Pubdate: Wed, 26 Jan 2005
Source: Daily Record (UK)
Copyright: 2005 Daily Record and Sunday Mail Ltd.
Contact:  http://www.dailyrecord.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/111
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

GRANNY PUT HASH IN HER HOTPOTS

A gran has become Britain's most unlikely drug dealer after getting friends 
hooked on her cannabis casseroles.

Patricia Tabram, a former restaurateur who prides herself on her cooking, 
put the drug in soups, cakes and hotpots and served them up to her pals.

She turned to pot as a remedy for her arthritic knees, tinnitus and pain 
caused by a car crash.

But the smells wafting from her country kitchen drew the attention of the 
police who raided her cottage.

Now Tabram, who used to run a restaurant in Edinburgh, is facing a possible 
jail term, having admitted possession of a drug with intent to supply.

The grey-haired gran, of Humshaugh, Northumberland, said: 'I'm a good cook 
and I used the stuff I'd bought from a pub in Newcastle to put in stews, 
soups, curries and chocolate cake and desserts.

'In fact, I was known for my chicken and leek pie and lemon and lime 
cheesecake specialities.

'NHS prescribed medicines bring me out in a rash.

'I believe cannabis should be made legal for medical reasons - it is a 
natural herb.

'Cannabis has given me natural pain relief, as it has for my other friends 
who are suffering from MS and other conditions.'

Tabram, who ran the Zodiac Centre restaurant in Edinburgh with her husband, 
appeared at Newcastle Crown Court wearing a black cardigan.

Wrapped up against the cold in a woollen shawl, the 66--year-old said: 
'Friends found out my interest and how I liked to put it in my food to help 
ease my ailments.

'I have taught others how to cook with it.

'I cook for everybody, all the neighbours, and I am teaching them so they 
can cook the dishes themselves.

'I want to publish a book with all of my recipes in it.'

Tabram will be sentenced in March.
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MAP posted-by: Beth