CANNABIS campaigners were on cloud nine this week... but it had nothing to do with the wacky backy.
Frank and Margaret Mac, who run their own Amsterdam-style coffee shop in Warner Street, Accrington, were delighted at the Government's decision to downgrade cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug, which came into force this week.
Although pot will remain illegal, police will rarely arrest people for possessing small amounts for personal use.
And the move could pave the way for similar coffee shops to open in the future.
Margaret said: "We get all sorts of people visiting us from all over the area - a mixture of working class and business clientele.
"I think the change in the law is a good idea because it will give the police more time to concentrate on hardened criminals.
"I'm sure other coffee shops will now open, but I hope not in Accrington because we were here first!''
The shop, launched in September 2002, is situated above the Studio One tattoo parlour. Customers can buy soft drinks, biscuits, tea and coffee. But the couple have always stressed they are not selling drugs - merely allowing the use of their premises.
Police carried out a high-profile raid on the shop soon after it opened and arrested a customer.
But Margaret said: "They have not been anywhere near us since. We don't have any bother.''
