36-Inch Marijuana Cigarette Is a Joke

SYDNEY (Reuters) April 21, 02 - Australian police arrested five people who defiantly puffed away in public on what they claimed was the country's biggest marijuana joint, but it turned out to be nothing more than tobacco and harmless legal herbs.

The 36-inch so-called "community joint" -- rolled using brown paper as wrapping -- was part of a chaotic demonstration in Darwin Saturday by the Network Against Prohibition (NAP) against a planned tightening of drug laws.

"We didn't want to come in with half a kilo of marijuana, it was a symbol," said NAP spokesman Scott White.

Police said some of those involved in the stunt would face charges of resisting arrest and disorderly conduct, while one man could face a charge of actual possession.

The NAP wants the government to accept marijuana as an integral part of Northern Territory lifestyle but the tighter legislation against those suspected of dealing is due to come into force next month.

Newshawk: http://www.napnt.org
Pubdate: 21st April 2002
Source: Reuters
Copyright: 2005 Reuters
Website: http://www.reuters.com