Pubdate: Mon, 19 Sep 2005
Source: Daily Mail (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Associated Newspapers Ltd
Contact:  http://www.dailymail.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/108
Referenced: Pat Tabram  http://www.ccguide.org.uk/pattabram.php

DRUG-DEALING GRANDMA 'RAIDED AGAIN'

Patricia Tabram - the cannabis-dealing grandmother - has again had her home
raided by police, supporters said.

The 66-year-old hit the headlines earlier this year when she admitted
possessing cannabis with intent to supply from her home in East Lea, in
Humshaugh, near Hexham, Northumberland.

Mrs Tabram, who prides herself on her home-made herbal cookies, casseroles
and soups, cuts an unlikely figure as a drug dealer with her grey hair and
spectacles.

She has cooked up treats laced with the drug for neighbours and friends in
her village after being introduced to it last year.

The pensioner says she is "medicating" her friends who are sick or in a lot
of pain because conventional NHS medicines do not work and leave
side-effects.

Vic Hamilton, a friend of Mrs Tabram from the Legalise Cannabis Alliance
(LCA), said: "Pat has been busted again and she's not very happy about it.

"It's got to the stage where she's not taking any cannabis and neither are
her friends and some of them are very old and close to death.

"Pat's now not taking any medication at all to show the Government that the
cannabis does help her."

Mr Hamilton, 60, from Weymouth, who polled 282 votes when he stood in Dorset
South for the LCA at this year's general election, added: "I get very upset
by all of this and the way Pat is being persecuted."

Mrs Tabram was introduced to the Class C drug by friends and she found that
it helped alleviate the symptoms of depression, whiplash and neck pain.
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MAP posted-by: Josh