Pubdate: 21-27 Oct, 1999 Source: Big Issue in Scotland. The (UK) Copyright: 1999 The Big Issue Company Limited Contact: 14 Albany Street Edinburgh EH1 3QB Scotland Fax: 0141 552 3200 Website: http://www.bigissue.com/scotland/ A LANDMARK VERDICT Colin Davies from Manchester set up the Medical Marijuana Co-operative (MMCO) last year. It supplies cannabis through the post to those who are suffering in silence but cannot obtain any through the usual routes. He uses cannabis to alleviate the pain of spinal injuries he suffered after a devastating accident which left him with several crushed vertebrae, and a shattered clavicle and ribs. Colin now walks with a slight limp and is in constant pain from damage to his spine. He is aware of the pressure from fragments of bone moving around in his back. The muscles continually spasm which is painful and exhausting. He set up MMCO with two other medicinal users of cannabis. Andrew CoIdwell and Hamish Crisp, the Scottish organiser to help people like himself. They have 74 members on their books and more waiting to being processed. Colin says: "There is no cost to 'sign up' to MMCO but we ask that people send a donation of UKP25. They must also get a form signed by their GP to confirm their medical condition." Earlier this year. Colin faced four charges of possession and cultivation of cannabis with intent to supply. He pleaded not guilty, citing necessity of circumstances. He also acknowledged the evidence presented by the police. The jury believed him and returned not guilty verdicts, making it a landmark case for those concerned in the medicinal supply of cannabis. For further information, contact: MMCO. P0 Box 209, Stockport. SK5 8FB or call 0161 494 0604. More information is available from the Alliance for Cannabis Therapeutics. PO Box CR14, Leeds LS7 4XF. Send an SAE with four first-class stamps. - --- MAP posted-by: Richard Lake