Dutch cabinet plans to classify ‘strong’ cannabis as Class A drug

The Dutch cabinet has approved the proposal to classify cannabis with a THC percentage of more than 15% as a hard drug. Coffee shops are only allowed to sell cannabis with a THC percentage below 15%. Shops that don’t comply risk fines or closure.

Acceptance of this proposition means another blow to the coffeeshops in the country that was once known for its liberal drug laws. Earlier this year the court decided that coffee shops in border towns are no longer allowed to sell cannabis to foreign visitors. It is also likely that the government will introduce the so called ‘cannabis-pass’, a card that only allows Dutch residents who own this pass to purchase cannabis.

The push to clamp down on soft drugs has come mainly from the Christian Democrats (CDA), the junior partner in the minority government and one of the larger parties in a fragmented political landscape.

"There's clearly a shift in the moral debate. It's all about the culture of control," said Dirk Korf, professor of criminology at the University of Amsterdam.

The Christian Democrats also want tougher regulations on the so-called cannabis plantations.

In addition to illegally supplying the coffee shops, "much of the illegally cultivated cannabis in the Netherlands is exported abroad. There is an extensive network illegally created in the grip of organized crime," the party said in its statement.

Opponents argue that the cultivation needs to be regulated, so coffee shops can legally purchase their merchandise, and with such a system quality checks can be implemented.

Read more:

Dutch fear threat to liberalism in cannabis curbs
Strong marijuana to be treated as Class A drug: cabinet plans

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Comments

Marc - 2011-10-13 18:51:58

-9

The idea isn't too bad, but without very expensive equipment and a small lab, it is impossible to realize this plan.

Also, people will get their stuff (not only MJ), doesn't matter if it's in a legal shop or a dirty dealer.

Hunahpu - 2011-10-14 08:51:33

Or a clean dealer.

Max - 2011-10-14 13:03:27

+13

Uh Marc... Cannabis with a % of 15% or higher will be classified as a harddrug from now on. So from now on this 'strong' cannabis will be handled the same as Heroin and Crack.

That's definitely not a good idea. Actually it's f*ckin' ridiculous!

tarzan - 2011-10-14 19:22:55

+14

We live in a world that GUN possesion is legal by law,and by law plants that existed thousands of years before humans are banned.

wake up,they have BANNED a plant!!!!!

Kiwii - 2011-10-17 13:46:44

14,99 % - People: Well done!
15,01 % - People: F**** junk, drug addict!

Hater - 2011-10-18 20:34:27

+13

I hate these f'§&ing Christian Democrats! There still as stupid as in the medieval. If they could, theyed propably burn people for smoking dope, like in their good old days. They believe in the bible but not in so called drugs, how stupid is that!! Paradoxal!! Jesus propably was the biggest hippy of them all!!!

Free - 2011-10-23 12:24:55

I believe the breeders now will put their attention to the other cannabinoids, such like CBD, CBN and how the interact with THC.

Perhaps will get new strains with not that paranoid schizophrenic symtomes.

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