Pubdate: Sun, 30 Sep 2001 Source: Observer, The (UK) Copyright: 2001 The Observer Contact: http://www.observer.co.uk/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/315 Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis) Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/decrim.htm (Decrim/Legalization) PROTESTERS URGE BONGS NOT BOMBS CAMPAIGNERS for the legalisation of cannabis marched through central London yesterday carrying banners urging 'Bongs Not Bombs'. Speakers at the rally in Trafalgar Square included Labour MP Paul Flynn as well as Howard Marks, the convicted drugs smuggler turned popular speaker and best selling author. Demonstrators handed out copies of Properganja, the newspaper of the Cannabis Coalition UK, which organised the event. The group wants cannabis to be legalised and sold through licensed premises and non-profit making co-operatives. Campaigners also called for the clearing of all cannabis-related criminal records dating back to 1928, the year in which the drug was outlawed in Britain. A spokesman said: "The recent progress towards decriminalisation is to be welcomed but only a complete, total lifting of prohibition and allowing social consumption will do." - --- MAP posted-by: Terry Liittschwager