Pubdate: Thu, 02 May 2002 Source: Braintree and Witham Times (UK) Copyright: 2002 Quicksilver Media Contact: http://www.thisisessex.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1170 Author: Don Barnard Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org LEGALISE CANNABIS CHALLENGE Elaine Mullucks (Times post April 18) asks if I realised the abandoned site for a cannabis cafe in Spa Road Witham is practically next door to an infant and junior school, and ten minutes away from another school. Of course I did. That aside, I get the message Elaine. You don't want a cannabis cafe on your doorstep. However, I find your arguments concerning children ill-informed and spurious: There are various other establishments selling substances which some would consider far more harmful than cannabis (solvents, tobacco, alcohol, pornography and kitchen knives to name but a few) which kids pass every day without being adversely influenced. Why should a cannabis cafe (albeit semi-legal) be any different? A challenge: The Legalise Cannabis Alliance invite readers to join in a healthy democratic debate, (based on facts and common sense) in the confidence that it will strip away many of the misconceptions about cannabis. It will demonstrate the cannabis hemp plant is much more than a recreational substance, and many long-term social, ecological and economic benefits can be reaped by rescheduling the substance and the introduction of cannabis cafes. We would be pleased to discuss this thread with any anti-cannabis activist capable of seeing past their own prejudices. Don Barnard Press Officer, Legalise Cannabis Alliance - --- MAP posted-by: Beth