A drugs campaigner says he plans to open a cannabis café in Manchester in the new year.
Colin Davies, who made a name for himself when he handed the unsuspecting Queen a posy of marijuana in 2000, says he will open The New Way Café on Tariff Street in January.
Cannabis will not be traded on the property, though members will be invited to bring their own drugs for personal consumption, the Manchester Evening News reports.
Colin Davies at the cafe on Tariff Street
Davies, who was once jailed for drug trafficking, told the newspaper: “There will be tea and coffee and smokers will be welcome. We’re just providing a meeting point for people.
He added: “We just want to make it safe for everybody. This is straight above the line. There will be no sales of cannabis until the government says it is legal to do so.”
A Facebook page for the upcoming café describes it as a social club where “members can join together to have like-minded conversations with food and drinks available.”
There will be no smoking indoors and membership costs £10. Manchester Police say they are aware of the plans and will take "appropriate action" if any offences are identified.
Possession of the class B drug can result in a five-year prison sentence and an unlimited fine, or both. Supply and production is punishable by fines and/ or a 14-year sentence.
Davies handed a posy of cannabis to the Queen in 2000
Davies also took to Facebook to call for a cannabis referendum in Manchester. He calls for possession of up to 28g of cannabis to be legalised, as well as the cultivation of six plants, licensed premises for the purchase and consumption of the drug and allowing farmers to grow hemp for oil and fibre.
Of his stunt with the Queen, Davies told The Telegraph: “The Queen’s eyes lit up when she saw the pale yellow blooms. She gave the plant to a chauffer who put it in the back of the car.
“I grew the plant myself and this was a harmless way of bringing to the Queen’s attention the ludicrous restrictions on cannabis.”
Police investigated the incident but no action was taken against Davies.