How One Man’s Vision Led to the Creation of ‘The Chillin Rooms’ and the Ongoing Struggle for Legalization
Over the past two decades, the perception of cannabis has undergone a significant transformation, from being dubbed the ‘devil’s lettuce’ to being recognized as ‘god’s sacred herb.’ As society becomes more accepting of the medicinal benefits of cannabis, the UK has implemented a system where private prescriptions for cannabis oil and vaporized cannabis flowers can be obtained to aid in the treatment of various health conditions. Since its introduction in November 2018, an estimated 90,000 for-profit prescriptions have been written for around 20,000 private patients. This article, however, focuses on the journey that led to the establishment of this private, restrictive, and heavily regulated access model.
In 2001, the UK Home Secretary at the time, David Blunkett, announced plans to reclassify cannabis from a Class B to a Class C drug. This proposed change aimed to reduce penalties for possession, possession with intent to supply, and cultivation of cannabis. Inspired by this announcement, several individuals across England and Wales took bold and defiant actions to open Dutch-style cannabis coffee shops, including ‘The Chillin Rooms’ by Gary Youds in Liverpool.
Gary, a local property developer, attended a conference in Liverpool in 2002, where the implications of the proposed legislation changes were discussed. Believing that cannabis would be legalized soon, Gary saw an opportunity and registered ‘The Chillin Rooms’ as a limited company. Despite facing numerous denials from the council, Gary persisted in his quest to open Liverpool’s first private cannabis coffeeshop. Finally, in March 2005, ‘The Chillin Rooms’ opened its doors, attracting over 400 members within the first six weeks.
However, the success of ‘The Chillin Rooms’ did not go unnoticed by the local police, leading to multiple raids and legal battles. Gary faced arrests, conditional discharges, and even a prison sentence for permitting the use of an illicit drug on his premises. Despite the challenges, ‘The Chillin Rooms’ continued to operate over the years, even through legislative changes that reclassified cannabis as a Class B drug in 2009.
In 2021, after years of perseverance, ‘The Chillin Rooms’ reopened its doors, offering a space for cannabis enthusiasts to enjoy live music, comedy, and locally sourced products. Unfortunately, the venue faced another raid in February 2022, resulting in the discovery of large cannabis plants at Gary’s home. As a result, Gary was sentenced to three years in prison in February 2023, marking the harshest penalty he has received in his two-decade-long fight for decriminalization.
This latest imprisonment highlights the unjust treatment faced by individuals like Gary, who paved the way for the current limited for-profit medicinal system. Despite threats, criminalization, and social alienation, they persevered to serve their community’s needs, providing help and healing when no one else would. Their sacrifices and struggles have laid the foundation for the ongoing battle towards a more inclusive and fair approach to cannabis legalization.
