From The Guardian
Canada
(Marijuananews note: It is significant that this story has been reported in Canada. It will be spiked by the editocracy in DEAland.)

By David Ward

CANNABIS CO-OP MAN ARRESTED

Manchester, UK

A founder of a co-operative formed to supply free cannabis to people with multiple sclerosis and other conditions has been arrested. He will appear in court next month charged with drugs offences.

Colin Davies, of Stockport, Greater Manchester, was arrested at his flat on Tuesday and questioned for eight hours at a police station. Officers removed 28 cannabis plants from his bedroom, and other property, including letters, address books and details of co-op members.

Mr Davies, who smokes cannabis to relieve a painful back condition, is charged with cultivating, possessing, possessing with intent to supply, and supplying cannabis.

The arrest comes within a week of the Government rejecting the recommendation of a House of Lords committee that doctors should be able to prescribe the drugs to patients with an accepted medical need.

It is also exactly a year since Mr Davies was arrested and charged with cultivating cannabis. He defended himself in the crown court and was acquitted.

With two colleagues, Mr Davies set up the Medical Marijuana Co-operative in October to provide those seeking pain relief with cannabis of consistent quality. They have had inquiries from all over the country.

"I have never denied that I have been growing cannabis for my own use to help with the pain I suffer and to help relieve the pain and suffering of others in the co-operative," he said yesterday.

"I have already faced the ordeal of criminal prosecution and been vindicated. The jury at my trial was convinced that I was growing marijuana as a medical necessity. I have no reason to believe that a new jury will not come to the same conclusion."

Mr Davies’s arrest at the end of a spell of debilitating illness was greeted with outage by co-operative members. One its founders demanded to be immediately arrested.

"Colin has supplied me with cannabis," said Andrew Coldwell, from Huddersfield, who has MS and is confined to a wheelchair. "I asked him to supply me and he has met my medical needs. I challenge the police to come and charge me.

"They are persecuting a man who has already been through the courts."

He vowed the co-operative would continue to supply people who did not want to become involved with street dealers. "This is a hiatus which we will overcome. The Home Office waited for the Lords report and the political response to it - and then went for Colin."