THE HAGUE, 25/06/11 - Health Minister Edith Schippers is seriously considering categorising cannabis with a high THC content as a banned drug.
On Friday, a commission set up by the previous cabinet presented recommendations on cannabis to Schippers and Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten. The commission urges the classification of cannabis with over 15 percent THC in the category of 'hard drugs'.
Schippers said she will study the advice "carefully" and that there is a realistic chance that she will adopt it. She stressed that the share of the active ingredient THC has risen steeply in recent years to many times above quantities that are found in cannabis grown under natural conditions.
The consequences for users of such strong cannabis are "very intense," according to the conservative (VVD) minster. Research shows that cannabis, specifically in high concentrations, can lead to psychological complaints and illnesses such as schizophrenia and anxiety attacks.
In the Netherlands, the law makes a distinction between 'soft drugs' (cannabis and hash) and 'hard drugs', such as heroin, cocaine and XTC. Categorising strong cannabis as a hard drug would mean 'coffee shops' (drugs cafes) could be closed down if they went on selling it.
On average, the THC content of hashish and cannabis sold in the Netherlands is currently18 percent. If the recommendation is adopted, the sale of about half of all soft drugs would no longer be permitted.
On Friday, a commission set up by the previous cabinet presented recommendations on cannabis to Schippers and Security and Justice Minister Ivo Opstelten. The commission urges the classification of cannabis with over 15 percent THC in the category of 'hard drugs'.
Schippers said she will study the advice "carefully" and that there is a realistic chance that she will adopt it. She stressed that the share of the active ingredient THC has risen steeply in recent years to many times above quantities that are found in cannabis grown under natural conditions.
The consequences for users of such strong cannabis are "very intense," according to the conservative (VVD) minster. Research shows that cannabis, specifically in high concentrations, can lead to psychological complaints and illnesses such as schizophrenia and anxiety attacks.
In the Netherlands, the law makes a distinction between 'soft drugs' (cannabis and hash) and 'hard drugs', such as heroin, cocaine and XTC. Categorising strong cannabis as a hard drug would mean 'coffee shops' (drugs cafes) could be closed down if they went on selling it.
On average, the THC content of hashish and cannabis sold in the Netherlands is currently18 percent. If the recommendation is adopted, the sale of about half of all soft drugs would no longer be permitted.
No comments:
Post a Comment