Longtime Cork County, Ireland, cannabis activist, husband and father of two, Martin Condon, has been leading campaigns to bring an end to cannabis prohibition. Condon has done so by actively engaging in civil disobedience and organizing public demonstrations for the past 12 years, which have been continuing in Ireland for the past 20 years.
He’s supporting many others who are fighting to use cannabis as medicine for severe ailments, such as Vera Twomey, and her now-12-year fight for cannabis to treat her daughter, Ava, who has severe epilepsy (see Higher Profile, A Mother’s Love).
What began on November 5, 2001, with now-member of the European Parliament, Luke “Ming” Flanagan, Condon sent cannabis joints via parcel post to every politician and media outlet and reporter in the country, culminated in the day being designated as, “National Legalise Cannabis Day.”
As reported in The Irish Times at the time of mass joint delivery, “The idea landed Mr. Luke “Ming” Flanagan (29) in Garda (police) custody, however, and last night, a Garda spokesman confirmed he had been released without charge and a file would go to the DPP.”
With no charges pressed, the campaign was viewed as a success, with much attention allotted to the cause—in an educating moment.
A letter drafted by Flanagan stated that along with the gifts, there was a list of 10 reasons why cannabis prohibition should end, with a notation that each joint should be brought to the nearest Garda (police) station, as it’s illegal. It’s unclear how many joints were turned in to authorities from the legislators, but it was noted that Independent TD (Teachtai Dala in Irish, a member of Dail Eireann, the lower house of the Oireachtas, or Irish Parliament) Mr. Jackie Healy Rae was the first to give his up.
It is interesting to …
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Author: Sharon Letts / High Times
