CANNABIS CAFE IS MEDICINAL

A MAN who started an Amsterdam-style coffee shop told a court it's cannabis
supply was for medicinal purposes.

Colin Davies, 44, faces a variety of cannabis related charges after opening
the Dutch Experience in Reddish last year.

Mr Davies of Romney Towers, Reddish, initially set up a group which sold
cannabis to around 200 ill people, he told the court, before opening the
cafe. "I am a caring person. I have put my head on the line for these
people," Mr Davies told the jury at Manchester Crown Court.

Mr Davies faces six charges, all he denies. Phillip Rainford, 35, of Market
Place, Stockport; Stephen Caveney, 47, of Rishworth Close, Offerton; Andrew
Young, 32, of Reddish Road, Stockport, also deny drug-related charges in
this case.