HUMAN RIGHTS CANNABIS CASE ADJOURNED

The trial of a Carlisle man accused of illegally cultivating 50
cannabis plants is expected to last three days.

Alan Mason, 40, from Stonegarth, Carlisle, who plans to use the new
Human Rights Act in an unprecedented attempt to overturn the
prosecution's case against him, appeared briefly before a judge at
Carlisle Crown court yesterday for a preliminary hearing during which
he denied three charged relating to his alleged possession of the drug.

He is accused of producing cannabis, possessing the drug with intent
to supply, and possessing the drug. All offences are said to have
happened on June 19 this year.

Judge John Phillips ruled that a pre-trial review will be held in
January, followed by a trial on February 12, 2001.

Mason's barrister, Graham Knowles, told Judge Phillips that the case
will hear expert evidence about alleged therapeutic benefits of cannabis.

Mason will cite articles eight and nine of the Human Rights Act to
support his argument that cannabis prohibition would have a
"detrimental effect" on both his health and the health of many other
people, said Mr Knowles.

He will argue that cannabis has both medical and personal benefits,
and that it has become "a necessity of his life."