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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Potty MEP says let them grow dope at home
Wilmslow Express, Cheshire
Wednesday 04 Feb 2004 DRUG laws are too tough enough says Chris Davies. MACCLESFIELD MEP Chris Davies is calling for new laws to let everyone grow cannabis in their own homes. The ever-controversial Euro MP, who is well known for his pro-cannabis stance, is asking the government to permit each householder to cultivate their own crop of the drug without fear of prosecution. Mr Davies says he wants to deal a blow to the criminal narcotic trade by letting those who use cannabis recreationally escape the claws of local drug barons. He claims that if everyone can grow their own dope, there will be no need for them to visit dealers and be drawn into more harmful substances. He said: 'Despite the reclassification of the drug, there is a real risk that cannabis users will have to buy the product from heroin dealers. 'For some this could be a slippery slope, because the criminals have a financial interest in encouraging their customers to try more harmful drugs.' The Liberal Democrat MEP has a criminal conviction for possession of cannabis after leading a political protest against existing drugs policy in 2002, but claims he has never used any illegal drugs. He led a huge throng of campaigners through Stockport Town Centre to protest against the imprisonment of Colin Davies, who was jailed for opening the cannabis cafe the Dutch Experience. He has now written to Home Secretary David Blunkett urging him to adopt the same approach as the Government in Belgium which has abandoned the prosecution of people growing a single cannabis plant for their personal use. Mr Davies added: 'If I want I can grow a cannabis plant in my Brussels flat without fear of prosecution. But to do the same in Britain would put me at risk of serious penalties.' 'It's a crazy situation that just puts money in the hands of criminal drug dealers.' Cheshire Police condoned the cultivation of cannabis plants, saying it would lead to arrest. A spokesman said: 'Cheshire police would strongly disagree with the cultivation of cannabis. We would not condone cannabis cultivation in any form.' 'Cultivation is not affected by the reclassification of cannabis to a class C drug and possession is still a criminal offence. You will be arrested. 'Cheshire Police is committed to using its intelligence and resources to taking drug dealers off the streets, and to working with those who are affected by controlled drugs.'
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