CANNABIS PARTY IN THE PARK

ESSEX Police have warned that they will enforce the law if supporters
of legalise cannabis go ahead with plans to hold a Smokey Bear party
in Central Park, Chelmsford.

The party, set for next Saturday, September 8, in Chelmsford would be
the first of its kind in Essex.

The anonymous organisers advertise parties on the Internet as a means
of testing official reaction to the public smoking of cannabis.

Almost all pass peacefully, although there have been scuffles when
police have arrested smokers.

Don Barnard, veteran Braintree campaigner for the legalisation of
cannabis, said: "People come from all over the country to sit and make
their point and to see what the police will do about it.

"It's the nearest cannabis smokers come to direct confrontation. No
one ever knows who organises them, but the idea is spreading."

A police spokesman said that they would monitor the situation and
enforce the law if necessary