Drug march strikes a blow st1723.htm
Subj: Drug march strikes a blow
Date: Mar 29, 1998
Source: Scotland on Sunday
Drug march strikes a blow
Cannabis was effectively decriminilised in London for
several hours yesterday when police stood back as people
openly smoked the drug, writes Jeanette Pearson.
An estimated 11,000 campaigners took part in the biggest
pro-cannabis demonstration for 30 years. They set off from
Hyde Park for the march through London to a Trafalgar Square
rally to support calls for the decriminilisation of the
drug.
Despite warnings that they faced arrest, many of the
demonstrators were smoking the drug. But police said no one
had been charged or cautioned. A spokeswoman said: "It's not
a question of turning a blind eye. If anyone is seen
breaking the law, they run the risk of being arrested."
Marchers included the Independent on Sunday editor Rosie
Boycott who helped to push wheelchairs of campaigners; the
campaigner Howard Marks, who has made a career out of
smuggling th drug; and Labour MP Paul Flynn.