A CANNABIS caf could open in York and be selling "weed" in under seven months, a pro-marijuana campaigner has announced.

Carl Wagner, from Hull, said he had been looking at a possible caf premises in Gillygate.

He said he had to complete discussions with investors and liaise with police before opening.

Mr Wagner said he also planned to research the demand for a caf among York residents whose illnesses would benefit from cannabis use, such as people with multiple sclerosis.

"If the situation is right and the medical need is there it will open. The only thing that will stop me is if I can't find any premises.

"I intend to open within the next few months, hopefully seven," said Mr Wagner, 42.

The caf would supply cannabis to medicinal users, then "if local law enforcement allows," to recreational users.

"Selling to recreational users would finance the sales to medical users. Medical users would be registered with the caf," Mr Wagner said.

"I intend to speak to police with a positive plan about taking the sale of cannabis out of the hands of gangsters and supplying people with a pure, quality product."

Trevor Fenwick, who runs the Glasshouse, in Gillygate, and is a member of the street's traders' association, said: "I think traders would welcome him. The more people we get into Gillygate the better for us all."

City of York Council leader Rod Hills has already said any caf would be opposed until any change in the law.

But a council spokesman said: "In planning terms, there wouldn't be a problem. If it opened in a caf building and sold food or drink, no change of use application would be required.

"Cannabis could be sold as an ancillary item."

Adam Sinclair, of York Chamber of Trade, said: "Provided all commercial activities in York stay within the law, we welcome well-presented and sophisticated businesses of any kind."

Detective Inspector Ian Wills, of the North Yorkshire Police's drug squad, said: "The debate is still going on so it is pointless to try and pre-judge these things. People will try and push the boundaries, we will decide what to do as and when it is necessary."

Cannabis cafs are currently trading in Stockport and Bournemouth.

Updated: 11:46 Wednesday, May 01, 2002