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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis campaign steps up
Worthing Herald
Thursday 19 Dec 2002 CAMPAIGNERS who want to see cannabis legalised gathered outside Worthing Magistrates' Court on Monday to protest against the arrest of a cannabis user. The protesters, who use the Quantum Leaf cannabis cafe behind Bongchuffa in Rowlands Road, turned out to support Philip Lockwood who was arrested for possession of the class B drug during a raid on the cannabis cafe at Buddy's Hydroponics in East Worthing last week. People of all ages met outside the court for a "peaceful smoke" and to display banners supporting legalisation of cannabis. A strong smell of the drug was present outside the court and Winston Matthews, who was at the raid on Bongcuffa, was using a bong - a large pipe - which he had taken from him by the police. He was searched and then arrested. The protest was seen as an open act of defiance after back-to-back police raids on cannabis cafes in Worthing. Reporters who arrived to cover the case were asked by members of the group if they "wanted a joint." All declined the offer. Other campaigners were also searched by police as they gathered on the court steps before the case. Green Party candidate, John Dwyer, was at the court to show his support for the protesters. He said: "I think people have a right to choose. If they do not want to go in the cafe then they do not have to." The campaigners said they were concerned about the amount of money spent on raiding the cafes. Sarah Chalk, who was outside court, said: "They must have spent a lot of money policing these things. We have no grief with them but it is a government issue that needs sorting out. They could have been out catching people for serious drugs and crimes." Ironically, the future of Worthing's two cannabis cafes was in doubt this week after an eviction notice was served on the Rowlands Road cafe. Letting Agents C G Spratt and Son have told the Quantum Leaf cafe, behind Bongchuffa, to leave the premises. Chris Baldwin has remained defiant throughout the two police raids, but he says he is now unsure what is going to happen next. He said: "I am not very happy about it but such is life. From the moment I opened the cafes I have not known what is going to happen from one day to the next. I cannot tell you what is going to happen next." Chief Inspector Russ Whitfield said: "I had an informal meeting with Chris Baldwin on Tuesday to discuss the future of the cafe. The cafe will be closing down. I am pleased that he has acted reasonably and therefore prevented future agitation to him and other residents of Worthing."
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