Netherlands moves to classify high-potency cannabis as hard drug
By Jeff MillsOctober 7th, 2011, 5:45 pmComments (16)
The Dutch government has announced (to the consternation of Purple Rhino fans) that it will soon classify high-potency cannabis (anything with a THC level greater than fifteen percent) as a hard drug on par with cocaine and ecstasy, the latest move in the country's campaign to move away from the liberal drug policies it's known for. This follows the crackdown on marijuana cafes which seeks to give the country a better image, while jeopardizing tourism.
Maxime Verhagen, the Dutch economic-affairs minister, said at a press conference in The Hague that high-potency cannabis has "played a role in increasing public health damage." But since people aren't just going to go cold turkey, many see the reclassification as a dubious policy which will just lead to users smoking more of the low-grade stuff, or "schwag." Said Jeffrey Parsons, a psychologist at New York's Hunter College, "If it encourages smoking an increased amount of low-concentration THC weed, it is likely to actually cause more harm than good," mentioning the potential lung damage and cancer-causing effects of increased inhalation.
The spokesman for the Platform of Cannabis Businesses in the Netherlands, the unmistakably Dutch Gerrit-Jan ten Bloomendal, thinks enforcing the initiative would be almost impossible and that a black market for the stronger pot would inevitably develop. He asked, "How are we going to know whether a given batch exceeds fifteen-percent THC? For that matter, how would health inspectors know?"
According to the Netherlands' Trimbos Institute, which studies mental health and addiction, the average amount of THC in Dutch marijuana is currently in the ballpark of 17.8 percent, and has actually been declining since 2004. To put that in perspective, American stoners have to get by with an average THC level of around ten percent, though that number is rising. Still, it blows away that groovy but wimpy four-percent-THC grass that hippies were smoking at Jefferson Airplane shows in the 70's, maaahhhnnn.
Comments ( 16 )
The weed is so strong there that almost everyone mixes it with tobacco for day-to-day smoking. I could see the unusually high potency being one of the reasons so many tourists get way too high and then make asses of themselves on public streets.
this, it's the same in spain. if I had more than three good hits of the stuff we smoke here straight, I would fall out of my own ass.
I belive they mix it with tobacco because it is very expensive, i personally dont like to mix it with tobacco, it is like mixing red wine with coke, they do that in spain
Actually it's quite cheap, especially compared to the much weaker weed sold in the U.S.
Thanks frat boys.
Marijuana legalization should not be tolerated by society. Too too many potheads toking and joking and thinking that they have their act together. Talk about living the lie. Just try to get a decent job without passing a drug screen. Lots of luck on that.
Marijuana consumption ≠ a useless or incompetent workforce. Just ask one of the millions of pot-smokers living around the world, working in a variety of occupations.
The average person in Amsterdam is less likely to smoke weed than the average person in America. Legalization =/ higher rates of usage.
Actually JohnJ, there are at least some productive "potheads" living among you. =)
For example: we (my hubby and I) are responsible professionals - respected in our fields, we have a happy marriage, we own a nice home, we pay our taxes, maintain our home/lawn, exercise & train our pets, and are educated individuals. We have been together for 16 years, do not cheat or lie to each other - we respect and support each other. =) We are quiet and respectful neighbors - even part of our neighborhood watch, and aid our elderly neighbors when needed.
Oh, and by the way, neither of us has ever been drug tested when gaining employment. I am in the business realm and he is in the TV industry. THC allows us to relax after a long day without dire impairment (like alcohol) - we smoke and then walk the dogs... trees are greener, aromas of nature are more apparent, and stress/tension is lessened.
Amen to that!!!
The cold turkey statement makes it sound like people can become dependent on THC. That goes against all of the legalization arguments that it isn't addictive.
because it is not.
Another productive pot smoker was Carl Sagan.
Jerry Garcia too.
And Tony Bennett.
Since it's so strong, you smoke less doing less harm to your lungs. Instead of smoking a joint, you take two nice puffs for the same effect. Also, throw out all your records.
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