He wasn’t alone either. Hundreds of people had gathered in the gardens to protest the unjust laws surrounding medical cannabis in the UK – with many openly lighting up and discussing the drug with passing members of the public.

It was Colin Davis that took things to the next level by unveiling his plant, which he had disguised as a massive 6ft paper joint. Upon ripping it open, he proceed to give a talk about the benefits of medical marijuana and gave out samples of the plant to anyone who wanted one – although, all bud had been previously removed.

Speaking to the local news, Colin said:

“Cannabis is effective at treating a wide range of illnesses. We were there to highlight this issue and talk about how we would like to see a change in the law. I smoke cannabis every day for medical reasons and it helps.

“It has therapeutic value and making it available would bring great relief to those who need it most. We need to put an end to a stupid law.

“At the end of the day I asked who would like some of the plant I bought along and it was gone in ten minutes.”

Colin is actually a well-known, high-profile medical cannabis campaigner in the UK, and is claimed to have given the Queen a bouquet of flowers containing marijuana on her visit to Manchester in 2000. He has also tried to open up a cannabis social club, but eventually decided against it after meetings with the local police force.

According to Colin, the event was a big success:

“We had great fun on Saturday and there were police in the area who took no action. Legalisation of weed for medicinal use could bring millions into the economy like it has in America.

“Regulation would also make cannabis safer, as it would be grown in strict conditions with no contamination or dangerous chemicals. And with proper retail outlets and strict age limits people will be safer and have a choice in their use of cannabis.

“We are already proposing another day of action on Market Street this Saturday.”

An official statement from the city has said they are aware of Colin’s actions in the park but did not deem it necessary to disrupt the peaceful protest with police intervention. It shows a growing tolerance and acceptance of marijuana within society. It is through the great work of people like Collin that laws are eventually changed. Because change doesn’t begin at the top; it is the accumulation of smaller parts, and a growing public desire that causes politicians to change their tune.