THOUSANDS OF GERMANS CALL FOR LEGALISATION OF CANNABIS

BERLIN, Aug 28 (Reuters) - More than 50,000 people took part in
Berlin's third annual ``Hemp Parade'' on Saturday, taking to the
streets of the German capital to call for the legalisation of cannabis.

Carrying posters urging politicians to legalise the drug, the
demonstrators called for a relaxation of laws on its possession.

``The German law is stupid in many points and we are demanding
complete legalisation...for medical and recreational uses,'' said
Martin Muencheberg, a press spokesman for the parade's organisers.

``Even in the world's oldest medicine book there is a report of (its)
medicinal uses,'' he told Reuters Television. ``And throughout
history, studies prove that THC, the active agent in cannabis, has
many therapeutic and pain-relieving qualities.''

The participants, who came from all age groups, were demonstrating
against what they called ``state repression.''

Cannabis is still regarded as an illegal drug in Germany although
posession of small amounts is no longer considered a crime.

Thirty floats paraded from Berlin's central Alexanderplatz square to
the historic Brandenburg Gate, where the organisers arranged a
so-called ``Market of possibilities,'' which offered information
stands as well as hemp products for sale.

The hemp plant can also be used for such diverse articles as ropes,
textiles, beer and cosmetics.