Pubdate: Thu, 16 Sep 1999
Source: Dorset Echo (UK)
Copyright: 1999 News Communications & Media PLC
Contact:  Fleet House, Hampshire Road, Weymouth, Dorset, DT4 9XD
Fax: 01305-830870
Website: http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/
Author: Shane Dean

CONVENTIONAL COOKERY GOES TO POT WITH SAM

A mother has dismissed police claims that she could be prosecuted after
writing a drugs cook book containing exotic recipes ranging from cannabis
cookies to hemp pasta.

Sam Day, aged 33, of Dorchester, started her campaign to get cannabis
legalised 18 years ago and has written books promoting its use in cooking.

Her latest creation, Cannabis for Lunch, is due for world wide publication
next month- and police have threatened action if the book incites anyone to
commit a criminal offence.

But Mrs Day, whose son started school last week, was careful to seek legal
advice before going to print and says she does not expect a prosecution.

“The most they can do is confiscate the books, but we were very careful in
our wording,” she said.

A disclaimer on page two states that the book is for educational use only
and is not a self treatment manual.

“I do not attempt to offer an alternative to orthodox medicine or to
encourage the illegal use of cannabis.” it concludes.

Described as “recipes for recreational and therapeutic use”, the book takes
the reader through numerous suggestions from drunken truffles to cannabis
cookies, flap jacks, cannabis fairy bread and ganja candy after an
introductory welcome to the “enchanting world of cannabis cookery”.

The book was reviewed in the literary section of The Independent newspaper
and described as “a breath of fresh air”.

Mrs Day now plans to promote it throughout the world.

She said: “I will go to Holland soon and I think the book will have a wide
appeal.”

Mrs Day, who publishes under the name Eric, added: “Cannabis relaxes the
person and is good for stimulating an appetite. Most people just fall asleep.”

The book begins with a description of the effects cannabis resin will have
on people- “mellow, stoned or smashed”.

Although claiming that cannabis is non-addictive with no side-effects, Mrs
Day cautions the reader against taking too much at the first attempt
because “it may not agree with them”.

She then claims cannabis can help in the treatment of cancer, epilepsy,
multiple sclerosis, AIDS, arthritis, rheumatism and menstrual cramps,
listing the reasons.

After a history of cannabis cookery through the centuries, Mrs Day details
the basic preparations involved in cannabis cookery and warns against
children helping out, with a short poem:

“Keep tiny fingers out of the way or children could be stoned all day- what
would the teacher say?”

A spokesman for Dorset police said they had not yet seen the book but
added: “Anyone publishing a book which could involve a criminal offence
must be aware they could be liable for a prosecution.
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