CANNABIS PICNIC GOES OFF WITHOUT TROUBLE

PRO-CANNABIS campaigners ignored warnings from the police not to smoke the
drug at a demonstration in Chapelfield Gardens.

About 30 people, many of them apparently smoking the drug in pipes and
joints, attended the event.

But no arrests were made and the police kept a low-key presence.

There was however also no sign of the coachloads of protesters predicted to
attend the event billed as a "Smokey Bears Picnic" in advertising leaflets.

The handout had claimed there would be free samples for "all those in
medical need" and while it was clear people were using the illegal class B
drug, protesters appeared to have brought their own.

Insp. Glenn Scoular, the police officer in charge, said: "I can say we
didn't witness anyone taking drugs and neither was anyone seen supplying
drugs, therefore no arrests were made. The protesters were very well
ordered and well behaved and we would like to thank the organisers."

Pro-legalisation supporters have long promoted the medical use of cannabis
for a range of conditions from helping overcome the nausea associated with
chemotherapy to bringing multiple sclerosis sufferers relief from their
symptoms. Yesterday's demonstration coincided with the 71st anniversary of
the banning of cannabis.

Alun Buffry, a spokesman for the Legalise Cannabis Alliance, said: "If you
ant to drink alcohol you can just walk into any pub but if you want cannabis
you are forced to find a dealer on a street corner, "he added, "The greatest
killers are alcohol and tobacco - both legally available."

Protesters unfurled colourful flags and had picnics on the grass.

they handed out leaflets and aroused the curiosity of people enjoying a
quiet Sunday afternoon stroll through the park.

One man, who travelled from Bungay with his four children, asked not to be
named.

"I am nearly 40 and have been smoking since I was 16 - where is the harm in
that?"

"We come here every year. There is always a very nice peaceful atmosphere
and never any trouble," he added.