Source: BBC News Service
Pubdate: Satruday, 28 March 1998

CANNABIS CAMPAIGN ON THE MOVE

About 11,000 people have joined a march through the streets of central
London in support of decriminalising cannabis. 

The rally was described as the biggest of its kind in Britain for decades.
Supporters from all over Europe joined the pro-cannabis demonstration. 

People were openly smoking cannabis at the march as they congregated behind
a huge "legalise it" banner, despite police warnings that they risked being
arrested. 

Police said they did not make any arrests or cautions despite the dozens
who were smoking. 

The rally was organised by the Independent on Sunday newspaper and led by
the Labour MP Paul Flynn, who is campaigning for the decriminalisation of
the drug. 

"Before anyone takes a step, this march is already a success," he said
beforehand. "At last we are having a serious debate about the perils of
prohibition. 

"The fact is that prohibition is fuelling the increased use of all drugs in
this country, which is now the drugs capital of Europe." 

Pro-cannabis campaigners also point to the therapeutic effects of the drug
in support of their case. 

Verity Leeson, 20, from Hatfield, Hertfordshire, who suffers from multiple
sclerosis, was in her wheelchair at the front of the march smoking cannabis. 

"I think they should legalise it," she said. "I have been smoking cannabis
for two years on my doctor's advice. It helps my condition, it's a good
painkiller and it relaxes me." 

The campaign has brought strong opposition from anti-drug groups who
believe that cannabis is harmful to health and to society. 

Glenys Weaver, of Parents Against Drugs, disagrees with any relaxation of
the drug laws. 

"Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but I don't think the drug should
be legalised," she said. 

"My son is a heroin addict, and it has devastated our family and so many
other families, and it all started through the use of soft drugs like
cannabis." 

But Howard Marks, a pro-cannabis campaigner turned quasi-celebrity, said
the march was necessary to raise awareness of the issue. 

"It's necessary because the government doesn't seem to listen to anything
else," he said.