POLICE TO MONITOR DRUG SHOP

A cannabis campaigner will finally open a shop selling drug paraphernalia
despite the threat of police action.

North Wales Police say they will "closely monitor" the store when it is
opened by businessman Jeffrey Ditchfield in Rhyl on Saturday.

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

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

"I've made it quite clear that all I want to be able to do is supply
cannabis to sick people," said Mr Ditchfield, 43.

"For the past 18 months I've been helping people with their illnesses and I
will continue to do so.

"Selling the magic mushroom kits is not what I want to do but I'm doing it
to make a point about the drug laws.

"I've been and talked to the neighbours and I've had a very positive
response," he added.

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

But Mr Brunstrom has said he has to follow the law and if Mr Ditchfield
sold or possessed illegal drugs on his premises he would be closed down.

"I met with the police this week and they said they'd monitor the
situation," said Mr Ditchfield.

"Everything I'm providing is legal, the only illegal thing I do is help
sick people."

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

"We need to be aware of what Mr Ditchfield is doing," he said.

Multiple sclerosis

"Water Street is a residential area and people have expressed concern to
us. It is also in the West End of Rhyl which is one of only five designated
areas of policing.

"If he sells items connected with cannabis paraphernalia, that in itself is
not illegal.

"However, if that action included the possession and supplying of
controlled drugs, that is an offence."

Mr Ditchfield initially wanted to open a cannabis cafe to promote the
drug's medicinal purposes.

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

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.

On Monday the Netherlands became the first country to make cannabis
available on prescription for pain relief.