Raided! The police box where a drugs activist sold cannabis products
Trading Standards swoop after Mail on Sunday investigation
TRADING Standards officials have raided a former police box used to sell cannabis products.
Chris Mackenzie has been touting smoking oils derived from the plant from the ‘Tardis’ in Glasgow city centre.
The pro-drugs activist claimed the £30 ‘vape oils’ – which apparently contain cannabidiol (CBD), an extract from the cannabis plant – slow the growth of cancer cells and could even ‘cure’ the disease.
Now, following a Scottish Mail on Sunday investigation, the 26year-old – who stood in the General Election for the UK’s first pro-cannabis party – has been warned he is breaking the law. While the oils may not be illegal, the Cancer Act 1939 prohibits individuals or businesses advertising to treat or cure cancer.
Glasgow City Council confirmed Trading Standards officers raided the Sauchiehall Street stall last week and removed a number of items for testing. Mr Mackenzie was also ordered to stop advertising the products as a cancer medication and to remove all flyers and posters – or risk court action.
Glasgow Cannabis Social Club
‘The liquid makes you feel good’
founder Mr Mackenzie opened the CBD Tardis in Glasgow after failing in his bid to become Cannabis Is Safer Than Alcohol MP for Glasgow North West.
He told undercover reporters: ‘The CBD liquid makes you feel good. I find even after you’ve had a smoke, rather than going for another smoke, it takes the edge off. It’s very relaxing as well. Youcan feel it all relaxing around the eyes and stuff, that’s the effect.
‘It’s antibacterial, it inhibits cancer cell growth, promotes bone growth, reduces seizures. It’s a strong anti-inflammatory, it relieves pain and anxiety and it acts as an anti-psychotic.’
Reporters later saw Mr Mackenzie hand CBD e-cigarette liquid to a 15-year-old girl without asking for identification.
On social media, he said: ‘Glasgow City Council’s branch of Trading Standards seem to think it is NOT in the public’s best interest for CBD Tardis to be sharing research into cannabinoids.
‘They are basically refusing to let us share any information – even if it’s true – about cannabinoids and cancer. How are we supposed to have the government accept the studies and research if they make it illegal to raise awareness of studies, documentaries, research and findings relating to cannabinoids and cancer?
‘If we take it to court and win we will set a legal precedent, however I alone do not have the funds to take on Trading Standards.’
A Glasgow City Council spokesman said: ‘Trading Standards visited the operator of CBD Tar- dis and samples of the products on offer were taken for testing.
‘The operator was also told to remove flyers/leaflets which made claims in relation to the treatment of cancer. Officers will follow up to ensure he is complying.’
Products based on CBD are currently legal but Cancer Research UK confirmed that there is no clinical evidence to prove the substance could be used safely and effectively.