THOUSANDS MARCH TO LEGALIZE POT

LONDON (AP) -- About 10, 000 protesters, some openly smoking marijuana,
marched in London on Saturday demanding legalization of the drug.

More than a dozen groups, which argue that marijuana is less harmful or
addictive than cigarettes and alcohol, organized the march from Hyde Park
Corner to Traflagar Square.

Two victims of multiple sclerosis, a progressively paralyzing illness,
joined the march in wheel chairs.

" I have been smoking cannabis (marijuana) for two years on my doctor' s
advice, " said multiple sclerosis sufferer Verity Leeson, 20. " It helps my
condition, it' s a good painkiller and it relaxes me."

Many demonstrators smoked marijuana as they assembled at Hyde Park behind a
huge banner declaring " legalize it." Police reported no arrests.

The editor of a liberal national weekly newspaper, The Independent on
Sunday, also helped organize the march.

"I do not think the kids of today should be turned into criminals for
smoking cannabis," said editor Rosie Boycott. "It does people no harm."

Home Secretary Jack Straw -- whose 17-year-old son was arrested but not
charged earlier this year for selling about $16 worth of marijuana -- says
the government has no plans to legalize the drug.

Copyright 1998 Associated Press.