So how DID this British cop become America's cannabis king (AND stay out of prison)? Ex Met officer who took part in undercover drugs raids is now a major player in medical marijuana

Ex-Met Police officer Mike Abbot patrolled the streets of Brixton with a special unit during the 1980s but he now runs Columbia Care, the largest player in the market for medical marijuana in the US.


Abbott is focused on the medical market, and argues that his police experiences helped influence his unlikely change of direction, selling cannabis products to patients with conditions such as cancer, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. 'Why should people with a medical need risk being arrested?' he asks. 'This allows them to go to a regulated environment rather than a street dealer, avoiding a waste of crucial resources and helping criminals.'