn 978-0-9932107-0-9 THROUGH BOOKSHOPS AND LIBRARIES An incredible journey in 1972, of a young man and his hat, "Myhat", from Thessalonki in Greece, through Turkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India - and back to the UK, through poverty and illness, a journey not forgotten. Passing through Istanbul, Izmir, Ephesus (Efes), Antalya, Antakya, Aleppo, Deir el Zur, Qa'im, Baghdad, Tehran, Mashad, Herat, Kandahar, Kabul, Khyber Pass, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Lahore, Amritsar, Delhi, Agra, Haridwar and Rishikesh - known now as "The Hippy Trail". READERS' COMMENTS Joan Bello?, US: "I am quite sure that I have just finished reading what should be recognized as an all time classic. Alun Buffry is a master storyteller. All About My Hat kept me spellbound from the first page. This is a precise recounting of true adventure that every hippy-minded person will be in awe of regardless of age. Thankfully, Buffry has found a delightfully unique literary vehicle that completely disposes of the usual ego distraction of so many biographical accounts. It is effortless reading, nothing superfluous, no fillers, with an ease of language and a precision that is admirable. My Hat is a constant reminder of the camaraderie shared among all cannabis supporters around the world. Bravo!!" Winston M, Surrey: "Great read and so much interesting found it hard to put down." Kevin T, Norfolk: "A Brilliant book once i started it i could NOT put it down i would recommend others to read it." Roger H, Suffolk: "Good Grief!" Ann C, Norwich: "This is a fascinatng book packed with stories about adventures on the "Hippy Trail" in all its reality. It was harsh with extreme discomfort, heat and dust and sometimes illness. It took strength and endurance ...but then... the rewards were a rich awareness of other cultures and beliefs. "I recommend it warmly.and did I mention, it is so funny!" Roger W E, Swansea: "My Hat is becoming an independent friend, as I read on - he/she/it is competing with you! Roger WE" Chris P, Essex: "Awesome read fella, most enjoyable." Ian L, Norfolk: "Liked it a lot, very entertaining, definitely a good read, well done Alun." Frank K, W Sussex: "Loved the book Alun and have shown friends, also travellers with a Hippie hat. Great days to remember for you I bet. I like the way you laid out the text too, great read." Mark S, Norfolk: "Loving the book." Melissa D, Italy "I really enjoyed this book..... but I have to admit I skipped some of the travel book descriptions. My favourite part is..... No, I won't spoil it for you! Simon B, Norwich: "You were lucky to survive - loved the book." Marion G, Suffolk: "Marion Gaze An easy enjoyable read. It took me right back to those times of footloose carefree travel and spontaneous adventure....usually ending in illness or loss of ones money! Though i was part of the start of the journey, Alun's Hat remembers a lot more than me, which is why there will not be a book about my overland trip to India a year or so later..." INTRODUCTION Let me introduce myself, I am called Myhat. I am quite an old hat. I was made decades ago. I had been passed many times to a few heads, yet had seldom found one that I felt really comfortable on. About 40 years ago, everything changed. I found myself upon a head that I had a close affinity with and I found myself seeing, hearing, smelling much through this young man, Al - and even picking up on his emotions and thoughts. I was lost then for several years, stored in a cupboard until, once again, I found myself on Al's head and now I can tell my tales. Al and I spent some nine months together on our first trip, visiting many big cities and several small villages, in eight countries, all different, all new to myself and my new head – an adventure of a lifetime. I had sat on Al's head and witnessed all sorts of strange places and events until we had travelled to India and then to the UK. When Al arrived back in the UK, he was quite ill, having suffered from a problem called Hepatitis and also dysentery. Al went to his parent's house in Wales and then to hospital. But whilst he was in that hospital, I was never on his head after he had arrived, and ended up in a box in a storage cupboard. I didn't know what was happening. Why was Al leaving me? How long was I to be here? What would become of me now? Would I get a new head? Would I get more adventures? Would I be treasured or neglected? Then one day, Al took me out of my box and put me back on his head. That is how it came that I found myself back on Al's head. I have been on and off Al's head for about forty years and now I can tell my tales. Al had done a lot of travelling over those forty years. I had always been able to understand any language spoken and understood by whatever head I was placed on - but never been able to utter anything myself – until now! I have discovered that I can help Al remember the places we had experienced together and I somehow I managed to place the idea of writing my tale for me. Anyway, that idea came upon Al and here he is, writing this for me! As well as understanding the thoughts, memories and feelings of my head – I felt as he felt - I have been able to see through the eyes, hear through the ears and even taste through the mouth and tongue of my head – Al – and over the days developed a strange connection so that so long as Al was nearby, I could watch what was going on around him – even when not on his head! I watched, I listened and I remembered – and that is how I come to write this story through a head called Al. A DIP IN THE GANGES After a pleasant afternoon with Ashok and his family, they drove back to Haridwar and Al was dropped off back near the railway station where, once again, he slept on the wooden bench. The following morning after a breakfast of fruit, yoghurt and bread, Al took a stroll around the town. It seemed very old. The streets were crowded with people going about their days amidst the cows. After a while he found a bridge over the river Ganges. It looked greener on the other side, with trees to sit beneath and watch the powerful currents pass. So he crossed the bridge and turned right to follow a rough path running besides the River. He spotted an orange-robed elderly and bearded man sitting cross-legged beneath a tree, a semi-circle of younger people sitting facing him. Al knew that they were called Baba’s, as he himself had been called a few times. “Maybe he’s one of those guru teachers,” Al thought. Back in England Al had read about the pop group The Beatles who had taken up with a Guru called Maharishi Mahesh Yogi who had taught them how to meditate and himself gained great publicity and popularity – maybe it was something to do with that. The orange-robbed ‘teacher’ shouted something and motioned to Al to go over and join them and sit down. Al complied. The elderly teacher smiled and asked Al where he was from and why he was in Haridwar, in a broken English with an almost German accent. Al explained that he had travelled overland from the UK, simply on an adventure and that he was here because he had met a Spanish man in Delhi who had recommended it as a good place to stay for a while. The teacher laughed and from under his robes produced a chillum. The chillum was prepared, wrapped in a safi – a small piece of cloth that served as a sort of filter – the tobacco hash mixture poured in and the lit chillum passed around so that everyone including Al had a good puff. The teacher-come-chillum-maker – the Baba – asked Al if he had a few rupees for another chillum. Al handed over a small note. A young boy suddenly appeared from amongst the nearby thickness of trees, took the note, ran off into the trees to return seconds later with a small lump of black hash which he passed on and which was instantly made into another chillum and smoked. Al stayed a short while and as nothing was being said and he was quite high on the hash, he said his goodbyes and left, carrying on in the same direction as before. Within minutes he was sitting with another group under another tree, smoking again. “This is the good life!” thought Al, so high that he was beginning to feel like he was in a Holy city in India. “By the Ganges!” He left the second group and walked some hundred yards before he had the idea that immersing oneself in the Ganges was supposed to purify the soul. “Well,” he mumbled under his breath so only he (and I) could hear, “Why not, it’s hot and I’ll soon dry off.” Across the river he could see a long walled building complex with steps going down to the River. As he got closer he could see steps going down on this side too. A few steps, “I should be OK." The water was moving very fast. Al thought maybe he would not immerse himself, just splash himself all over. “After all, I can’t swim.” So he put down his bag, took me off his head and put me on his bag, took off his sandals, and stepped down and in to the water. With some hesitation, one step, second step, third step – then his feet were swept from under him. He felt himself falling backwards into the water which he knew would sweep him away. Too high to feel real fear, he envisioned the situation if he was to be swept down the Ganges – he would have to try to float. He had to hope he would be saved, but who would swim in this? How many bodies had ended up like this. Was this really Holy Water? As he fell he reached out and somehow managed to grab a chain that was attached to the land, maybe for mooring a boat. He grabbed the chain but the force of the water was now tugging at his body like a hungry monster and now splashing his whole body with his head about to go under. As his head went under he felt a wrenching on his arm but he pulled stronger, now his head was out, now his body, now he was clambering up the steps, drenched and coughing up Holy Water. He made it to the grassy bank and collapsed on the floor. I felt so many emotions and thoughts and images flooding Al’s brain. “So fucking stupid! I could have died.” “Am I cleansed? Am I saved? Don’t feel any different.” “God I’m stoned! I shouldn’t have done that. What would have happened if that chain wasn’t there?” “Glad I took Myhat off!" So was I. Had I been in that water I would surely have been swept away for ever. But it wasn’t long before Al was dried out and sitting with yet another group smoking another chillum. After a while, that particular teacher said that they had seen Al go into the River and now his soul was clean. That was about all he said, except he asked Al if he wanted some chai and said that “Mahatma is coming, he will take you for chai.” Al liked the spicy milky tea drinks. Al wondered if this was the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi or maybe some local lord or lord’s son, a rich man probably. Everything was so strange that Al did not know what to expect next. I was wondering about who this ‘Mahatma’ was - maybe he made hats? After a while a man in orange robes accompanied by a small group of Indian-looking people approached. Apparently he was the Mahatma. He exchanged words with the teacher under the tree and said to Al: “OK, you come now for chai and this evening we will do our ‘Arti’ parade through town and then you join us and come to Ashram maybe?” They walked a while, crossed a bridge and entered a small chai shop where the Mahatma said something to the owner or waiter – who did not look too pleased – pointing at Al who, seemingly somewhat disgruntled, delivered to his table with “No charge, Sir” and the Mahatma and his entourage left, saying “Join us for Arti parade.” There were still a few hours before evening so Al decided to go and wait on his bench back at the railway station. That was when everything changed. "OUT OF JOINT - 20 YEARS OF CAMPAIGNING FOR CANNABIS" isbn 978-1-5084202-1-7 It was in Norwich prison whilst on remand in 1991 that Alun Buffry was approached by Jack Girling during a prison visit, and invited to help him and others form the Campaign to Legalise Cannabis International Association (CLCIA).In 1992, whilst on bail, the CLCIA was formed but it would not be until after Alun Buffry was released on parole in 1995, having served four-and-a-half years, that he started to dedicate himself to the cause of legalising the possession, cultivation and trade of cannabis in the UK. In the General Election of 1997, Howard Marks contested four seats on the single issue of cannabis. In 1999, the campaign registered as a political party in the UK under the name Legalise Cannabis Alliance (LCA).The LCA fought in over 80 elections including Parliamentary, local council and county councils, did numerous talks and interviews, gave oral evidence to the Home Affairs Committee and the Basque Government in Spain, debated at The Oxford Union and at universities, attended marches and rallies protests and picnics and produced the first and only Party Political Broadcast by a cannabis party, shown on TV in Wales in 2005. This is Alun Buffry's no-holds-barred story, from his prospective, detailing his own activities and those of others, over the period 1991 to 2011. Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: AGRA, Baghdad, campaign, cannabis, Chicken Street, DELHI, EFUS, Haridwar, HIPPY TRAIL, Istanbul, Kabul, LAHORE, lca, legalise cannabis alliance, OPIUM FARM, PESAHWAR, Pudding Shop, Rishikesh, TAJ MAHAL Tuesday, 3 March 2015 Cannabis and law - the Essential Issue - People The authorities and their backers want the only available cannabis to be on prescription and through the pharmacy such as the likes of Sativex and Bedocan - same as they want to get rid of herbal and homoeopathic medicines - they want us as their slaves whilst they continue to pollute and destroy and then want us to pay through the nose one way or another for the medicines. "They" do not want us to even choose our own seeds or foods. Sadly, in my opinion, far too many campaigners, activists and patients are falling into the trap of trying to differentiate between users and talk about "medical cannabis" which can only mean Sativex and Bedrocan (as opposed to "non-medical" cannabis / users) whilst saying all cannabis is medicine (different to calling it medical cannabis). I fear that their campaign, if successful, would lead to more prescriptions - increased availability of the "medicines" - and do nothing about the RIGHTS of all people to choose their own lifestyle and beliefs, and right to a private life. Such differentiation of types of cannabis / users is not only heading in the wrong direction, bordering on accepting a level of prohibition, limiting choices but reflects a misunderstanding of the law (it is about people not substances or reasons of use - it is about what the law sees as "Misuse"), it would also be contrary to human rights to treat people differently in law because of state of health. The media talk about "skunk" as if "Satan" - again distracting from the real legal issue - people. EVEN IF / JUST BECAUSE Jon Snow or a relatively small minority of users may be over-sensitive or react badly to a substance is NO REASON to ban it - no reason to punish users unless they have done harm. For me the issue of cannabis and the law always has and still is mostly about NO VICTIM NO CRIME - all else is a distraction. about JON SNOW It is vital to remember that the cannabis experince depends not simply upon strength or ratio of cannabinoids, it is based upon SET (mind set, mood, memories) and SETTING (situation, company, surroundings, people). Average person with trusted friends in a pleasant environment = good Jon Snow, war zone memories, TV cameras, MRI scanner, doctors, having been told he's taking two huge doses of strong "skunk" = bad Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: alun buffry, cannabis, jon snow, skunk Saturday, 21 February 2015 Cannabis and the UK Elections - The Green Party The Green Party have done nothing to help legalise cannabis possession, cultivation and trade, over the last twenty years, now the election is coming and somebody thinks that they can appeal to the cannabis campaign for votes, I personally need more than a policy that they have mostly kept quiet. They sat back and watched the trials of THC4MS, Biz Ivol, Colin Davies, Chris Baldwin, Pinky, Winston Matthews, Grannie Pat, Neil Morgan and SO MANY more innocents that were punished for usinga plant to their personal benefit. All we saw was a poorly attended debate on drugs. I want a PLEDGE. This is what I am waiting to hear publicly announced by the Green Party before I consider giving my vote, not simply a third party telling me that you have a cannabis policy that you are afraid to mention for fear of losing votes, but something like this: "When it comes to the question is it JUST to arrest and punish people for possession or cultivation of cannabis for their own use in their own homes if they have done no harm - the answer is NO. The Green Party will do everything in our power to put that right." Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: alun buffry, cannabis, caroline lucas, chris baldwin, CISTA, drugs, Green Party, lezley gibson, THC4MS, UK elections Monday, 16 February 2015 Skunk and cannabis legalisation Reefer madness has once again raised its ugly head in the UK. Following a study on a limited number of mental health patients,it has been announced that 25% of them took strong varieties of cannabis. That is 25% of those diagnosed with problems, itself a small percentage of people. Of course there is no data on people with such problems that found help using cannabis and never had to go to a doctor or psychaitrist in the first place! So the gutter press pick up on the report and in their usual way misrepresent the data to suggest that strong cannabis poses a significant risk to teh generaol population, a greater risk than would weaker strains. They also choose to perpetuate the "skunk" myth. I don't know anyone that smokes skunk, it's just a particular strain isn't it? Calling all strong varieties of cannabis "skunk" is like calling all vacuum cleaners "hoovers" or calling all ball-point pens "bics" - some may know what we mean but it is the sort of inaccuracy that experts and journalists ought to avoid If supply was legalised, people would have choice and buy the strains most suitable to them, just as those that drink have choice of flavour, alcoholic content and brands. In the last ten years or so, in the UK and elsewhere, many growers have chosen big-return and powerful crops, the likes of Cheese, that contain high levels of THC but low CBD ratio. This seems not to suit some users that enjoy and benefit from varieties with a higher CBD ratio. Most buyers then do not have a choice and may buy "bud" not even knowing what it is at all - it smells, they call it skunk. That is no excuse whatsoever for those conducting studies and writing reports to make the same mistake - they are supposed to know better - was it really skunk those poor people smoked? I doubt it, even if they called it skunk. On the other Colorado shops or Californian clinics, cannabis social clubs and cannabis clubs, Dutch coffeeshops - there is choice and there seems fewer claims of incidences of psychosis associated with cannabis - if they don't like it they buy something else. And because the whole supply chain in the UK is illegal, there is no quality control, advice on THC: CBD ratio, no tax derived from profits and no lower age restrictions. If indeed there is such a bad influence on mental health, albeit for a tiny percentage of the population, it is indeed a reason to legalise. Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: alun buffry, cannabis, CBD, mental health, psychosis, skunk, THC Tuesday, 3 February 2015 Misinformation: Portsmouth cannabis grower told police he was exercising his Magna Carta rights In Common Law the question is whether or not the accussed person has done any wrong or harm to others or their property: if they are found guilty they are deemed to have committed a "crime". Other laws that have been and are being made by Parliament are statutes - subject to the political whim of the time and changeable: doing something against those laws, which mostly do not have what one could call a victim except the statue itself, are OFFENCES, not crimes. The cultivation of cannabis within one's own home for one's own use, not involving others and not having a victim, banned under statute, is certainly an offence brought about by political whim, and, incidentally, undergoing change throughout the world. Here we have the case of a man basically sent to prison for disobeying statute, a man through his so-called offence has done no harm and who was in fact using it only for his personal benefit, being sent to prison. In addition, we have Human Rights and one of those is the right to a private life. The Bill is quite specific on this: authority must be able to justify interfering with a Private Life - there must be a threat to public health, public order, the Rights of others or national security. In this case there was no threat and the authorities acted without good reason thereby themselves being guilty of breaking a law - and there is a victim. "But Judge Crabtree added Dixon committed the second offence while on bail. "He said: ‘It’s shows a disregard for the law.’" No, your Honour, that was disregard for STATUTE - a law made my politicians - it shows disregard for political opinion - and neither is holding such statue in disregard o crime. In the not-too-distant future people will look back at these cases and see nothing but injustice brought about by state employees to enforce statutes created by politicians. If there is no victim, there cannot be a crime. Portsmouth cannabis grower told police he was exercising his Magna Carta rights Feb 3 2015, The News, Portsmouth UK A MAN caught twice growing cannabis at his home told police and a judge he was a freeman of the land not bound by common law. Portsmouth Crown Court heard the Southsea home of Niall Dixon was raided by police who found 65 plants growing in 2013. The court heard that during a second raid in January last year officers found two plants in a growing tent, one in his conservatory and some dried cannabis. Prosecutor Nicholas Hall said Dixon had told police that through Magna Carta he was exercising ‘his right granted by god to consume any plants that he chose to do and therefore the inapplication to him of this legislation’. The court heard Dixon, 43, used the cannabis in juice form for medical conditions he suffered, including anxiety. Judge Peter Dixon Crabtree sentenced Dixon to eight months in prison for the first offence and one month concurrent for the second. He gave no extra punishment for the possession charge. Judge Crabtree said: ‘You profess to be a freeman of the land not bound by common law. ‘I’ve no doubt that you hold the beliefs you espouse and do so genuinely. ‘In court that’s not led to any difficulties. You have conducted yourself well.’ But Judge Crabtree added Dixon committed the second offence while on bail. He said: ‘It’s shows a disregard for the law.’ The court also heard Dixon, of Devonshire Avenue, shared the drug with friends – but only when they asked him to do so. Judge Crabtree added: ‘He provided his friends with cannabis if they visited and wanted to use that drug but not on a commercial basis. ‘It’s accepted by the crown that the cannabis found was for personal use. Unemployed Dixon admitted one count of cultivation of a Class B drug in relation to the first raid, another count of the same charge and one of possession. The court heard he spent around £1,000 setting up his growing operation and officers had found the plants on the ground floor and basement in the first raid. He had grown tomatoes and other plants alongside the cannabis in a growing tent, Judge Crabtree added. Hannah Evans, defending, said Dixon told her his drug use had significantly reduced. She added: ‘Niall has very firm views as to what his rights are and his position on what the role of the law is.’ Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: .alun buffry, cannabis, common law, court, Human Rights, magna carta Misinformation: Cannabis killed 53-year-old, say family as they warn others against smoking it quote "The grieving family of a cannabis user have told how they believe the drug killed him. John O’Brien, 53, from Swinton, began taking the drug to cope with life-changing brain injuries sustained in a car crash." " and he said he was trying to get off it and was on a cannabis substitute. “The tragedy was a few weeks before his death he’d joined a gym" so let's get this right: the poor guy had brain damage from an accident and used cannabis to help him cope - he took it for 10 years, obviously thinking it was doing him good THEN he started using a "substitute" (which they do not name" and joined a gym. THEN he died and now his family want to blame the plant that helped him so much and stop others getting the benefits - of course they don't blame the substitute, the accident or the gym. as for the coroner, what does he know - obviously nothing or he would not claim that this poor chap was the only person ever to die from cannabis poisoning out of the billions that have used it Cannabis killed 53-year-old, say family as they warn others against smoking it Manchester Eveing News, 3 February 2015 By Amy Glendinning The grieving family of a cannabis user have told how they believe the drug killed him. John O’Brien, 53, from Swinton, began taking the drug to cope with life-changing brain injuries sustained in a car crash. But over a ten-year period, the Class B drug took its toll on his body and caused his heart to literally stop working. A coroner at Bolton Coroner’s Court ruled that the Salford man has died from cannabis cardiotoxicity, a condition which can cause a drop in blood pressure which could prove deadly. John’s relatives have now issued an urgent warning to others, urging them to be wary of the dangers of smoking the drug. His twin brother Mark, 54, a builder who also lives in Swinton, said John began taking the drug to cope with the pain of losing his job and relationship in the accident which left him with personality changes and unable to work. He was travelling in the back of a friend’s car not wearing a seatbelt when he was catapulted forward, hitting his head on the seat in front of him. Signed off disabled, John developed a £25-a-week cannabis habit. He was found lifeless at home last September by his former partner, who had remained his carer since the accident in 1988. Because he collapsed partially upright against a sofa, it is thought the cannabis cardiotoxicity starved his brain of blood, leading to his death. John’s family say people have been stunned that cannabis killed him - and want to speak out to warn others. Mark said: “Obviously we knew drugs were bad for him but we didn’t think they would kill him. “He said he’d smoke to forget all the things he’d lost as a result of the car accident. “We’d always be on at him to give up cannabis and he said he was trying to get off it and was on a cannabis substitute. “The tragedy was a few weeks before his death he’d joined a gym and really cut down on it.” Research into the effects of cannabis on the cardiovascular system is still only beginning - but one study found middle-aged men are most likely to be seriously affected. Evidence was also found that marijuana may trigger pre-existing heart conditions that users were previously unaware of. Mark said: “When we tell people he died due to cannabis they just don’t believe it.“ Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: alun buffry, cannabis, death, John O'brien HISTORY: THC4MS - Lezley Gibson Taken from "Out of Joint - 20 Years Campaigning For Cannabis" LEZLEY GIBSON Lezley Gibson, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, the wife of Mark Gibson, had been busted for using cannabis in 1996 and had been found not guilty and vowed to continue using cannabis. Lezley and Mark Gibson I'll never give up cannabis, says MS sufferer News and Star, Carlisle, UK 4 March 1998 Author: Kelly Eve Every time Lezley Gibson lights up she's breaking the law. She's a vital statistic in the growing campaign to legalise cannabis for therapeutic reasons. Here Lezley explains to reporter KELLY EVE why she'll never give up the ganja. LEZLEY Gibson was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis 14 years ago and told she would be in a wheelchair within five years. Today, without a wheelchair or crutch in sight, 33-year-old Lezley believes her healthy condition is down to the success of her own prescribed medicine - cannabis. Lezley has been smoking cannabis for the last 10 years and smokes up to three joints a day. She insists she does not get stoned, but the drug, which has been illegal since 1971, relieves her symptoms although there is no medical evidence to prove this. ATTACKS She said: "Without a doubt I think it is cannabis that has kept me well. "I am not prepared to stop smoking cannabis so someone can see me being ill. "Before the cannabis I used to have very severe attacks, but after I started smoking it I have had at worst a mild attack - no loss of speech, sight or use of a limb." Lezley has no need for the drugs doctors could prescribe her and she does not visit specialists or GPs to monitor her condition. She had previously been prescribed steroids and ballooned to 14 stones after her release from hospital in 1984. She said: "I never go to the doctors now or to my specialist. I smoke my pot. I do not bother anybody. "Most people can go to their doctors and get something, but I can't. "I feel the Government are depriving me of my medicinal drugs so they should be held responsible somewhere along the line." Originally from Carlisle, Lezley now lives in Alston with her husband Mark. Her condition and treatment are common knowledge in the town. Lezley said: "People are being a lot more open now. Two old ladies in my local post office in Alston even said we were doing well." But the couple live in constant fear of being raided by the police and have been in trouble in the past. TROUBLE Lezley said: "About eight years ago I got a two-year conditional discharge from Carlisle Crown Court. My husband has been in trouble because of me as well. "I never even had detention at school. When I was arrested I was so scared. "I could not believe it. I thought it was a mistake. Why did they want to arrest me? I wasn't doing anything to anyone." Lezley was told in February 1984 at the age of 20 that she had multiple sclerosis. Doctors advised her to shelve plans she had made to open her own hair salon, Blitz, on Dalston Road in Carlisle. But with her family's support she opened the salon and successfully sold it a few years later. PARALYSED Lezley said: "The symptoms started off with pins and needles for six months. Three months later, I was completely paralysed down the right side of my body. It went on for about three years. "Then I read something about the benefits of cannabis and I found out as much as I could before I started smoking it." Lezley is now helping raise the profile of Therapeutic Help from cannabis, the campaign group set up with ex-mayor and former heroin addict Colin Paisley. Lezley's was one of those terrible cases where the CPS seemed to go all-out to intensify her pain and derive her of her medicine. MS sufferer to be prosecuted over cannabis News and Star, Carlisle, UK 24 November 1999 Author: Phil Coleman MS SUFFERER TO BE PROSECUTED OVER CANNABIS A CUMBRIAN multiple sclerosis has been told she will be prosecuted over an allegation that she possessed cannabis. Lezley Gibson, 35, is a secretary for former mayor Colin Paisley, who is standing in the Kensington and Chelsea by-election as a candidate for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance. The prosecution decision comes two months after police raided Mrs Gibson's home in Alston and allegedly seized a quantity of cannabis. Mr Paisley said the prosecution was a waste of public money. Though declining to comment on Mrs Gibson's case specifically, he hit out at the policy of prosecuting people who clearly use cannabis for medicinal reasons, saying: "MS sufferers surely have enough to cope with without being victimised for using a herb to relieve their symptoms. "Researchers have now isolated the chemical that can alleviate symptoms for people with conditions such as MS and glaucoma, so there's no doubt over why they use cannabis. Condition "People are still being arrested for using it to relieve their symptoms but the public is beginning to recognise the folly of it, as was shown by the recent case of Paul Davis, who was acquitted because he could prove his condition." Mr Paisley called on the Home Office to issue urgent guidelines to Crown Prosecution Service lawyers, instructing them not to prosecute those who are using cannabis as a medicine. He warned that Mrs Gibson's court appearance in Penrith next month is likely to spark public protest from people who support her cause. Mr Paisley added: "Before the Stephen Boyd Trust closed down, I was getting calls from lots of people in this situation. In some cases from people in a worse situation. "To treat sick people in this way is abhorrent and it's also a pointless waste of public money." Since police raided her home, Mrs Gibson, who has in the past criticised the way some MS sufferers are treated like "criminals" for using cannabis to relieve symptoms, has been forced to use prescribed valium. A mother and qualified hairdresser, she has claimed that cannabis has in the past dramatically halted the progress of her illness. The Crown Prosecution Service confirmed that they would be taking the matter to court. But in 2002, to the annoyance of the cops, she was cleared again at Carlisle Crown Court: MS Sufferer Cleared Of Cannabis Charge BBC News, Thu, 28 Sep 2000 Lezley Gibson says she smokes five joints a day A multiple sclerosis sufferer was cleared of possessing cannabis after telling a court that she needed the drug to relieve the symptoms of the muscle-wasting disease. Lezley Gibson had denied one charge of possessing eight grammes of the class-B drug with a street value of around Pounds 40 on the grounds that she needed it for medical reasons. During the four-day trial the jury heard police raided the 36-year-old's home in Alston, Cumbria, in August 1999, where they found cannabis. The prosecution at Carlisle Crown Court argued that the mother-of-one could not use the defence of necessity because she would not be at risk of death or serious injury from her condition if she did not smoke cannabis. Supporters cheer Graham Knowles, prosecuting, told Mrs Gibson: "Your preference is to break the law with no need to do so by buying cannabis from drug dealers because you greatly value the relief that you sincerely believe you get from cannabis. "It wasn't necessary at any time for you to use cannabis," he said. Mrs Gibson told the court she started smoking cannabis 12 years ago - three years after she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. She had tried steroids, valium, hypnotherapy and acupuncture but none of them helped relieve the symptoms, which include spasms, dizziness and loss of feeling, as well as cannabis, she said. Mrs Gibson added that she smoked up to five joints a day because it enabled her to have a more normal life. She said:" It's the best chance of feeling like everybody else. "I would use paint stripper if I thought it would make me well." Mrs Gibson wept and her supporters cheered as she was found not guilty after an hour and a half of deliberations by the jury of seven women and five men. Outside court, with her husband Mark, Mrs Gibson vowed to continue smoking cannabis and called for a change in the law. She said: "I will continue to campaign for everybody else. There are hundreds of people like me out there." Mrs Gibson said she intended to throw a party to celebrate the verdict. She said: "No one in my position should have to be dragged through the courts like this but I am glad it is all over. "I feel brilliant," she concluded. I must say that Lezley is amongst the strongest and bravest of the cannabis campaigners that I met. CHOCOLATE Lezley and Mark did not stop there, but went on to found THC4MS and help run, then take over, the cannabis-chocolate bars being produced by Biz Ivol. They did not keep it secret, but let the world know what they were doing and how many people were being helped. The chocolate bars were free and sent through the post. Pot Chocolate; Couple Export Medical Bars Sunday Sun, UK Sunday, 7 July 2002 CANNABIS chocolate bars made in the North are being exported around the world, it was revealed yesterday. Lezley and Mark Gibson set up a non-profit-making organisation to supply the controversial confectionery to multiple sclerosis - MS - sufferers, who use it to ease their symptoms. And the couple have now decided to expose themselves as international suppliers of the cannabis-laced bars. BEGGING Mark said: "This is far too important to ignore. People are suffering and we can't turn them away when they come begging for help. " The bars are produced at a secret location in Cumbria by crumbling cannabis into melted chocolate before it is poured into a mould. The drug makes up two per cent of each 24-piece bar. "The wrappers on them read "150g Milk Medicinal Cannabis Chocolate, For Patients Use Only!" and warn "Keep out Of Reach Of Children." A bar made from organic chocolate suitable for vegetarians and vegans is also available. The products are free but are only supplied to people who can produce a doctor's note to prove they suffer from MS. REQUESTS The Gibsons, from Alston, Cumbria, run a group called Therapeutic Help From Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis, THC4MS. It now supplies 160 sufferers, including people in Italy, Spain and Denmark, and has recently received requests from the USA. ` Lezley, an MS sufferer, has been arrested previously over her use of cannabis. Now the couple are risking another run-in with the police especially after admitting sending the drug overseas. Mark said: "It is not a matter of choice ... we feel we have to help people who are desperately in need of cannabis. "It is for people who have run out of their supply and need to alleviate the symptoms quickly. DONATIONS "Recent Government papers prove that cannabis reduces the effects of MS." The Gibsons accept donations of drugs and stamps to help with the service, which has grown quickly through word of mouth, referrals from specialists, the MS Society and visitors to its website. Mark said: "In 12 months there have been in excess of 600 deliveries across the UK and Europe. "We've had donations from what we call the 'growing community'. One guy gives between £700 and £1200 (UK pounds) every few months." Home secretary David Blunkett is expected to rubber-stamp plans to downgrade cannabis from a Class B drug to a Class C in a statement to the House of Commons on Wednesday Posted by Alun Buffry No comments: Email ThisBlogThis!Share to TwitterShare to FacebookShare to Pinterest Labels: alun buffry, cannabis, cannabis chocolate, carlisle, lezley gibson, marcus davies, mark gibson, MS, Multiple Sclerosis, THC4MS Sunday, 1 February 2015 HISTORY - BRITISH COFFEESHOPS: CANNABIS CAFES Chapter 9: BRITISH COFFEESHOPS: CANNABIS CAFES https://www.facebook.com/notes/624233554315403/ Extract from http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B007ESZZXI The UK Coffeeshop / Cannabis Café movement was inspired by Colin Davies and Nol van Shaik. I offered my support but never went to Stockport. Nol ran a Coffeeshop course in Haarlem, Holland, and several campaigners including Chris Baldwin and Mark Gibson went along. They were trained in quality, strains and how to serve up, how to make hash from the trimmings off the bud sold later in coffeeshops there. Great plans were afoot. Colin Davies with Nol van Shaik Coffeeshop Course in Holland More Amsterdam-style cannabis cafés on the menu Ananova Wednesday 21 Nov 2001 The arrest of the owner of Britain's first cannabis café is unlikely to deter others from opening similar Amsterdam-style coffee shops. Colin Davies, who runs the Dutch Experience in Stockport, has been charged with a number of drug-related offences including permitting premises to be used for the smoking of cannabis. But Mark Gibson, who is aiming to set up a cannabis café in Carlisle, says the police raid doesn't change anything. He told Ananova: "You can expect no more. It won't break our spirit." Mr Gibson is one of a number of people planning cafés in Cumbria, Devon, Sussex and Dundee. Before Tuesday's raid he said police were likely to "use discretion" when dealing with them. Before his arrest, Mr Davies told Ananova such cafés could become widespread. "I can foresee there being a hundred of these places in the next year or so," he said. However, a Home Office spokesman said: "Cannabis will still remain a controlled drug for both possession and supply." And a spokesman for the Association of Chief Police Officers said: "The decision as to whether such cannabis cafés would be introduced in Britain is a matter for Government." DrugScope, a charity that has just compiled a report for the Home Affairs Select Committee Inquiry into drug laws, has looked at the system of licensed cafés in Amsterdam. A spokesman for the charity says it has advantages and disadvantages which would need to be further examined. We're to stay, says the cannabis café Dianne Bourne Metro News, Manchester Friday 11 Jan 2002 The Dutch business partner in the UK's first cannabis café has issued the rally cry: "We're here to stay." Nol Van Schaik, co-owner of the Dutch Experience in Stockport, said if they were forced to move from Hooper Street they would just find somewhere else. "We are doing something that is not according to the law, but I don't see it as illegal. "In the back room here everyone is smoking joints. The police could come every day and arrest people, but they don't. "They seem to come just when it pleases them, or when there is media interest in the coffee shop. To me that is neglect of their duty." Within hours of Metro News going to press last week, with a front page story on The Dutch Experience's burgeoning trade, police raided the coffee shop and made three arrests. They included volunteer bookkeeper Robin Wright, arrested for holding a key to the coffee shop, and having rates, council tax and telephone bills for the shop. Police also raided the shop in November, four days after Metro News reported how The Dutch Experience was packed with cannabis smokers from across the country. Café co-owner Colin Davies was arrested then and remains on remand in Strangeways on charges of possessing cannabis, possession with intent to supply and permitting premises to be used for smoking cannabis. But Mr Van Schaik, aged 47, in Stockport to face magistrates today on cannabis possession charges, said: "We're here to stay. Even if they managed to get us out of this building we'd just get another." Mr Van Schaik, aged 47, owns three coffee shops in Holland. He added: "This place needs follow-up. We need other places, not just Stockport, to stick their neck out for the cause." It looked like the battle was to continue and beyond Stockport. Colin Davies was one of the few people that obtained a not guilty verdict after admitting using cannabis for pain relief. Another had been in 2000 when Lezley Gibson, who suffered from Multiple Sclerosis, was found not guilty. She was remarkably open and honest about her cannabis use, as was husband Mark who had stood for LCA in 2001. Lezley was arrested again- this time in Stockport! We were all outraged. Police lock up cannabis Lezley David Ottewell News & Star, Carlisle Saturday 05 Jan 2002 A CUMBRIAN multiple sclerosis sufferer who won the legal right to smoke cannabis as medicine has been locked up for four hours after being arrested again for possession of the drug. Lezley Gibson was carted off by officers who raided an illegal cannabis café in Stockport she was visiting with her husband Mark. The 37-year-old mother-of-one claims she had her shoelaces removed before being locked in a cell until late on Thursday night with no food or water. Mrs Gibson, of Alston, said yesterday that the trauma of finding herself in a jail cell nearly triggered an MS attack. "My legs went into spasm," she said. "I could not believe they were being so cruel." Mrs Gibson and husband Mark has travelled to Stockport to support cannabis campaigner Colin Davies, owner of the Dutch Experience café in the town, who was appearing in court on Thursday. They were in the shop when it was raided by police. Mrs Gibson was arrested after admitting having with her what she describes as "medicine." She was taken to Stockport police station before being questioned by officers and bailed without charge. "I was totally devastated when they put me in a cell," she said. "I had no food and no water." Mrs Gibson hit the headlines in September 2000 when a Carlisle jury found her not guilty, on the grounds of medical necessity, of possessing cannabis. A spokesman for Greater Manchester police confirmed that a 37-year-old woman had been arrested and released on bail without charge until February. 'Softly softly' scheme on soft drugs lets off hundreds with a caution Ian Burrell The Independent Thursday 03 Jan 2002 ---Turning a "blind eye" to cannabis use has saved 2,000 hours of police time since the pilot scheme was introduced last July, Scotland Yard has said. The trial scheme in the south London borough of Lambeth has resulted in more than 400 drug users escaping prosecution for possession. The scheme is also estimated to have avoided potential court costs running into hundreds of thousands of pounds. The Metropolitan Police, which is extending the pilot until spring, said that since the trial began it had cautioned about 75 drug users a month. In the period from July to the end of November, 381 were dealt with under the scheme, which is centred on the Brixton area. In the same period in 2000, 278 drug users were arrested and taken to court for cannabis possession. Each cannabis arrest results in about five hours of extra work for police officers and can cost £500 in court time if the defendant pleads not guilty. Harry Fletcher, the assistant general secretary of the National Association of Probation Officers, said the south London scheme had been a success. "Cannabis use and possession is a social matter, not a criminal one. This approach has freed police to pursue serious offenders."David Blunkett, the Home Secretary, has been impressed by the scheme and has told MPs that he wants cannabis possession to be made into a non-arrestable offence across the country. The Advisory Council on the Misuse of Drugs is expected to give approval for such a change by spring. However, some police officers are said to be unhappy that they still have to complete considerable amounts of paperwork even for the new "caution and confiscation" approach. Other police forces have voiced reservations, saying the scheme denies officers the opportunity to search offenders' houses and find evidence of more serious crimes. Commander Brian Paddick, the head of Lambeth police, accepted that the scheme would benefit from some modification. He said: "I think it's been successful because officers can deal with cannabis quicker and get back on the streets, placing the emphasis on aiming to arrest people for possessing and dealing crack cocaine."A team of consultants appointed by Scotland Yard and the Police Foundation is evaluating the scheme and will report by the end of February. More cannabis cafés were announced, although the only ones that I know of that got going were in Bournemouth and in Worthing - and several other places that never happened. Cafés to test cannabis laws Simon Freeman This Is Brighton and Hove Wednesday 20 Mar 2002 A decade after police closed the notorious "73 café", the return of Dutch-style cannabis coffee shops could be just around the corner. In 1993 TV presenter and Buddhist-nun Ani Chudrun opened Britain's first cannabis café. But within '73 minutes' police had moved in, the cakes seized and Ani was arrested. She was released with a caution but the police's tough stance sent out a strong message which put a stop to anyone else trying to test the law. However, a new group of entrepreneurs are moving into action with the planned downgrading of cannabis from Class B to Class C, reducing penalties for offences from 14 years to five years. While not decriminalised, police now appear to be allowing the drug to be openly smoked in some areas of the country. In Stockport, Colin Davies has been arrested for opening The Dutch Experience but the café remains open while he waits on remand. And in Bournemouth, pensioners are raising cannabis plants to supply a planned new outlet in a converted warehouse. Brighton is next in line and if proposals gain public support a café could be open by the summer. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cheeseman, head of Brighton's CID, said as the law stands police would be forced to take action against such outlets. He said: "We would have no alternative but to take action because even though cannabis has been re-classified this would still be a flagrant breach of the law. "Our concern is that it sets a precedent for a lax attitude towards drug use. The politicians' views may be changing but I'm not convinced members of the public are. "What people do in their own homes is a separate matter but we couldn't allow the law to be broken to that extent and would take positive action." Groups and charities involved with drug abuse are angry attention is being deflected from the real issues surrounding drugs. A spokeswoman for Addaction said: "We would be happier if more Press attention was devoted to how treatment works to help people rather than the legal issues around cannabis. "Re-classification and legalisation issues are really red herrings, they take the focus off the real problems and the real solutions, and they don't stop addiction. "Re-classifications to category C means cannabis is still illegal. "There is also no doubt the legal substance alcohol can be a gateway to Class A drug use. "And it must be said, that for some people cannabis use will also be problematic."But despite concerns it appears cannabis cafés may become a reality. In Cardiff campaigners are opening a shop charging £15 for a cup of coffee with a free side-order of cannabis in a bid to circumvent the dealing side of the law. Jerry Ham, a homelessness worker and human rights campaigner from Hove, is keen to work with public opinion as he explores plans for a coffee shop in Brighton. He said: "We don't want this to be an under-the-counter stunt, we want to open up the debate. "I think Brighton is a place that can embrace change and see the positive benefits of a responsible approach to cannabis. "Certainly things have moved on and attitudes changed since the 73 café"Now I'm trying to build up links in the community to create a centre which has a medical aspect as well as a social side."Jerry, who was inspired to launch the project after many years working with the homeless, said: "I've seen the effects of prohibition. "It victimises the end users who become prey to their dealers. "I would like the authorities to see this as an experiment to see what happens and maybe allay some of the inevitable fears."Chris Baldwin, who polled 920 votes for the Legalise Cannabis Party in Worthing in the general election, said last year he intended to open a café in the town. But he and colleague Trevor Scott are finding it difficult to convince landlords their plan will work. He said: "The majority of people we've spoken to say if it was legal we could have a place tomorrow but people are being very wary."The pair have been invited to spend five days in Amsterdam learning the trade under the tutelage of coffee shop entrepreneur partner Nol van Scheik, who has been instrumental in the Stockport café where alcohol, hard drugs and anyone under 18 are banned. He said: "There are problems, but we're still determined to go ahead." A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Reducing cannabis to a Class C drug could lead to increased use with its related risks - largely those of smoking it with tobacco and the risk of mental health problems for heavy users. "On the other hand, a lot of police time is spent on cannabis-related prosecutions and this would free them up to concentrate on Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. "It would also reduce the number of people who acquire criminal convictions for cannabis possession which can seriously affect their life chances." The Bournemouth café was rapidly closed down after the owner foolishly (in my opinion) went on TV news and waved a bundle of banknotes in front of the camera. CHRIS BALDWIN AND THE WORTHING CAFES Chris Baldwin The Worthing cannabis cafés were to last over a year. Eventually Chris Baldwin was arrested and sent to prison – which led to more protests before he was released early. Chris named his first Cannabis Café and Head shop "Bongchuffa" and not long afterwards he opened the "Quantum Leaf", also in Worthing. People such as Sarah Chalk, Winston Matthews and Phil Lockwood worked there. The head shop "Bongchuffa" was the front for the Café "Buddies" and one had to go through a locked door to get into the café Inside sat, usually, Chris. There was a small booth with a price list offering several sorts of hash and weed. I went down a couple of times and managed to find a seat next to Chris's 80-year-old mother, Dottie Baldwin, who smoked a small water bong to help ease her pains and fully supported Chris' venture; in fact most of the locals did. Alan Simmons and a couple of others had done some splendid artwork on the walls. It was a really example of how a Cannabis Café in the UK could be run. Persecution? Dorothy Baldwin Letters, Worthing Herald Thursday 06 Feb 2003 Why do the police persistently persecute Chris Baldwin?He was preparing another coffee shop, when the police went in to see what he was up to. An elderly couple own it, so they went to see them. By threatening them with prosecution, they decided not to go ahead, so Chris lost out. The coffee shops get rid of street dealers, who also sell hard drugs to young people. They also provide a safe environment where friends can meet and enjoy each other's company. The police are wasting taxpayers money, and their limited resources. Dorothy BaldwinSackville RoadWorthing. The place was continually crowded, as one would imagine with such a fantastic array of goods on offer, the back room always full of smoke and laughter. I don't think there was one unpleasant incident and not one spot of trouble until the police arrived. I was on my way to visit the café for the second time, in a car with Alan Simmons, when we heard the café had just been busted and that Chris was banged up. By the time we reached the café, it was open again. We all jumped into cars and headed down to Worthing police station to protest outside. It was damn freezing in the wind, but we shouted slogans and waved flags for a while. The police virtually ignored us. Several people smocked bongs. Campaigners hold demo for trio on drug charges The Argus, Worthing Wednesday 19 Feb 2003 WEED ROLE: More than 70 people staged a demo outside Worthing Magistrates Court and the town's police buildingsCAMPAIGNERS seeking the legalisation of cannabis staged a protest outside two Worthing police buildings and the town's magistrates court. The action was timed to coincide with the appearance in court of three men on drug charges. Members of the 70-strong group toured the town centre and visited Worthing police station in Union Place and Highdown division's headquarters at Centenary House in Worthing. Chris Baldwin, 52, of Carnegie Close, Worthing, who ran the Quantum Leaf café and adjoining Bongchuffa shop in Rowlands Road, Worthing, appeared before magistrates yesterday with employees Mark Benson and Adrian Allday. Baldwin did not indicate a plea to charges of possessing and supplying cannabis and allowing premises to be used for the smoking of cannabis on November 27 last year. Benson, 37, of Irene Avenue, Lancing, denied supplying cannabis and permitting premises to be used for the smoking of cannabis. Allday, 37, of Leconfield Road, Lancing, denied permitting premises to be used for cannabis smoking. All were bailed until April 1. Later: Demo as cannabis four face charges Worthing Herald Thursday 03 Apr 2003 PRO-CANNABIS supporters staged yet another protest in Worthing on Tuesday morning. The peaceful protesters gathered outside Worthing Magistrates' Court to call for cannabis to be legalised and to support four men appearing at court on charges relating to the former cannabis café, Bongchuffa, in Rowlands Road. Café founder Chris Baldwin, 53, of Carnegie Close, Worthing, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence and cannabis possession with intent to supply. He appeared with a new, smart look - and minus the trademark long hair. Mike Allday, 37, of Thompson Close, Durrington, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence. Mark Benson, 27, of Irene Avenue, lancing, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence, possession of cannabis, producing a controlled drug and possession of cannabis with intent to supply. Winston Matthews, 46, of Horley in Surrey, is charged with being the occupier of premises permitting a drug offence. All men were released on bail to appear again on April 15 and their cases will be committed to crown court. After the court hearing, the protesters, who were carrying banners which read "free the weed" and were chanting, marched to the Town Hall, where they presented a petition in support of legalising cannabis to council staff and spoke with councillor Bob Smytherman. Sarah Chalk, of Friends of Worthing Koffeeshops, said: "The protest went very well and people who turned out were amazing. There was a real feeling of support. "The petition was signed by more than 400 people and we are going to carry on campaigning - we plan to go to Downing Street". In May 2003, Sarah Chalk and Peter Crispin were taken to Worthing Magistrates' Court for their supposed role in the cafés: Bail for pair facing supply charges Worthing Herald Thursday 15 May 2003 Two people appeared in court charged with being involved in the supply of drugs at Buddies, the cannabis coffee shop in East Worthing. Sarah Chalk, 40, of Goring Road, Goring, and Peter Crispin, 31, of Scotney Close, Durrington, appeared at Worthing Magistrates' Court on Monday. Chalk was charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the management of a premises allowing the supply of cannabis. Crispin was also charged with possession of cannabis with intent to supply and being concerned in the management of a premises allowing the supply of cannabis. They had both pleaded not guilty to the charges at an earlier court hearing. They were remanded on conditional bail until May 29. The CPS don't like to hurry these cases: they like to make people worry instead. In May 2003, Buddies was raided again: Police raid on café Jo Breach Worthing Herald Thursday 29 May 2003 Ten people have been arrested during the latest in a string of raids on alleged cannabis cafés in Worthing. Police seized cash and suspected controlled drugs from Buddy's in Brougham Roadyesterday afternoon. The raid was part
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