Cannabis Hemp News

Extra-high cannabis theory goes up in smoke Alan Travis, home affairs editor Saturday June 26, 2004 The Guardian The effective strength of cannabis consumed in Britain has remained stable for the past 30 years, according to a European Union study published today. The research says there is no evidence for claims that most cannabis consumed in Britain and the rest of Europe is now 10 times or more stronger than it was in the 70s. The US drugs "tsar" John Walters and toxicologist John Henry of St Mary's hospital in Paddington, west London, are among those who have warned that the cannabis available now bears little resemblance to that on the market 30 years ago, w…

Police successfully target cannabis operations and organised drug manufacturers National News Release 4:01pm 24 June 2004 A Police commitment to reduce the availability of cannabis in New Zealand has been emphasised with the results from Operation Ella, a successful operation against growers and suppliers, said the Assistant Commissioner for Crime Reduction and Public Safety Peter Marshall. The operation carried out between November 2003 and April 2004 resulted in: • an estimated 115,000 plants recovered or destroyed, along with • 92 kilograms of dry cannabis plant material, with a conservative street value of $500,000 • 619 offenders being apprehended on a rang…

Thu, 24 June 2004 Stephen Berry Challenges Coroner Over Cannabis "Nelson coroner Ian Smith should stick to his job and avoid adding political policy to his workload," said Libertarianz Deputy Stephen Berry today. "The logic behind Mr Smith's support for cannabis prohibition and the irrelevance of his reasons are another flimsy fence limiting personal freedom." Coroner Ian Smith bases his opposition to cannabis legalisation on the many cases he sees of people dying in accidents following cannabis use, in particular a recent car crash in which a Nelson man was killed following alcohol consumption and the smoking of cannabis. Berry points out however that these cases ar…

GW hails trials of cannabis MS treatment GW PHARMACEUTICALS, Britain’s only licensed producer of cannabis for medicinal use, has said one of its drugs has been successful in treating multiple sclerosis as it posted slightly wider half-year losses. The firm said tests had shown Sativex had significantly improved treatment of spasticity, or spasms and stiffness - one of the most common symptoms of MS. It added that trials of the drug on 189 MS sufferers had shown an impact "over and above" that of the patients’ existing treatments. GW said the UK regulatory approval process for Sativex, administered as an oral spray, was making progress as it unveiled net loss…

Cannabis seizure pair refused bail TWO more members of a group of 15 people accused of cultivating 3.2 tonnes of cannabis near Narrabri appeared in Central Local Court in Sydney on Wednesday. Dimitrios Passaris, 45, of a Marrickville address, and 34-year-old Robert Vito Giammaria, of an Earlwood address, applied for bail but their applications were refused. Passaris was refused bail to reappear at Central Local Court on July 15, while Giammaria was remanded in custody until a June 23 appearance. Both stand accused with 13 others over the State's largest haul of dried cannabis at a property on the Jacks Creek Rd at Narrabri in April. The co-accused George Hatsios…

Crackdown continues Zero tolerance the norm in war against drugs TAMARA GLUMAC Thursday, 27 May 2004 CENTRAL Victoria's chief of police has warned police will continue their crackdown on illegal drug activity in the region. Superintendent Greg Duckett said recent drug busts highlighted a zero tolerance policy towards illicit substances, which was shared by many people in the Bendigo community. "We send a clear message to anyone involved in drug trafficking that we will take a very hard line, and will prosecute them to the full extent of the law," Spt Duckett said. "Police will continue to work to weed out illegal drug activity in Bendigo because it just ruins too ma…

Man in court over $2.7m drug bust June 11, 2004 A MAN charged over a cannabis haul worth $2.7 million following raids across Sydney's west was due to appear in court today. Police today said officers had simultaneously raided seven homes in Marrickville, Earlwood, Greenacre and Fairfield last week. Cannabis with an estimated street value of $2.7 million was seized, as well as cash, documents and equipment used to hydroponically grow cannabis. Following ongoing inquiries by Marrickville detectives, a 32-year-old man was arrested at a Padstow business yesterday afternoon. He was taken to Bankstown police station where he was questioned. He was then charged with…

Death threat after drugs disappear By Police Reporter SAM RICHES June 10, 2004 AN interstate drug courier has threatened to kill airport baggage handlers who allegedly stole more than 10kg of cannabis from his luggage. Police confirmed yesterday they were investigating death threats, while sources said two Virgin employees were expected to be charged over the incident. It is understood the man threatened Virgin employees after he discovered the drugs missing from his luggage when he disembarked from his domestic flight. Virgin staff contacted police after the man threatened staff and demanded the return of the drugs. As a result, police are monitoring traffic thro…