Pubdate: Fri, 02 Nov 2007
Source: Hexham Corant (UK)
Copyright: 2007 Hexham Corant
Contact:  http://www.hexham-courant.co.uk
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3676
Author: Gemma Somerville
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?207 (Cannabis - United Kingdom)

'CANNABIS GRAN' JOINS OXFORD UNION DRUG DEBATE

TYNEDALE'S "cannabis gran" Patricia Tabram visited one of the 
country's most prestigious universities on Monday to talk to students 
about cannabis.

The 69-year-old grandmother from East Lea in Humshaugh was invited to 
address the Oxford Union, the university's world famous debating society.

Steeped in history, the union was founded in 1823 as a forum for the 
free exchange of ideas.

Mother Teresa, Sir Ian McKellen, Diego Maradona and Yasser Arafat are 
among the speakers who have addressed the union over the years.

Mrs Tabram said: "I was absolutely blown over when I got a phone call 
inviting me to Oxford and I consider it a great honour.

"My lecture was entitled 'Cannabis - the Good, the Bad and the Ugly' 
and I spoke about my experiences and beliefs before the students 
asked questions."

Mrs Tabram, who claims cannabis relieves her pain and depression, 
narrowly escaped being sent to jail in March after being found guilty 
at Carlisle Crown Court of possessing and cultivating cannabis.

This was her second conviction for possessing and cultivating the 
drug and she was sentenced to a 250-hour community service order.

The convictions prompted Milecastle Housing, with whom she is a 
tenant, to apply for a possession order on the property which is 
suspended for 24 months. This was granted by a judge at Newcastle 
Crown Court in July.

Mrs Tabram can continue to live in her home unless she breaches her 
tenancy agreement through the cultivation or possession of cannabis 
during that period.

She is still campaigning to legalise the drug, and has made several 
high profile media appearances.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom