On 24th August 2013 the Southampton Cannabis Smoke Up event was held to promote awareness of the medical benefits of this amazing plant and to discuss the current laws surrounding the plant and the people using it.
We arrived at Southampton Common for the event at 11:40am and stayed throughout the day and finally left at 5pm. I was the first one to turn up, The Southampton Echo turned up at 12:05pm so not many people were there at that point but they did take pictures of the few that had made it out early. I made 5 goodie bags up with a packet of RAW papers and a packet of RAW tips, a Southampton Cannabis Club badge and keyring for the first 5 people that turned up.
The Day started and ended very well. The weather forecast was thundery showers but no rain at all so we all managed to stay dry. It got a bit windy at times and the sun kept trying to break through but overall the weather was fine and this pleased everyone that attended.
Throughout the day over twenty people turned up and we also handed out many of our flyers to local passers by. I was very surprised to see so many people take an interest and take the time to stop and read the leaflets. We had no attendance from any of the local police officers despite earlier warnings that they would be arresting anyone that broke the law. We would like to thank the police for respecting our right to protest peacefully and demonstrate that people can use cannabis with out anyone coming to harm.
I use cannabis to treat my Epilepsy which I have had since my teens and suffered convulsions as a baby. The medication that the NHS want to prescribe me leaves me feeling depressed and not myself, not to mention the side effects of Epilim and Tegratol which are much more harmful than cannabis could ever be. They had me on Diazapine for 10 years and now I just use cannabis. I don’t like my kids or wife having to see me have seizures, it’s not nice for them. Sometimes I used to have warnings of a seizure coming on, other times I didn’t but when I use cannabis I don’t get any symptoms of one coming on. The feeling of a seizure coming on is not a pleasant experience.
The atmosphere at the event was extremely positive and we met some very like minded people, some medical users, some recreational and some for both purposes. There were no negative thoughts and we all talked about the current laws and how they affect us all.
The event went really well and boosted my own confidence in people, it made me feel good to promote this cause as it is so close to my heart. We had a positive write up in the Echo here.
We hope to organize future events with some better and more advanced planning to raise the attendance level as there is need and room for growth. Keep telling the truth about this amazing plant. Thank you to those that came out and supported us and took home a leaflet.
Peace and one love to you all,
Paul and the Southampton Cannabis Club
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