Kilkenny People's attack on the Hemporium

Threadhead

I have to start this thread by stating that I have never set foot inside the Hemporium, nor have I smoked or taken any of their products and I'm not a drug taker in anyway myself.

But am I alone in being absolutely disgusted by the Kilkenny People's coverage of the business on Kieran Street?

Last week, they gave it front page coverage at the expense of more newsworthy items with claims that harkened to mind US 1950's drug propaganda movies (like Reefer Madness or some such). Ridiculous claims from doctors stating things like 'if mixed with hard drugs these legal drugs could have a terrible effect.' Well, obviously. While they were balanced enough to note that the staff of the Hemporium were 'polite and knowledgeable' the whole article smacked of scaremongering and sensationalism. It was a very blatant attempt to cause trouble and unrest where there hadn't been any. No mentions were made of complaints against the shop or any consumer difficulties, it was all based on effects its products could have.

Journalistic balance might have been restored by perhaps printing a picture of Dunnes Stores off licence and attaching the headline 'People end up in A&E Department because of products consumed here.' Or by acknowledging that hey, mixing drinks might be bad for your health. But of course, the attitudes towards drink and drugs are completely different.

They went one step further today with their editorial comment being to the effect that seeing as people have the freedom to demonstrate outside Whispers, they have the freedom to demonstrate outside the Hemporium, as it could also corrupt our children.

Can anyone tell me who the current editor of the KK People is? Because since Tom Molloy left, there has been an amazing downturn in the quality of 'news' reported in this paper. Over the years I have not had much reason to complain about the People (bar the usual 'ah, not much in it this week') but am I wrong to find this sort of sensationalistic damaging reporting so offensive?

As I said, I wouldn't know my legal drugs from a cup of tea but try as I can, I cannot locate a modicum of news in this reporting. All I can see is an attempt to viciously undermine an innocent business for no other reason than to generate headlines and cause trouble.

Raze_them_all

yeah i have to say iwasn't to impressed with it. It can be lethal when mixed with ectasy...im sorry but cant e be lethal on it's own??? or the guards are aware of it's existance??? it's not exactly hidden 3 floors under an old abandoned warehouse with a secret knock and code to get in is it???
I'm not a drug taker I cant even swallow tablets and I wont be getting anything from the shop, but some of my friends have and the staff told them what effects it would have and what the come down would be like. Seems like a responsible place telling people the good and bad effects it'll have

Cabaal

If thats all they have time to write stories on and call front page news perhaps they should run a frontpage story on every pub in Kilkenny on a weekly basis for the rest of the years on the dangers of drink as it affects far far more people on a daly basis then the ****e there ranting about

Quality? The Kilkenny had quality....when?

For the record, I've never taken a drug in my life and have never smoked

In the interest of freedom to demonstrate perhaps people should demonstrate outside the Kilkenny People, all is fair apparently

JohnC.

The article is on their site.

As for the question about who the editor is, it looks like they don't have a real one right now. Sean Keane is listed as "Acting Editor."

brettmirl

I wonder if THIS is where they got the idea for the article?

Plug

mick_irl wrote: »

I wonder if THIS is where they got the idea for the article?

Im sure they knew about it already. Nosey feckers.
Theres a new place after opening down in Dean street, another head shop, wait till next weeks 'big issue':rolleyes:
They shouldn't have attacked the hemporian like that, its just KK people, there old fashioned people with no sense of the new age. I hope they go bankrupt.

Raze_them_all

dangerous legal drugs.....i wonder why they dont compare the death toll with alcohol....

road_high

Total scaremongering by the uninformed. I hope the Hemp is a great success

Echelle

I've always suspected Gerry Moran's column was largely Internet "inspired". His column this week proves my suspicions are correct. I googled one of his sentances "If you cry ... you're a wimp. If you don't ... you're an insensitive bastard" and 30 or so entries came up with this exact line and many others he had" written" in the article. Does he get paid to cut and paste? But the most infuriating thing of all is the last paragraph where is is looking for participants to join his "creative writing class". OK, maybe I am over reacting but I bet there are younger, more needy and more creative writers out there who could be given a chance.

Plug

Echelle wrote: »

I've always suspected Gerry Moran's column was largely Internet "inspired". His column this week proves my suspicions are correct. I googled one of his sentances "If you cry ... you're a wimp. If you don't ... you're an insensitive bastard" and 30 or so entries came up with this exact line and many others he had" written" in the article. Does he get paid to cut and paste? But the most infuriating thing of all is the last paragraph where is is looking for participants to join his "creative writing class". OK, maybe I am over reacting but I bet there are younger, more needy and more creative writers out there who could be given a chance.

You are right thats all they do. Copy and paste. Any car 'reviews' they do are from rsportscars site and they just might insert Ireland instead of usa:rolleyes:

Cabaal

Raze_them_all wrote: »

dangerous legal drugs.....i wonder why they dont compare the death toll with alcohol....

pfft don't be stupid, that would upset there advertisers!

Why is the Kilkenny people comparing laws in other countries to Ireland?
In America in some states its legal to ride a motorbike without a helmet, in other countries you can get your hands chopped off for stealing...what stupid point are they making? It doesn't matter if its illegal in other countrys its legal in Ireland and the shop can sell what they want as long as its legal!

djScarey

The Kilkenny People when sprinkled with liquid LSD can prove lethal, man. That's why I stay well away from it.

Plug

Cabaal wrote: »

pfft don't be stupid, that would upset there advertisers!

Why is the Kilkenny people comparing laws in other countries to Ireland?
In America in some states its legal to ride a motorbike without a helmet, in other countries you can get your hands chopped off for stealing...what stupid point are they making? It doesn't matter if its illegal in other countrys its legal in Ireland and the shop can sell what they want as long as its legal!

In Montana its legal to drink and shoot your pistol in the air while driving. But you have to wear a seat belt:D

KatCookie

Hmm.. where is this Hemporium shop on kieran street in the other article?
i walk past the Hamp shop quite regularly, first time there were two guys outside it and they whatever they smoking smelled quite funny.. ....

besides, anyone who reads the Kilkenny People wont be the same people who'd buy things in that shop!

Firetrap

I suspect the people who'll be frequenting the hemporium and the other shop would've been the sorts who'd be getting their stuff from other sources anyway. Market forces will decided whether these shops survive.

Comer Cat

Yes, that was a pretty dumb attack alright. But it is part of a pattern. What on earth has happened to the KP in the last few weeks? The other day there was some sort of moronic editorial about somebody who was rude to the staff in Supermacs. The editor, or acting editor, or whoever it is that runs the KP these days, threatened to name and shame the guy who was rude. He didn't of course. Didn't have the courage. But its like a one man's rambling these days....:mad:

Raze_them_all

Comer Cat wrote: »

Yes, that was a pretty dumb attack alright. But it is part of a pattern. What on earth has happened to the KP in the last few weeks? The other day there was some sort of moronic editorial about somebody who was rude to the staff in Supermacs. The editor, or acting editor, or whoever it is that runs the KP these days, threatened to name and shame the guy who was rude. He didn't of course. Didn't have the courage. But its like a one man's rambling these days....:mad:

if he did he'd get his ass sued so quick he'd have to bring change for a taxy home from court that day

Purry Cat

Comer Cat wrote: »

Yes, that was a pretty dumb attack alright. But it is part of a pattern. What on earth has happened to the KP in the last few weeks? The other day there was some sort of moronic editorial about somebody who was rude to the staff in Supermacs. The editor, or acting editor, or whoever it is that runs the KP these days, threatened to name and shame the guy who was rude. He didn't of course. Didn't have the courage. But its like a one man's rambling these days....:mad:

The acting editor at the moment is Sean Keane - and yes Comer Cat, you've summed him up pretty well!

Plug

OHH, we have a purry and a comer cat, everyone stand back. mad feckers!!!!

JamesStephens

Sure all them Keanes are trading on the family name anyway. John B has a lot to answer for. The country is full of them pontificating. If he wasn't a keane , he'd be far from a newsroom. The people is gone to hell anyway for the last while and morale is very bad in there.

jiggajt

Just read the article now and i've noticed something:

"One of these - benzylpiperazine (BZP) - is sold in pill form"

Well its hardly going to be liquid in pill form is it?

coillcam

Haha just came across this now, Jesus every town seems to be getting one these days. Even back in little ol' Mullingar we have one for the last few months. There was no great fuss over it round here. I think it's another Headshop franchise possibly?

I remember when they banned mushrooms a couple of years ago the hullabaloo was fierce funny. I don't take any drugs but a load of my mates went out of their way to try them just because of media hype. I suppose banning all drink and cigs is on the cards next.

djScarey

Nah. They need the tax take on booze and fags. In fact, they soon may have to legalise everything when the recession bulldozes down State revenue.;)

Our man in Havana

Even if everything was legalised tomorrow the KP would continue to write it's stupid editorials.

KatCookie

Dont all newspapers have Editorials..?

anyways, has anyone actually been in the Hemp shop? looks more interesting then the Frame Shop that occupied that space before them!

Plug

Anyone see the second head shop in dean st.?

highgiant1985

Plug wrote: »

Anyone see the second head shop in dean st.?

yeah its just down from where I work. I'm going to be interested to see if both shops are still around in a year or two. thats not because I've anything against them I'm just curious if theres enough of a demand in Kilkenny for them to be both profitable. That said they could be both making millions i've no idea :P

KatCookie

highgiant1985 wrote: »

yeah its just down from where I work. I'm going to be interested to see if both shops are still around in a year or two. thats not because I've anything against them I'm just curious if theres enough of a demand in Kilkenny for them to be both profitable. That said they could be both making millions i've no idea :P

What shop? i pass there at least twice a day, often walking and i dont know which shop your talking about! i know the Hemp shop, beside the old Estate agents near the corner, but wheres this new one?

Plug

KatCookie wrote: »

What shop? i pass there at least twice a day, often walking and i dont know which shop your talking about! i know the Hemp shop, beside the old Estate agents near the corner, but wheres this new one?

Its up from joes chippers on the left, same side of the road.
Might invest in some drugs tonight actually:D

EKRIUQ

Business must be good for 2 shops

kleefarr

Raze_them_all wrote: »

dangerous legal drugs.....i wonder why they dont compare the death toll with alcohol....

Or smoking.

I heard on the radio recently that in the UK they are contemplating making it legal for purposes of control. Some guy said that it's a bit silly as it had been proved that drinking and smoking were both more dangerous on a like for like comparison.

Sounds like common sense to me.

Our man in Havana

Business must be good for 2 shops

Until the government decide to outlaw it.

Firetrap

I'm surprised any head shops have been allowed to open anywhere in Ireland. I've never been in one (yeah, I'm square :rolleyes:) but I assume they sell substances that do roughly the same thing as illegal ones but just haven't made it onto any list yet. And then there's that grey area of growing your own.

Our man in Havana

Correct, they take advantage of the law. It could be all over at the stroke of a pen.

Pablo Discochop

I think the headshops are good. If you have a interest in experiencing drug taking you can legally buy them. Which means you dont have to go to a drug dealer , you don't have to take risks with the Garda for possession. would you prefree your kids dabbling in illegal drugs or the legal ones?

As for that articule - pointless, waste of time, stirring sh!t where its not needed.

KatCookie

I wouldnt call it a good thing, some of my friends went to a friends house, mostly just to drink, the host had bought something, (i know it was gotten from the Hemporium just not sure what it was) and because it wasnt illegal, they all tried some stuff and these were the type of people who'd never even touch a cigarette, yet they all got high off it.. Kinda disappointing really
If that shop wasnt in Kk then they only would have gotten drunk...
im not sitting on my high horse here, thats just what i see from my point of view...

kleefarr

Which end of Kieran street is this shop?
Rose Inn street end or Parliament street end?

Just asking like. :rolleyes:

Stephen

Parliament St end.

Firetrap

Ah, I assume following the New Age Crusties would get you there just as quickly

Insanesomeone

Whether or not the hemporium warrents an attack like the one in the article is almost irrelevant imo. It's different, sells drugs and thus warrents negative attention from for no other reason than to be seen wagging their finger at it.

egan007

After reading the article it seems to be questioning the sale of BZP and not the shops existance or anything else it sells. The only reason they are questioning this is the inpending ban...

Raze_them_all

I think the major problem with the article is the line that says it can be lethal when taken with e.

Now I'm not a scientist but can't e be lethal by itself. Kinda like saying taking rat poison with heroin can damage your health

Our man in Havana

E can be fatal on it own. It can also be fatal in first time users.

kleefarr

I see that these are the top five, of which I have not had any involvement at all.

Which have you tried and what are your opinions?

BZP
A New Zealand import sold under brand names such as EFX, Asylum and Charl-eeze, and which closely mimics the effects of ecstasy. That means rushes, euphoria, hyperactivity and a hangover-style comedown.

Spice Gold
A smokeable cannabis substitute comprising 14 different herbs, plants and aromatic extracts, including baybean, brava, red clover, rose, Siberian motherwort, marshmallow, rose and honey.

Blue Lotus Flowers
Looks like the sort of brightly coloured pot-pourri you’d give your granny for Christmas, but smoked or soaked in a glass of water and swilled around the mouth, it produces a mild sedative effect.

Hawaiian Baby Woodrose seeds
A mild hallucinogen used by South American Indians in religious ceremonies and containing lysergic acid amide, a close relative of LSD.

Liquid Kratom extract
Grown and commonly used in Thailand, where it’s renowned for its opium-like qualities.


I find it quite amazing that some of those have similar properties to hard illegal substances, but poor old cannabis is getting a hammering still.

Pablo Discochop

KatCookie wrote: »

I wouldnt call it a good thing, some of my friends went to a friends house, mostly just to drink, the host had bought something, (i know it was gotten from the Hemporium just not sure what it was) and because it wasnt illegal, they all tried some stuff and these were the type of people who'd never even touch a cigarette, yet they all got high off it.. Kinda disappointing really
If that shop wasnt in Kk then they only would have gotten drunk...
im not sitting on my high horse here, thats just what i see from my point of view...

I do see your point. people are going to try drugs anyway, not everyone. So if decide to go to this shop instead of going to a local dealer is that not a good thing?

Our man in Havana

Tbh, I don't see any difference.

KatCookie

Pablo Discochop wrote: »

I do see your point. people are going to try drugs anyway, not everyone. So if decide to go to this shop instead of going to a local dealer is that not a good thing?

yes, but its the people who usually WOULDNT go near them are now trying them, thats what gets me.. If those shops didnt exist they wouldnt go near illegal drugs, simply because they are illegal!

Our man in Havana

I doubt they will be legal for much longer.

Gonzovision

I have heard some of their products are as good as, if not better than their illegal alternatives.

Our man in Havana

The probably are. That's what makes them dangerous for novices that would not ordinarily touch illegal drugs.

Firetrap

It's an interesting argument. Does having shops like these make people who wouldn't ordinarily do drugs do drugs? Or is it just making them easier to access for the sort of people who would have gone ahead and experimented anyway?

The government can move quickly when it wants to. I remember a couple of years ago they banned magic mushrooms because some guy took them and jumped off a building.