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Cannabis Campaigners' Guide News Database result:
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UK: Cannabis cafe on the cards
The BBC Thursday 15 Nov 2001 An Amsterdam style coffee shop where people can smoke cannabis could open in Worthing. Strong opposition is expected from all authorities, but organisers are adamant that they will go ahead with the plan. They insist they will even risk imprisonment. Chris Baldwin says he has secured enough funding to set up a cafe, but no premises have been found yet. "I've used cannabis for 33 years and I consider myself to be a responsible member of society," he said. 'Cannabis culture' "I care about society, I'm not trying to hurt anyone. I actually seriously believe that cannabis culture would benefit this country. "At the moment we have the situation where people pour out of the pubs at night drunk and aggressive and this seems to be acceptable. "I'm talking about opening up a little coffee shop for a few people who are going to meet and smoke a few joints and everyone is up in arms about it." Mike Bleakley, head of planning at Worthing council, said: "The council would look at any application received responsibly within its powers." 'Dutch Experience' Cannabis was recently reclassified by the government as a Class C drug, which means individuals cannot be arrested for possessing it. Selling cannabis remains a criminal offence. A similar venture was planned for Taunton in Somerset where entrepreneur Mike Cottee believed the town would benefit from somewhere people could use cannabis. The Dutch Experience - an Amsterdam-style marijuana cafe - opened in Stockport in September. But it was immediately shut down by police, and several people were arrested for possession with intent to supply the drug. The cafe has since reopened.
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