CANNABIS MEP 'WASTED POLICE TIME'

Colin Davies launched the Dutch Experience cafe MEP Chris Davies has been
criticised for "wasting police time" after he was arrested and charged for
possessing cannabis during a march.

The Liberal Democrat MEP for the North West joined other campaigners aiming
to draw attention to Colin Davies, who advocates cannabis use.

Mr Davies, no relation to the MEP, is currently on remand on drugs charges
after opening a Dutch-style "coffee shop" in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

The MEP stood outside the town's police station brandishing a tiny amount of
cannabis stuck on a postage stamp.

He was arrested by officers on Saturday morning after being asked to attend
the police station following the march and later charged.

Later Greater Manchester Police Assistant Chief Constable, Med Hughes,
criticised the MEP for "wasting the time of hard-working officers".

March

He said Mr Davies should do his campaigning to change the laws on drugs
within the British and European political institutions.

But Mr Davies said he could not lobby for a change in the domestic laws.

"I represent countries where the law has already been changed and am just
hoping that Britain can be brought into line with European best practice,"
he said.

During the march Mr Davies had led dozens of cannabis campaigners on a march
through Stockport.

A Liberal Democrat spokesman said the party believed it was wrong for any
individual to break the law as it currently stands.

But the spokesman added that Mr Davies was among many politicians calling
for a review of the current drugs policy.

The march was the latest in a string of protests after the opening of Colin
Davies' shop.

'Ridiculous'

He was charged after opening the Dutch Experience coffee shop in Stockport
where people with a medical need for cannabis are given subsidised "help" in
obtaining it.

Speaking outside the police station on Saturday, the MEP called for a
relaxation of drug laws.

He said: "Earlier this week, a report said that some 800 people died of
cirrhosis of the liver from drinking alcohol which is available from half
the shops on our high streets.

"Not one died from taking cannabis.

"This is a ridiculous situation and it is one which Colin Davies first tried
to address several years ago when he started taking cannabis for the pain
caused by his spine injuries."

'Depressed and Anxious'

But Dr Steve Taylor, a GP from Prestwich in Manchester, said: "As a doctor I
see the harm cannabis does to people."

He said cannabis-users can experience short-term memory problems, and those
who tried to stop using the drug often became depressed and anxious.

Other people had found cannabis a stepping stone to harder drugs, he said.

On Friday North Wales Police Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom compared the
current drug laws with alcohol prohibition in the US in the 1920s, which he
said was an "unmitigated disaster".

In the Netherlands, coffee shops which sell cannabis have been permitted for
nearly 20 years.

MEP Chris Davies has been ordered to appear before magistrates in Stockpot
later this week.