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UK: MS sufferer claims cannabis helps pain

Richard Elias Crime Correspondent

Daily Post, Liverpool

Thursday 07 Feb 2002

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A MULTIPLE sclerosis sufferer who claims he smokes cannabis to ease his
suffering has gone on trial in Liverpool accused of possessing the drug.

After being arrested at his home by police last July, he told officers
that taking cannabis enables him to lead a near-normal life, prevents
him from being in a wheelchair and even allows him to play golf.

But yesterday at Liverpool Crown Court, the prosecution told the jury
that while they sympathised with his condition, it was a fact that he
had still broken the law.

Desmond Lennon explained: "The Misuse of Drugs Act was passed in 1971
and it states that it is an offence for a person to be in possession of
cannabis and this cases relates to the possession of cannabis.

"Around 9am on Sunday, July 1 last year, officers attended at the
defendant's home and found a one-inch block of cannabis resin and two,
small lumps of resin and so he was arrested.

"He (Gartside) said it was medicinal and added: 'I have MS.'

A search of his flat was undertaken and a set of scales was recovered.
The defendant said he used the scales so he could regulate his use of
cannabis.

"There were three reefer cigarettes found in his bedroom which the
defendant said were for emergency use."

Mr Lennon added: "In interview he admitted being in possession of
cannabis and said that he used it to relieve the symptoms of MS.

"He said its use had led to an improvement in the quality of his life.
He no longer had to rely on a wheelchair and could also play a round of
golf.

"The defendant said that he did not regard it as a misuse of drugs. And
that really is what the case is all about.

"The prosecution has every sympathy with him for his suffering from MS
but the law, as it presently stands, does not allow any defence for the
possession of cannabis."

In interview, Gartside had reiterated his stance to police, saying: "I
do not think of it as misuse of drugs and so I am not going to plead
guilty to it. Cannabis helps my muscles and regulates my diet. How is
that misuse?"

Cross examining Sgt Neil Ruddock, who is the only witness in the case,
the accused, who is defending himself, asked him how many violent
incidents the officer had been called to involving cannabis or alcohol.

The witness said: "There are some incidents where a mixture of alcohol
and cannabis have been involved."

But added that, "alcohol causes a great deal more problems than
cannabis."

Gartside, 33, of Rutland Avenue, Sefton Park, Aigburth, south Liverpool
denies being in possession of cannabis.

The trial continues.

 

 

 

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