DRUG SHOP OFFICIALLY OPENS

A cannabis campaigner will officially open a shop selling drug
paraphernalia on Saturday despite previous attempts being thwarted by
police.

Jeffrey Ditchfield has been trading from his store called 'The
Beggar's Belief' in Water Street, Rhyl for the past seven days.

Last Saturday he was arrested at the shop's opening and charged with
possessing a quantity of cannabis resin and intent to supply.

He says he will not sell cannabis, but will sell seeds and equipment
to grow it, "magic mushroom" growing kits and legal intoxicating herbs.

He pleaded not guilty and opted for a trial by jury when he appeared
at Denbighshire magistrates court in Prestatyn on Thursday.

The case was adjourned until 6 November for committal
proceedings.

Benefits

In the past, Mr Ditchfield has said he wanted to give cannabis to
people for medicinal purposes.

He initially wanted to open a cannabis cafe to promote the drug's
benefits for sick people.

He said ill people would get the drug free and recreational users
would be able to buy it from an undisclosed supplier.

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom has previously backed calls for
further investigations into the possibility of legalising drugs.

North Wales Police Superintendent Mark Jones said the shop in Water
Street would be closely monitored.

Earlier this year charges against Mr Ditchfield of possessing cannabis
and possession with intent to supply were dismissed at Manchester
Crown Court.

He had admitted giving cannabis chocolate to someone with multiple
sclerosis.