RODDICK'S DOPE JOKE BRANDED IRRESPONSIBLE

Body Shop founder Anita Roddick was yesterday accused of turning
drug-taking into a joke as she distributed cannabis seeds to launch a
beauty range, writes Shenai Raif.

Miss Roddick handed out the packets of seeds at the London launch of her
new products, but anyone planting them would be breaking the law.

Yesterday, the former Home Office minister Ann Widdecombe said Miss Roddick
was being "wholly irresponsible" in introducing the Hemp range of skin care
products because they are produced from the Cannabis sativa plant.

The move has also been criticised by the Parents Against Drugs group.
Spokesman Joan Keogh said: "What they are doing is legal, but youngsters
will put two and two together and come up with five."

It is illegal to grow cannabis in theis country, although industrial hemp
from Cannabis sativa seeds can be cultivated with a Home Office licence.

The packets come with a drugs warning: "Do not attempt to use the plant as
a narcotic. You would need a joint the size of a telegraph pole to get
high."

Miss Roddick said: "Do you honestly believe the sight of a hemp plant will
drive Britain's youth to drugs? If so, no doubt you will urge the British
Legion to drop their Poppy Day appeal in case everyone starts taking
opium."