cannabisnews.com: Cafes To Test Cannabis Laws Cafes To Test Cannabis Laws Posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 09:48:49 PT By Simon Freeman Source: This Is Brighton & Hove UK A decade after police closed the notorious "73 café", the return of Dutch-style cannabis coffee shops could be just around the corner. In 1993 TV presenter and Buddhist-nun Ani Chudrun opened Britain's first cannabis cafe. But within '73 minutes' police had moved in, the cakes seized and Ani was arrested. She was released with a caution but the police's tough stance sent out a strong message which put a stop to anyone else trying to test the law. However, a new group of entrepreneurs are moving into action with the planned downgrading of cannabis from Class B to Class C, reducing penalties for offences from 14 years to five years. While not decriminalised, police now appear to be allowing the drug to be openly smoked in some areas of the country. In Stockport, Colin Davies has been arrested for opening The Dutch Experience but the cafe remains open while he waits on remand. And in Bournemouth, pensioners are raising cannabis plants to supply a planned new outlet in a converted warehouse. Brighton is next in line and if proposals gain public support a cafe could be open by the summer. Detective Chief Inspector Martin Cheeseman, head of Brighton's CID, said as the law stands police would be forced to take action against such outlets. He said: "We would have no alternative but to take action because even though cannabis has been re-classified this would still be a flagrant breach of the law. "Our concern is that it sets a precedent for a lax attitude towards drug use. The politicians' views may be changing but I'm not convinced members of the public are. "What people do in their own homes is a separate matter but we couldn't allow the law to be broken to that extent and would take positive action." Groups and charities involved with drug abuse are angry attention is being deflected from the real issues surrounding drugs. A spokeswoman for Addaction said: "We would be happier if more Press attention was devoted to how treatment works to help people rather than the legal issues around cannabis. "Re-classification and legalisation issues are really red herrings, they take the focus off the real problems and the real solutions, and they don't stop addiction. "Re-classifications to category C means cannabis is still illegal. "There is also no doubt the legal substance alcohol can be a gateway to Class A drug use. "And it must be said, that for some people cannabis use will also be problematic." But despite concerns it appears cannabis cafes may become a reality. In Cardiff campaigners are opening a shop charging £15 for a cup of coffee with a free side-order of cannabis in a bid to circumvent the dealing side of the law. Jerry Ham, a homelessness worker and human rights campaigner from Hove, is keen to work with public opinion as he explores plans for a coffee shop in Brighton. He said: "We don't want this to be an under-the-counter stunt, we want to open up the debate. "I think Brighton is a place that can embrace change and see the positive benefits of a responsible approach to cannabis. "Certainly things have moved on and attitudes changed since the 73 cafe. "Now I'm trying to build up links in the community to create a centre which has a medical aspect as well as a social side." Jerry, who was inspired to launch the project after many years working with the homeless, said: "I've seen the effects of prohibition. "It victimises the end users who become prey to their dealers. "I would like the authorities to see this as an experiment to see what happens and maybe allay some of the inevitable fears." Chris Baldwin, who polled 920 votes for the Legalise Cannabis Party in Worthing in the general election, said last year he intended to open a cafe in the town. But he and colleague Trevor Scott are finding it difficult to convince landlords their plan will work. He said: "The majority of people we've spoken to say if it was legal we could have a place tomorrow but people are being very wary." The pair have been invited to spend five days in Amsterdam learning the trade under the tutelage of coffee shop entrepreneur partner Nol van Scheik, who has been instrumental in the Stockport cafe where alcohol, hard drugs and anyone under 18 are banned. He said: "There are problems, but we're still determined to go ahead." A spokeswoman for Brighton and Hove City Council said: "Reducing cannabis to a Class C drug could lead to increased use with its related risks - largely those of smoking it with tobacco and the risk of mental health problems for heavy users. "On the other hand, a lot of police time is spent on cannabis-related prosecutions and this would free them up to concentrate on Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine. "It would also reduce the number of people who acquire criminal convictions for cannabis possession which can seriously affect their life chances." Source: This Is Brighton & Hove (UK)Author: Simon FreemanPublished: March 20, 2002Copyright 2002 Newsquest Media Group Website: http://www.thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/Contact: http://www.thisisbrightonandhove.co.uk/brighton__hove/feedback/Related Articles & Web Sites:Dutch Experiencehttp://www.dutchexperience.org/The Green House Organizationhttp://www.thegreenhouseorganisation.com/City Must Go Dutch To Win The Drugs War http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread12183.shtmlNews Poll Shows Huge Yes Vote for Drugs Café http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11498.shtmlWhy Britain is Going Dutch http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread11175.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #17 posted by FoM on March 26, 2002 at 22:23:15 PT Related News: Cannabis Cafe Builders Arrested Source: BBC News (UK Web) Published: Tuesday, March 26, 2002 Copyright: 2002 BBC Website: http://news.bbc.co.uk/ Feedback: http://newsvote.bbc.co.uk/hi/english/talking_point/ It is alleged the men were building a cannabis cafe Four men have been arrested for allegedly trying to build a cannabis cafe in a warehouse. The owner of the building said he had not given them permission. A police spokesman said the four men, all from the Stockport and Manchester areas, made renovations to the industrial unit in Bournemouth. One man aged 30, two aged 22 and an 18-year-old, were held on Tuesday on suspicion of causing criminal damage and offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act. Detective Inspector Steve Thorpe, from Dorset Police, said: "We received an allegation from the owners of the property in relation to damage caused by people illegally on the premises. "The other allegation we have to look at is whether there is any potential offence in starting a cannabis cafe. "We think it was planned to open on 1 April. "We will be looking at the use of the premises and things done in the two or three weeks in the lead up to the opening." [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by E_Johnson on March 20, 2002 at 21:54:29 PT Coffeeshops would help Lambeth Who wants to buy marijuana from junkies or cokeheads? A long time ago I had a cokehead roommate for a few months, that was a story of seeing my stereo walk out of the house with her dealer. Cannabis cafes ala the Dutch are so safe and quiet. No drunks, no drinks, no drunken chaos, no risk of being drugged and date-raped.And no having to deal with people who would walk away with your stereo. [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Jose Melendez on March 20, 2002 at 18:44:32 PT stock tip Invest in Virgin Airlines. Cannabis brings peace. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by mayan on March 20, 2002 at 18:07:31 PT Taking Over Britain will soon have dozens,if not hundreds of cannabis cafes. Canada will soon follow,regardless of what the dumbasses at the DEA are trying to pull up there. When Canada goes you can bet your a** that the war on weed is lost here in Amerika. Sorry antis, but you will get what you deserve...total defeat & humiliation(at the very least)!!! [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by freedom fighter on March 20, 2002 at 17:51:58 PT Amsterdam have about 800 coffeeshops. Oh boy, I can't wait for the England to start these coffeeshops.ff [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by BGreen on March 20, 2002 at 17:30:58 PT Amsterdam There are blocks where you might see two or three coffeeshops, and some where there are none. The thing that amazed me is that a lot of people could walk right past these coffeeshops and never notice them. Amerikans have the idea that they're something like crack houses, but there are no seedy lookouts and scary looking people. The coffeeshops had more civility than the taverns, especially the English pubs. You won't find any bouncers at the coffeeshops because they're not needed, but they're prevalent at the bars and dance clubs.Everybody, GO TO AMSTERDAM! After 39 years in Amerika, I felt FREE for a week last fall, 5000 miles from home. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 15:16:13 PT SpaceCat You're very fortunate to have a Mother that is Wise and Tolerant. Enjoy your trip. I'm sure you will. [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by SpaceCat on March 20, 2002 at 15:05:45 PT SpaceCat's going to Amsterdam! Mid-April. I really would have liked to take Nol's coffee shop course, but it's in March. My Brother and I are going to try and make it to Haarlem anyway. We're only there for three days, then we have to meet Mom in Vienna (if we remember to get on the train!) This trip is on Mom's dime, and she's letting us hop off at Schiphol for a Canna-visit while she continues on to Vienna. How cool is that! [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by JUB on March 20, 2002 at 14:46:45 PT: Jimmy Ward I am very serious about starting a coffee shop in Lambeth, the area needs some diversion between hard and soft drugs the issue is to do with the other drug dealers and their money and market! It is time that legislation and some common sense to come into the cannabis debate. Clearly it has worked for Amsterdam and can, with proper laws can work for London. Government taxes and resources can be re-used and better spent from taxes on the drug than the waste that is clearly visible from what I can see (I live in Lambeth).Firstly I would like to get in touch with Jimmy Ward as I know great minds think alike! We need more openness and unity to make the next step, COFFEESHOPS!!! Secondly, anyone who knows the true situation with the governments next phase as there must be more to come, I just hope there is a fair market and a clear way for the "common Sense" we all need. [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 14:24:10 PT Elfman_420 That's a great idea. How could I do news though? I can't not do news. I know I could but I would feel disconnected if I didn't. I guess old habits are hard to break. Great idea though. Maybe someday. It would be an adventure for sure. I just watched the Amsterdam special on the Travel Channel again yesterday. They were in a Coffee Shop and the person was checking out different kinds of cannabis. The man behind the counter showed him White Rhino and the person ( can't remember his name ) said it is almost white! The guy behind the counter said it is used mostly by cancer and Aids patients instead of pain medicine. He said smoke as much as you want here while you are in Amsterdam but don't even take a crumb to the United States because they might put you in jail over it. It is hard for them to understand our marijuana policy. It's really hard for us to understand our marijuana policy too. It was a good program. [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by Elfman_420 on March 20, 2002 at 14:12:39 PT Getting off the ground FoM, I recommend a brownie right before your flight. It will last about 6 hours and you won't be craving your cigarettes as much. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 13:45:22 PT Patrick Nope I've never been to Amsterdam. I've been in almost every state except the far North West part. You see I got a thing about flying. I'd rather not. I like my feet on the ground. I know it's safer flying but I'm a on the ground kind of person. Flying is scary and you can't even smoke a cigarette and that was hard when I flew to LA years ago. I know that sounds trivial but 6 hours and being not to thrill with going that fast and not able to see the ground made the 6 hours seem like 60! LOL! OK I'm adddiiicccttted.Thanks for the link. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by Patrick on March 20, 2002 at 13:10:06 PT FoM Aww FoM, I just assumed that running this website that you have been to Amsterdam. It has been a long time since I was there and I keep meaning to save some money and vacation time for another trip there during the Cannabis Cup. Perhaps, we can get a cannabisnews.com group to meet up there someday!!!Anyway here is a link to a directory of the café's in Amsterdam: http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/ [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 12:58:00 PT A Question How many Coffee Shops could the area handle where most of them would be? Does anyone have any idea. I've never been to Amsterdam and don't know how many Coffee Shops they have versus the population. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on March 20, 2002 at 12:44:19 PT p4me It is fascinating to see what is going on in the UK. It helps give me hope that someday our country will come to it's senses. I've talked by email to the owner of the other link in the above article, The Green House Organization. I just received an email from another under development web site. I hope people will post their links to their web sites here as they are developed so we know what is going on. I'm excited for the UK. I really am! [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by p4me on March 20, 2002 at 12:36:55 PT Nol of the Dutch Experience Nol is the Dutch partner of Colin Davies in the Dutch Experience. Because of his ownership experiences with the coffeehouses in Holland and now the UK his opinion is sought out by many groups. Just a few days ago he toured Lambeth in the UK and his response was kind of like that of Jeesus toward the money changers in the temple. He said dealers of every type of drug were on the street corners. His response was to say that this was a perverse take on the Dutch view of things. He said that coffeehouses were necessary to keep the dealers of hard drugs separated from those people that want MJ. It is like the police want a bad experience in Lambeth to come out so they let the dealers sell everything.The time for coffeehouses in the UK has come. Jimmy Ward is completing the remodeling of a former warehouse in Bournemouth and is scheduling the second coffehouse in the UK to open on April 1st. The police have stated that they will shut it down and 30 year old Jimmy says, just try.I am looking foward to the Marches of May 4th. We need to do what we can to end this raid on liberty that the government calls the WoD. Please remember to write your marijuana messages on your currency. Write- legalize marijuana, marijuana is medicine, or cannabisnews.com. Please support this effort as it cost nothing and that dollar bill may pass through a hundred hands. Please do what you can to change these draconian MJ laws. VAAI [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by E_Johnson on March 20, 2002 at 10:59:32 PT People are learning to use that other hand "On the other hand, a lot of police time is spent on cannabis-related prosecutions and this would free them up to concentrate on Class A drugs like heroin and crack cocaine.Congratulations for finding your other hand and learning to use it. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment