cannabisnews.com: Netherlands Launches Pharmacy Sales of Cannabis Netherlands Launches Pharmacy Sales of Cannabis Posted by CN Staff on September 01, 2003 at 10:16:14 PT Breaking News Source: Agence France-Presse The Hague -- The Netherlands, already known as a haven for soft drug use, marks a new world first this week as residents will now be able to obtain cannabis on medical prescription from the local pharmacy. The health ministry's Office for Medical Cannabis on Monday set the wheels in motion for pharmacy sales of the plant, shown in numerous studies to be effective in reducing nausea and pain, notably among terminally or gravely ill patients. "There is no scientific proof that it works," said a health ministry spokesman. "But repeated use indicates that an effect does exist." Two types of cannabis will go on sale Tuesday for 40 and 55 euros (44 and 60 dollars) for five grams (one fifth of an ounce) -- marijuana that can either be inhaled in a steam treatment, or infused in water and drunk like tea. Unlike recreational users of marijuana, patients with prescriptions will be strongly discouraged from smoking the product -- which like cigarette smoking would have damaging health effects. "This cannabis is not for just anyone," said Caroline De Roos, spokeswoman for a pharmacists' association. It is claimed to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy and radiotherapy, of reducing tension in glaucoma patients and in improving the appetite of those suffering from HIV and AIDS. It is also claimed to be effective in treating multiple sclerosis and certain nervouse disorders. The drug is already widely available in hundreds of Dutch coffee shops -- a top tourist draw in the socially tolerant country -- for 25 to 30 euros for five grams, considerably less than the government's hefty recommended sale price at pharmacies. But the state-issued product will be of guaranteed strength and quality, and the cost could be reimbursable under the national health system. The pharmacists' spokeswoman said the drug would also be packaged by the producer or pharmacist and contain clear instructions for use. While the Netherlands has long been at odds with fellow members of the European Union about tolerance of so-called soft drugs such as cannabis, other countries are beginning to recognize its potential medical benefits. Canada began in July to sell and distribute marijuana for medical use. In recent months, Australia and Britain also announced plans to begin testing it for medical purposes. Nine US states have passed similar measures, but Washington remains opposed to any relaxation in drug laws. According to a 2002 report by the Vienna-based International Narcotics Control Board (INCB), Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal and Spain have decriminalized the drug, too. The health council of the Netherlands first reported on the medical effects of marijuana in 1996, and one of the active compounds of the drug, tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, is legally available in several countries as an oral pill. The Netherlands, a standard-bearer for the decriminalization of cannabis, has drawn the ire of its neighbors, who have had to deal with an onslaught of "drug tourists" heading through their territory. Dutch officials have pressed for uniform drug laws across the EU, saying penalties for drug use in other countries are simply too tough. The sale and use of cannabis here has been allowed in authorized bars, called coffee shops, since the 1970s. However sales of cannabis, marijuana and hashish are limited to five grams (a fifth of an ounce) per person. The possession of cannabis for personal use, no more than 30 grams, is legal. Marijuana available to customers over 18 in the Dutch coffee houses, commonly known as "skunk," has been shown in laboratory tests to be more potent than the drug grown illegally in other countries. Complete Title: Netherlands Launches World-First Pharmacy Sales of CannabisSource: Agence France-Presse (International Wire)Published: September 1, 2003Copyright: 2003 Agence France-PresseRelated Articles:Dutch Approve Cannabis as Prescription Drughttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17203.shtmlMedical Marijuana Sold in the Netherlandshttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17201.shtmlDutch To Prescribe Cannabis for Painhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17200.shtml Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help Comment #20 posted by FoM on September 02, 2003 at 08:57:16 PT The GCW I understand what you mean. Let me say this though. You are a man of faith. I too have faith. I believe what I do here is what I should be doing. I won't give Bush that much credit. We're going to win. I hope you understand what I mean. I keep my eyes on the future and our victory! [ Post Comment ] Comment #19 posted by The GCW on September 02, 2003 at 04:05:01 PT FoM Your reasoning is logical.But the Bush empire is here. They are not logical. They still believe cannabis is the devil weed. It was just a while ago, Walters was saying cannabis is worse than heroin.I may be pushing it, but I think given the chance they will try to deny cannabis in any way they can. Cannabis leads toward truth. Bush can not have any of that truth. Truth is Bush should be taken out of office for the health and wealfare of planet earth. So any truth is bad news for the worst pres. in My life time. [ Post Comment ] Comment #18 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 20:42:08 PT Motavation I'm glad it seems logical. Just call me Spock! LOL! Just kidding! [ Post Comment ] Comment #17 posted by Motavation on September 01, 2003 at 20:37:13 PT: FoM Your Reasoning sounds Logical to me I would have to agree with you in Principle, Reasoning and completely Logical to most "Folks".FoM and Cannabisnews = CannaBrowser [ Post Comment ] Comment #16 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 20:36:54 PT Virgil That's what I thought. I just posted an article from The Financial Times in the UK and it is about other EU Nations keeping their eye on Amsterdam now. This is really big news.EU Nations Eye Netherlands Move To Sell Cannabis: http://www.cannabisnews.com/news/thread17209.shtml [ Post Comment ] Comment #15 posted by Virgil on September 01, 2003 at 20:16:46 PT I believe they can bring any prescription here I could be wrong, but it is my belief that the US has to recognize and respect any prescription that a traveler may carry with him here. Just think of how people would be affected if the pill companies could get their puppets to yank people's medicine. I myself cannot wait for someone to be on tv and show people what getting high really is like and tell the cannabis story that they experience.Let the bought and paid for politicians parrot the plutocracy line and get egg on their face. It could be that the Internet will be calling for a noose around their neck if they don't stop their mass murder, treason, ignoring the Constitution, and multiples of multiples of crimes against humanity. [ Post Comment ] Comment #14 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 18:53:49 PT The GCW My question is can't a person who gets a prescription in Amsterdam from their Doctor for a drug even if the drug isn't approved in the states ( like some cancer drugs might be) be allowed to bring their medicine with them when they visit the states? If they are allowed to bring other prescription drugs Cannabis should be allowed since it is now approved for a prescription. See what I mean? [ Post Comment ] Comment #13 posted by The GCW on September 01, 2003 at 18:04:40 PT FoM You asked: If someone gets a prescription from their Doctor and lives in Amsterdam and wants to visit the U.S. How much will they be allowed to carry with them? Answer:None, people are not allowed to take cannabis into a cage cell, as they are likely to be caged for international smuggling and perhaps terrorism, by request of the zero toloerant. With out the Feds. being forced to allow sick citizens from Holland to use cannabis in Our FREE country, it isn't going to happen. And they have not been forced to do such.This would be an excellent facet for cannabis activists to work. [ Post Comment ] Comment #12 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 18:00:53 PT Thanks BGreen Time will tell. [ Post Comment ] Comment #11 posted by BGreen on September 01, 2003 at 17:41:42 PT In Theory I would assume they could bring the necessary amount for their length of stay as with any prescription.However, I really doubt the police states will do anything but arrest anybody trying to bring their prescription into this country.Time will tell.The Rev. Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #10 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 17:33:32 PT BGreen a Question If someone gets a prescription from their Doctor and lives in Amsterdam and wants to visit the U.S. How much will they be allowed to carry with them? Is their a limited to how often a prescription can be filled? Like once a week maybe? [ Post Comment ] Comment #9 posted by BGreen on September 01, 2003 at 16:55:09 PT I originally posted this in Feb, 2003 A Friend Of Mine In Amsterdam is a card-carrying medical cannabis user in (and former resident of) California who foresaw the gov't crackdown on medical users and moved to save his life. He is HIV positive and is battling a brain tumor but he's in great shape and credits cannabis for his survival.He was explaining the medical cannabis program and said that ANY UN member country HAS TO RECOGNIZE THE LEGITIMACY of a prescription from another UN member. In other words the police states of amerika HAS to permit medical cannabis patients to possess cannabis and transport it legally into our country just as if it was ANY other legally prescribed medicine. The prescription and pharmacy label are the keys.The Netherlands is the first Country whose doctors will PRESCRIBE not RECOMMEND cannabis, FORCING the rest of the world to accept the validity of cannabis as medicine.This is tremendous news and another blow to the schedule I lie.The Rev. Bud Green [ Post Comment ] Comment #8 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 14:02:18 PT Picture of Container Used To Dispense Cannabis http://images.theglobeandmail.com/archives/RTGAM/images/20030901/wdope0901/0901dope2.jpg [ Post Comment ] Comment #7 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 13:15:28 PT Thanks Dark Star What a different world from here. [ Post Comment ] Comment #6 posted by Dark Star on September 01, 2003 at 13:03:28 PT Growing Anyone in Holland may grow 5 plants for personal use. [ Post Comment ] Comment #5 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 12:16:59 PT A Question Can patients grow their own in Amsterdam if they decide gardening is something that would like to do? [ Post Comment ] Comment #4 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 12:09:06 PT A Comment About The News in Amsterdam I've been thinking how this will help sick folks and it's hard for me to believe that the Cannabis will be paid for by the government's health program. In the States I don't know anyone personally that can afford prescription drugs. What a contrast between Amsterdam and The U.S. I thought our country cared about people but the older I get the less I believe they care. What a pity. [ Post Comment ] Comment #3 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 11:20:10 PT Motavation I changed it for you but the email wasn't 410hosting.com and I thought I should let you know. It wasn't hard to change. [ Post Comment ] Comment #2 posted by FoM on September 01, 2003 at 11:14:26 PT Motavation I'll try but I'm not sure if I can. I'll give it a shot. You know you don't need to post your email address when commenting. Email addresses are for registration purposes only. I'll let you know if I can do it for you. [ Post Comment ] Comment #1 posted by Motavation on September 01, 2003 at 11:11:19 PT: FoM can you change my email addy? Hello Fom, I was hoping you could change my email address to medicalmj aol.com instead of Brian 419hosting.com would gladly appreciate it, or just tell me how I can do it. [ Post Comment ] Post Comment