Pubdate: Sat, 09 Apr 2005 Source: Edinburgh Evening News (UK) Copyright: 2005 The Scotsman Publications Ltd Contact: http://www.edinburghnews.com/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1626 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain) GRANNY'S CANNABIS COOKERY A RECIPE FOR A SUSPENDED SENTENCE A CANNABIS-EATING granny was given a six month suspended jail sentence after admitting possessing the drug with intent to supply. Former Edinburgh restaurant owner Patricia Tabram, 66, ran a cookery club for her elderly neighbours and put the cannabis into recipes for medicinal purposes. She has since become the public face of the campaign to legalise cannabis, appearing on chat shows such as Richard and Judy and intends standing at the forthcoming General Election. But at Newcastle Crown Court yesterday she pleaded guilty to having 242 grammes of high quality cannabis at her home at Humshaugh, near Hexham, Northumberland in December. When police raided the house they found more than 30 cannabis plants at her home worth A#850. Passing the suspended jail sentence, which will last for two years, Judge David Hodson told Tabram: "Ever since you pleaded guilty you have been active in your campaign and you have attempted to persuade the court to make a martyr of you. I will not do that." Tabram has admitted eating marijuana five times a day by putting the drug into dishes such as casseroles, soups and chocolate cake. She says it helps ease the pain in her neck and back which she suffered following a road accident. The cookery club involved elderly neighbours and the cannabis was included to help ease the pain they were suffering. Tabram also says she has been suffering from bouts of depression since her 14-year-old son Duncan was found dead in bed in 1975 at the restaurant called the Zodiac Centre she used to run with her former husband in Leith. - --- MAP posted-by: Derek