A BAN on the drug which caused the tragic deaths of two South Tyneside men came into force this week. Benzypiperzine - also known as BZP - is one of a number of "legal highs" reclassified by the Government. Earlier this year, the Gazette reported how 20-year-old Ryan Burn, and Callum Taylor, 24, both died, after taking a combination of BZP and Ecstasy. BZP and gamma-butyrolactone (GBL) are now Class C drugs, with a possible two-year sentence for possession, and synthetic cannabis 'Spice' has also been banned and becomes a Class B drug, with a maximum five-year jail term. [continues 238 words]
CANNABIS gran Patricia Tabram is due in court again this week, where she could face eviction from her home. The 68-year-old, of East Lea, Humshaugh, near Hexham, Northumberland, was found guilty of growing and using the Class-C drug in March. She insists she uses the drug for pain relief, but bosses at housing association Milecastle Housing have applied for the right to evict her. However should it be granted, the association has asked for the order to be suspended for up to two years, so she can have a second chance. [continues 90 words]
GRANDMOTHER Patricia Tabram, who "self-medicates" with cannabis, says she will fight housing company plans to evict her. Mrs Tabram, 68, was convicted earlier this month of possessing and cultivating cannabis at her home in Humshaugh, Northumberland, having previously been given a two-year suspended sentence for supplying the drug. The South Shields-born mother-of-three had vowed to carry on using cannabis, saying it is more effective and less harmful in treating illnesses and depression than prescription drugs. Northumbria Police became aware of her activities when she was caught supplying other elderly people with cakes laced with cannabis. [continues 117 words]
