Pubdate: Sat, 23 Dec 2006
Source: News & Star (UK)
Copyright: 2006 News & Star
Contact:  http://www.news-and-star.co.uk/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/797
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v06/n1707/a03.html
Author: Alun Buffry

THEY SHOULD BE GIVEN MEDALS

HOW sad that in this day and age of terror, drug addiction and
murder on our streets, a group of such well meaning people as Lezley
and Mark Gibson and Marcus Davies have been convicted of conspiracy to
supply cannabis in the form of chocolate to people with MS.

On the surface, as far as the law is concerned, of course they were
guilty as they did not deny the facts, and when a judge instructs the
jury that it is their oath to reach a verdict based only on the
evidence, what else would anyone expect?

But is that really what the jury's oath is about?

For it doesn't even suggest one cannot reach a not guilty verdict
despite the evidence: in fact, if a juror sees that the law is unjust,
he or she would be bound to return a not guilty verdict.

If an adult was prosecuted after being caught in possession of a drug
confiscated from a youngster with the intention of handing it in or
destroying it, it would be a misapplication of law and despite
admission of possession, the prosecution should fail in the interests
of justice.

So now jurors have been almost forced to convict owing to the word of
law, putting aside natural justice.

Yet the law used against these three, the Misuse of Drugs Act was
surely intended to reduce harm from drugs use, not to prevent medical
benefit from plants.

The "THC4MS (Therapeutic Help from Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis)
Three" as they've been called, did only good work, had no victims, and
this conviction will lead to great suffering and will do far more harm
than good.

Indeed a tragedy.

Alun Buffry

Legalise Cannabis Alliance

Norwich
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MAP posted-by: Richard Lake