Pubdate: Fri, 27 Sep 2002 Source: Stockport Express (UK) Contact: http://www.stockportexpress.co.uk/news/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1564 Referenced: http://www.ccguide.org.uk/colindaviestory.html Cited: Dutch Experience http://www.greenhosting.co.uk/dutchexperiencewebsiite/startframe.htm 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. - --- MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom