PRINCIPLES

• We believe the use of cannabis ought to be a matter of choice and not of law.
• We believe that the prohibition of cannabis is against the public interest.
• We believe that the prohibition of cannabis contravenes Human Rights.
• We believe that the prohibition of cannabis inhibits the use of a beneficial resource.
• We believe that the legalisation of cannabis is a very important step that should be taken to benefit the people and their environment

• To hasten the full legalisation and utilisation of the cannabis plant for the good of the peoples of this world, on a local, national and international level.
• To secure the release of all prisoners convicted only of cannabis offences and to ensure that all criminal records for cannabis offences are expunged.
• To encourage public and private research into the many beneficial uses of cannabis including industrial, social and medical uses for the good of the people.
• To halt all criminal prosecutions for the use of cannabis as a social or private relaxant including its uses as a sacrament or in religious or other ritual.
• To provide a voice for those in society persecuted and prosecuted for cannabis activities which victimise none.

• That cannabis and cannabis products should be removed from the UK Misuse of Drugs Act, thereby being legalised.
• That the possession, cultivation and use of pure cannabis and cannabis products be free from prosecution.
• That cannabis be re-introduced into our society.
• That high priority be given to the cultivation of cannabis for the express purpose of the localised production of virtually cost-free fuels through the process of pyrolysis on cannabis biomass, and as a source of fibre and hurd.
• That provision be made to enable the setting up of public establishments where the use of cannabis is permitted.
• That provision be made to enable the setting up of outlets for the legal supply of cannabis.
• That at least the same level of protection be given to the cannabis consumer as is given to the consumers of other commodities: weights and measures, quality etc.
• That all prisoners presently held only on cannabis convictions or charges be released from custody without delay and that all criminal records for cannabis offences be expunged.

If you have previously expressed an interest in standing as a candidate in the County Elections of the General Election, you will receive a hard copy of this message.

The 2001 elections are our BIG CHANCE to send a clear message to the next UK Government.  this depends upon YOU, the voters of the UK.

It is VITAL that you are registered to vote and that everyone who wants to stand gets a chance.  This means we need FUNDS, endorsees and candidates who are capable of running their election campaigns to maximum effect.

At the moment 75 people have expressed an interest, but many of them will be unable to stand without financial support from outside their election constituency, and we need funds now.   Realising that everyone may be short of money at this time, we do not expect huge sums from anyone (we live in hope), but just five or ten pounds from each supporter would work wonders - this message will go to over 350 people and I am asking that you FORWARD it to any interested people.

NB To make a donation you must be either
- on a register of electors within the UK
- a business operating and registered within the UK (see below)

Donations from outside the UK are not permissible.

Cheques / PO's should be made payable to "The Legalise Cannabis alliance" and sent to PO Box 198, Norwich, NR2 2DH. Please mark the envelope "Election Fund" (if you wish to specify a particular candidate, area or constituency, for your donation, please enclose details.

Although we can be almost sure that the County Council elections will be held on the first Thursday of May 2001, the date of the next General Election is still unknown.  That date is up to the Labour Party to decide, and notice can be as little as three weeks.  PLEASE read this if you intend to apply to be an LCA candidate.

You must ensure that you are on an electoral register and you must be over 21 years of age.

I would also draw your attention to the introduction of a new Act of Parliament (Political Parties, Elections and Referendums Bill) that governs how donations to political parties and candidates are dealt with.  It will be the duty of the candidate and the party to ensure that all donations are "permissible" (defined at 46-48 of the Bill): to be a permissible donation the donor MUST be either (1) an individual on an electoral register, or (b) a company registered in the UK and incorporated in the EU and trading in the UK, a registered party, trade union, friendly society or unincorporated association operating in the UK and whose main office is there.

IT IS VITAL that candidates keep records of all donations  £200 or over or likely to add up to more than £5,000 within a calendar year.  This should detail the amount, name and address and constituency of donor, and circumstances in which it was made.  The donation should be reported to Hugh Robertson, Treasurer of the LCA. It is YOUR responsibility to enable us to comply with the law.

Any donation of £200 or more must be confirmed as PERMISSIBLE before it is deposited into a bank or spent.

It will be an obligation of the Party Treasurer to provide regular financial reports to the Electoral Commission.  These reports will be submitted quarterly, as determined by the Commission. It will also be the duty of the Party Treasurer to return accounts for a period of ONE YEAR prior to a general election - and since we do not know that date until it is announced, that means we must keep accounts on a daily basis and YOU must keep accounts of all funds raised by you for the party or for your own campaign.

It is therefore essential that any person collecting funds for the LCA cooperate with any financial scheme devised by Hugh.

YOU must also keep accurate records of all expenses incurred by you for your election campaign along with receipts, subject to the requirements of The Representation of the Peoples Act.  AFTER the election, you will be required to submit your own Election Campaign accounts to your local Elections Officer on a form provided by him / her.

That all may sound complicated, but in reality it is quite simple.  You must :
·       Keep an account of all donations collected on behalf of the party and forward details of any individual donations of £200 or more, including the name and address of the source, amount, circumstances and date, to the LCA (asap)
·       Keep an account of all YOUR election expenses and the source of the money you spend on your election campaign, ensuring that it is within the maximum limits allowed by law ready to provide to the Elections Officer after the election.
·       Ensure that all donations of £200 or more are permissible.

If you have problems concerning keeping accounts, please call Hugh on 01603 632708.

If you wish to be a candidate you should now be looking for a minimum of 12 people on the relevant electoral register who will nominate, second and subscribe you as a candidate;  you should be raising the necessary funds (about £100 min for County Council or local elections, about £1000 for the General election) and you should be preparing your Election Communication flier.

Prospective candidates are advised to buy and study a copy of the manifesto "Cannabis: Legalise and Utilise" and to attend the Party Conference in Norwich. (date to be announced, probably the first Saturday in March 2001)