Pubdate: Sun, 10 Apr 2005
Source: Scotsman (UK)
Copyright: The Scotsman Publications Ltd 2005
Contact:  http://www.scotsman.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/406
Author: Vicky Saw
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/mmj.htm (Cannabis - Medicinal)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)
Cited: Legalise Cannabis Alliance  http://www.lca-uk.org

CANNABIS GRANNY TO CHALLENGE HAIN

A grandmother who was spared jail after cooking up treats laced with 
cannabis for friends and neighbours plans to stand against House of Commons 
leader Peter Hain in the election, it emerged today.

Patricia Tabram, who prides herself on her home-made herbal cookies, 
casseroles and soups, admitted possessing cannabis with intent to supply 
from her home in East Lea, Humshaugh, near Hexham, Northumberland.

The sprightly 66-year-old had cooked up treats laced with the drug for 
neighbours and friends in her village after being introduced to it last year.

Mrs Tabram admitted buying the cannabis in bulk for herself and four 
friends -- who all take the drug to relieve medical problems.

Sentencing the former chef to six months, suspended for two years, at 
Newcastle Crown Court last week, Judge David Hodson said the offence was so 
serious only a custodial sentence was appropriate, however he would not be 
making her a martyr.

The grandmother told Wales on Sunday newspaper how she plans to stand 
against the Secretary of State for Wales in his Neath constituency for the 
Legalise Cannabis Alliance.

She told the newspaper: "There are quite a lot of candidates standing for 
the Alliance in Wales because the Welsh seem to know more of the facts and 
the history of cannabis."

She added: "If I'm voted for, I'm going to promise people in this country I 
will fight for the rights of every man and woman to receive safe medication.

"It's going to be a hell of a long journey and I'll probably be dead before 
we win the argument."

Mrs Tabram has become something of a celebrity in recent months. She has 
continued to use cannabis, claiming it relieves her medical problems and 
has none of the side-effects of NHS drugs.

 From her remote bungalow in rural Northumberland, Tabram has continued to 
cook, making her chicken and leek pies, curries, beef casseroles, chocolate 
cakes and biscuits -- all laced with the illegal herb.

The greying and spectacled grandmother began cooking regularly for friends, 
who all suffer similar medical problems to her.

The unrepentant pensioner has also written a book called Grandma Eats 
Cannabis and hopes to have it published.

Mr Hain responded: "At the end of the day, this is an election that will 
decide the future of Wales."

He said votes for fringe candidates could help to allow the Conservatives 
back into power.

"The Government takes the problem of drugs very seriously. The public are 
sick of drug-fuelled crime and the menace of crack houses and dealers on 
our streets," Mr Hain added.

"This Government has no intention of softening the British drugs laws."
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MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager