Ricky Chu has transformed countless lives by providing full-extract cannabis oils to people battling chronic illness, offering relief where conventional medicine had failed. Now, he’s facing legal persecution for this act of compassion. Ricky is not a criminal. He gave help, hope and healing to those who had nowhere else to turn. 

In April 2020, Ricky founded Cheeba Cheeba, Sheffield’s first CBD coffeeshop. What started as a small independent business soon evolved into a vital community hub; a warm, welcoming space for people exploring natural and holistic ways to manage their health. Many of Ricky’s customers came through his doors in pain - physically, emotionally and mentally - after enduring long NHS waiting lists, harmful side effects from prescription drugs, and an overall lack of real answers. In response, Ricky began researching alternative therapies and investigating the relationship between diet and inflammation, and their impact on overall health and healing. That’s when he discovered the medicinal potential of high-strength THC oil; a full-extract cannabis oil with remarkable effects for people battling cancer, chronic pain, and other life-altering conditions. Determined to help, he taught himself how to make the oil so he could provide it to those who were in desperate need. Word spread quickly. One success story began many. People travelled from across the country to obtain the cannabis oil, willing to do whatever it took to improve the lives of their sick loved ones. The results spoke for themselves.

It’s been just two weeks since Ricky’s arrest, and already over 30 people have come forward with official testimonials expressing deep gratitude for the advice, support and hope he provided over the years. Cheeba Cheeba is more than just a cafe, it’s a lifeline for countless people failed by the UK’s overstretched and under-resourced healthcare system. 

Ricky’s actions were driven by compassion for the community, not criminal intent. Access to cannabinoid-based medicine should not be restricted by long waiting lists or expensive private consultation fees. Nor should anyone be criminalised for helping others access this natural, herbal medicine in a safe environment. People’s lives depend on the outcome of Ricky’s case: if he walks free, they can continue accessing this vital medicine. 

A growing body of scientific evidence supports the therapeutic potential of cannabis - from pain relief and seizure management to its role in easing symptoms associated with cancer treatment. Emerging research even suggests cannabis possesses anti-tumour properties. A recent systematic review and meta-analysis examining the use of cannabis in oncology has concluded that cannabis should be ‘re-evaluated within the medical community as a treatment’ because of its effective management of cancer-related symptoms. While a limited medical cannabis programme has been introduced in the UK, access remains highly restricted. With one-in-two people now facing cancer diagnoses, why are full-extract cannabis products still so difficult and, in many cases, illegal to obtain?

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Meta-analysis of medical cannabis outcomes and associations with cancer