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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Duchess Can Grow 'Educational' Drugs
Rod Minchin PA News
Tuesday 09 Nov 2004 The Duchess of Northumberland has been given permission to grow drugs in her world famous public garden, it was announced today. Cannabis, opium poppies, tobacco and the coca plant - the source of cocaine - feature in the centuries-old Alnwick Garden in Northumberland. The Home Office has approved a licence for the Alnwick Garden charity to grow the plants for educational purposes. The drugs will be grown alongside more than 50 dangerous plants in the country's largest public Poison Garden. Mind-bending magic mushrooms, opium poppies and seeds will also be grown in the garden, designed by Belgian Peter Wirtz. Also planned for the controversial garden is the poisonous foxglove, the tobacco plant and wild lettuce, which can be used as a tranquilliser. Although it is almost completed and will open within weeks, many of the plants will not be growing until the Spring. Alison Hamer, Alnwick Garden's learning development manager, said: 'The subject of drugs, alcohol, tobacco and medicines, and their use are very emotive ones. 'For many people, the thought of talking about drugs to younger family members or friends is quite scary. 'However, evidence shows that young people are more likely to avoid or delay drug taking if they talk openly with their parents or family members about the issue and if there are strong family bonds. 'The Poison Garden provides an innovative opportunity for us to deliver, in a relaxed atmosphere, simple information on drugs and drugs issues to a section of the general public that can be hard to reach.' The Duchess of Northumberland, a trustee of the Alnwick Garden Trust, added: 'The garden is more than the development of a beautiful place or a regenerative tourism venue. 'Drugs are a major concern across the country and an emotive issue. The Poison Garden will offer a new avenue, outside the classroom, to get people talking about the misuse of drugs - most of which grow in nature. 'I am interested in the power of plants and how they have been used throughout the ages not only to cure but also to poison and kill.' Visitors to the walled garden will be escorted by marshals. The garden project, which is now being run by a trust, was begun by the Duchess of Northumberland.
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