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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Police outnumber smokers at Devon cannabis protest
Plymouth Herald Saturday 25 Apr 2015 Three officers of the law turned up at the Devon Cannabis Club’s protest picnic at Exeter’s Flowerpot Fields this afternoon. And although a steady stream of people dropped in to see what the fuss was about, reports from the scene suggested few - if any - had lit up. Known as 4/20 day it is a counterculture holiday in America where people gather to celebrate cannabis. The name 4/20 comes from the 1970s Californian police code for Marijuana Smoking in Progress. At Flowerpot Fields cannabis enthusiasts gathered to learn more about the wacky-baccy with members of the club, which is seeking to decrimalise the drug, offering leaflets and advice on its medicinal benefits. One of the organisers said: “It is very difficult to have a reasonable argument in the media because the use of cannabis is illegal but our argument is that it is a very safe drug, and no one has died from it - unlike tobacco and alcohol. “It is used by a number of people for pain relief and yet they have to go out on to the street to get cannabis which puts them in contact with dealers.” Last year about 60 people took part in the event, openly smoking the drug in public. This year the police presence was maintained discreetly through the day. Supt Keith Perkin of Exeter Police had previously said: "We have worked closely with the organisers. They are aware that we will deal with misuse of cannabis as we would in everyday circumstances which could lead to a penalty notice, or even arrest. "We have been assured by the organisers they will not break the law. "Anyone attending the event could be liable for police enforcement action. "We have also put in place a dispersal order which will allow police to direct people to leave the area if alarm or distress were being caused to the local community." The Devon Cannabis Club member added: “The police have been fine. They recognise our right to protest.” Over 80 people had signed up on Facebook for the picnic that runs until 6pm. http://www.plymouthherald.co.uk/Police-outnumber-smokers-Devon-cannabis-protest/story-26389054-detail/story.html
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