Pubdate: Mon, 30 Jun 2003
Source: Press and Journal, The (UK)
Copyright: 2003: Northcliffe Newspapers Group Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.thisisnorthscotland.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/347
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance http://www.lca-uk.org/
THC4MS http://www.thc4ms.org.uk/
Action: Sign The Biz Ivol Petition http://www.lca-uk.org/petition/index.php
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/people/Biz+Ivol (Biz Ivol)

CANNABIS GROUPS RALLY BEHIND BIZ

Cannabis campaigners will be heading for Orkney today to show their
support for MS sufferer Biz Ivol, who is on trial for supplying the
drug. The Legalise Cannabis Alliance and other campaigning groups aim
to show their solidarity with Mrs Ivol, who faces charges of growing
the Class B drug and giving cannabis chocolate to fellow MS sufferers.

Campaigners are pooling resources to make the 1,650-mile round trip
from England.

Mrs Ivol was arrested almost two years ago amid allegations that she
was supplying cannabis to MS victims across the UK.

She has already pleaded not guilty to three charges involving the
possession, production and supply of the drug.

Her trial resumes on Wednesday at a sports centre in Kirkwall - a
modern building with better access for her wheelchair than the town's
sheriff court.

Mrs Ivol, who is confined to a wheelchair, has vowed to take her life
once the case is over as she feels she is a prisoner trapped in her
own body.

She has already taken delivery of her own cardboard coffin.

Campaigners will start their journey from Nuneaton in Cheshire at 3pm
today.

Legalise Cannabis Alliance spokeswoman Clara O'Donnell said: "It has
reached the point where enough is enough. Why can people not use a
plant to heal themselves?

"If Biz dies the Government will have blood on their hands, and as
they already know of Biz's plans, they are in effect assisting her
suicide."

MS sufferer Chris Baldwin, pioneer of cannabis cafes, has had bail
restrictions lifted by Worthing Magistrates in Sussex to allow him to
go to Scotland.

Campaign group THC4MS (Cannabis for MS) continues to supply Mrs Ivol's
products to many MS sufferers throughout the UK.

The group's spokesman, Mark Gibson, asked: "Regardless of race, creed,
colour, political persuasion or whether you believe cannabis should or
should not be legalised, how can anyone fail to support Biz?

"If this were a sick dog in Iraq, the politicians and animal rights
movement and church leaders would move heaven and earth to help."
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake