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. [continues 187 words]
A 68-YEAR-OLD grandmother from Humshaugh could be evicted from her home after being convicted of growing cannabis on the premises. Patricia Tabram, of East Lea, dubbed "the cannabis gran", has been warned by her housing association that she will be kicked out if she carries on using the drug. Mrs Tabram, who claims cannabis relieves her pain and depression, escaped jail earlier this month after being found guilty at Carlisle Crown Court of possessing and cultivating cannabis. Despite being given a 250-hour community service order, Mrs Tabram has insisted she will continue to "self-medicate", prompting Milecastle Housing, with whom she is a tenant, to apply for a possession order on the property. [continues 60 words]
HUMSHAUGH'S cannabis eating granny took her cause to Downing Street this week when she handed in a petition to Tony Blair. Afterwards, Patricia Tabram led a demonstration in Parliament Square and a press conference in the House of Commons, highlighting the plight of medicinal cannabis users. It is time to stop prosecuting people who use the drug to keep their illnesses at bay, she said on Wednesday. "We want Tony Blair to form an association with MPs, doctors and some of our representatives to look at how they can end these prosecutions. [continues 129 words]
GENEROUS cannabis users have pulled together to pay off Patricia Tabram's court costs. The 66-year-old pensioner was ordered to pay ukp724 towards court costs during sentencing at Newcastle Crown Court last Friday. Judge David Hodson allowed the widower from Humshaugh to pay the sum off at ukp15 per week. But over the weekend campaigners raised money on a pro-cannabis website. And she will receive a cheque this week to cover the full costs. Mrs Tabram said: "I was really worried about having to pay back that money. It is a lot when you live on a pension. [continues 106 words]
The 66-year-old from Humshaugh will be sentenced at Newcastle Crown Court next week on a charge of possessing cannabis with intent to supply. Police seized 242 grammes of the drug - worth over ukp800 - during a raid last year at her home, and also confiscated 31 cannabis plants. But the former chef is pinning her hopes on staying out of prison - and entering the campaign trail at the General Election. [continues 200 words]
A cannabis cooking circle in Tynedale is still serving up marijuana meals despite its founder facing jail. Defiant Humshaugh granny Patricia Tabram faces a possible prison sentence after admitting to possession of drugs with intent to supply at Newcastle Crown Court. But she remains loyal to her beliefs -- that cannabis eases her suffering. And she continues to share a table with a small group of close friends who also swear by the wonder of weed. The 66-year-old, of East Lea, told the Courant: "I am not allowed to keep cannabis in the house or get involved in buying it so someone else is doing it now. [continues 454 words]
