"Dutch Politicans Seek Marijuana Rules"

[GreenPartyVoter]

AMSTERDAM, Netherlands - A broad coalition of political parties unveiled a pilot program Friday to regulate marijuana farming on the model of tobacco, which opponents say would be tantamount to legalizing growing the drug.

Under the test program, to be conducted in the southern city of Maastricht, existing health and safety standards will apply to growers, but they would no longer be the target of police raids or prosecution.

Coffee shops permitted to sell marijuana would be required to provide consumers with information about the health hazards of smoking — similar to tobacco companies — and the chemical content of the marijuana. The shops would also have to say where they bought the marijuana they sell, which proponents say will deter growers from operating dangerous underground greenhouses.

Under current Dutch policy, marijuana and hashish are illegal but police don't prosecute for possession of less than one ounce. Authorities also look the other way regarding the open sale of cannabis in designated coffee shops.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20051202/ap_on_re_eu/netherlands_marijuana

[PunkPop]

1. So enlightened.

So very enlightened.

Watching European society makes living in the USA seem like the middle ages sometimes.

[GreenPartyVoter]

2. Yes, but the EU had a middle ages already, so maybe there is hope

that we will grow up too. If we don't destroy the world first, at any rate.

[marmar]

3. The Netherlands...

really is the model of enlightenment and pragmatism. I wish, I wish, I wish...

[helderheid]

4. Good on 'em!

Oh how I miss Holland...

:cry: