cannabisnews.com: Clampdown Could Spell Trouble for 'Coffee Shops'
Clampdown Could Spell Trouble for 'Coffee Shops'
Posted by CN Staff on November 20, 2004 at 07:54:32 PT
By The Associated Press
Source: Associated Press
Brussels, Belgium -- Dutch Justice Minister Piet Hein Donner announced yesterday that access to popular Dutch 'coffee shops' to smoke marijuana could be cut for foreigners - including other EU citizens - as part of a new European Union drugs control policy.Donner, whose country holds the EU presidency, said a meeting of EU justice and interior ministers agreed on guidelines for setting up an eight-year drugs action plan in the 25-nation bloc.
Under the strategy, EU countries would coordinate efforts to cut supplies of soft and hard drugs, as well as demand, through prevention programs and police enforcement.Donner said his country - where hundreds of thousands of tourists head to benefit from the famously relaxed policy on soft drugs like marijuana - would have to "draw consequences" from an expected stricter EU drugs policy."Drugs tourism should be fought," Donner said, adding that access to cafes selling joints could be barred for nonresidents of the Netherlands, including other EU citizens."That's an idea where we should be headed," Donner said. He did not elaborate how this could be enforced.Dutch officials said the government is setting up a pilot project in Maastricht where entry into coffee shops would be restricted to those with special passes only.The Dutch government has drafted tougher cannabis laws in an effort to reduce the number of coffee shops where marijuana is sold and to ban sales of cannabis to tourists in border areas.There are around 780 coffee shops in the Netherlands, but half of them are in the three big cities of Amsterdam, Rotterdam and The Hague. About 80 per cent of municipalities do not permit coffee shops.Despite heavy pressure and criticism from countries like France and Sweden against the relaxed drugs policy in the Netherlands, Dutch officials argue their policy has not resulted in a rise of users.A government-funded study in May found the use of marijuana among Dutch youth declined somewhat in recent years.The sale of small quantities of marijuana and hashish is tolerated and is sold at coffee shops like shots of whiskey at bars. The soft drugs, however, remain a controlled substance under Dutch law and technically its sale and use is illegal.Government figures say the number of people who tried marijuana in the Netherlands ranks in the middle of a range of EU countries, the United States and Australia.The Netherlands has taken a hard line against drugs like cocaine and Ecstasy however, where possession is prosecuted.Complete Title: EU Drugs Clampdown Could Spell Trouble for Dutch Marijuana 'Coffee Shops'Source: Associated Press (Wire)Published: Saturday, November 20, 2004Copyright: 2004 The Associated Press Related Articles:Tourist-Free Coffee Shops Rejectedhttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread17656.shtmlDutch Ban on Smoking Hits Pot Businesses http://cannabisnews.com/news/thread16428.shtmlDutch Celebrate 30 Years of Legal Pothttp://cannabisnews.com/news/thread14861.shtml
Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help
Comment #34 posted by rchandar on November 25, 2004 at 01:36:34 PT:
E Johnson
No, that won't work. The Muslims deal in hashish; marijuana is largely Dutch-grown, local growers. It could, however, become a coercive issue where the government would say it's "fighting terrorism" by attacking hash-selling coffeeshops, though. But if we are to believe Nol van Schaik, the idea won't sell in the Netherlands, where lumping techniques like Bush's "drugs-terrorism" link won't work with most people.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #33 posted by FoM on November 24, 2004 at 10:16:38 PT
rchandar
It doesn't make sense to me either. If potential terrorists smoked cannabis I bet they would forget about being angry and getting even.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #32 posted by rchandar on November 24, 2004 at 09:47:39 PT:
FoM
Now there's a nice scenario--Foreigners who are otherwise law-abiding are forbidden from shops, while the terrorists, the only ones who have bothered to get fraudulent ID, sit in the coffee shops and smoke grass, detailing all their terrorist plans to one another.A real potential scenario. Like Tangier in World War II, I think.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #31 posted by b4daylight on November 22, 2004 at 10:56:14 PT
article
atricle is rather weak.
yet it misses one strong point.
Netherlands makes millions of dollars on Pot taxes.
Even though its illegal they tax it. You think they are going to throw that away?
Secondly there are other places you can drug tourism now.
This is just presidant bush speaking Dutch.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #30 posted by rchandar on November 21, 2004 at 16:32:17 PT:
what we need to do...
what we need to do---everyone, write to the parties opposed to this plan--PvdA, VVD, D66, GroenLinks--and explain the obvious. The Netherlands simply isn't responsible for the spread of drugs across Europe. This idea, too, is illegal.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #29 posted by afterburner on November 21, 2004 at 10:10:19 PT
WolfgangWylde
Casinos have already spread across borders. Coffeeshops could be next. In McWorld one business is as good as another, as long as they both make money.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #28 posted by WolfgangWylde on November 21, 2004 at 08:42:02 PT
It'll never work, but...
...it would almost be a good thing if it did. I'm sure that bordering countries are happy to dodge the issue by having their citizens take the short trip to Holland to stock up. This could force the issue, thereby enabling the coffeeshop system in other countries.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #27 posted by rchandar on November 21, 2004 at 07:58:16 PT:
coffee shops
now wait a minute--This article just doesn't tell the facts. A pilot program has been set up in Maastricht; it is opposed by many in the first place. Results from this program could take months, even years. And the Dutch Parliament is mostly opposed to the "tourist ban" idea; in fact, many MPs questioned the legality of banning EU citizens from shops when Dutch nationals could go to them.I guess "sounding the alarm" has some value. But remember, folks, this usually means some intimidation of tourists before they go. I myself don't think this legislation will ever pass.--rchandar
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #26 posted by goneposthole on November 21, 2004 at 07:55:26 PT
this is interesting
http://www.bcmarijuanaparty.ca/main/luckiest.guy.on.the.planet.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #25 posted by goneposthole on November 21, 2004 at 07:51:04 PT
OT- How Karl Rove 'defeated' the Dems, John Kerry
http://www.deal-with-it.org/jokers/rove.htmThe election of 2004 was a sham and joke. After the 2000 election, what else could anyone expect?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #24 posted by The GCW on November 21, 2004 at 07:13:30 PT
Spanish shampoo may trigger positive...
News briefs: Canadian authorities issue warning (to racing cyclists)http://www.velonews.com/news/fea/7229.0.htmlSpanish shampoo may trigger positive
The Canadian federal health service, Health Canada, has issued a warning to consumers advising them not to use Blue Cap Shampoo and Blue Cap Spray because the shampoo contains betamethasone, a topical corticosteroid (steroid). The spray may contain a similar substance. Neither chemical is noted on the product labels and Blue Cap products have not been approved for sale in Canada or the United States. Betamethasone may only be obtained by prescription. Use of betamethasone should be monitored by a physician. Corticosteroids, such as betamethasone, applied to the skin can cause thinning of the skin that can lead to permanent scarring, secondary infections, signs of Cushing's syndrome, hyperglycemia, and glucosuria. Blue Cap Shampoo and Blue Cap Spray are manufactured by Catalysis in Spain and distributed by Catalysis Products of Canada. Promotional material available on the Internet indicated that Blue Cap Shampoo treats dandruff and seborrhea. The shampoo is packaged in 150-millilitre bottles. Blue Cap Spray is promoted for daily hygiene for those affected by skin conditions such as psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and eczema. The spray is packaged in 100-millititre aerosol containers. Health Canada believes consumers may have purchased Blue Cap products over the Internet, but that the products were not widely available through traditional retail sources. The Canadian distributor has removed all Blue Cap products from the Canadian market. In addition, the website which was previously selling Blue Cap products is no longer operating. Health Canada has issued an alert at customs for Catalysis Products of Canada to prevent importation of Blue Cap products. Health Canada recommends those using Blue Cap products contact their doctor before stopping.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #23 posted by goneposthole on November 21, 2004 at 06:55:15 PT
Send Daryl Gates to The Netherlands
He will be able to help out the Dutch 'authorities'. He knows how to solve those problems with casual users. "The Final Solution""The casual user ought to be taken out and shot, because he or she has no reason for using drugs." - Daryl GatesI will resurrect another DARE horror story:The Story of James Trimble - DARE instructorhttp://www.pdxnorml.org/dare_trimble.html
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #22 posted by mayan on November 21, 2004 at 05:08:50 PT
siege
Thanks for the links! Anti-PATRIOT Act resolutions are passing all over America! Lowell, Massachusetts joins the four states, 358 cities and counties that have passed resolutions to protect their 55,456,916 residents' civil liberties. Hundreds more resolutions critical of the USA PATRIOT Act are in progress!City councilors launch missile vs. Patriot Act:
http://www.lowellsun.com/Stories/0,1413,105%7E4761%7E2541163,00.htmlBill of Rights Defense Committee:
http://www.bordc.org/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #21 posted by mayan on November 21, 2004 at 04:55:23 PT
unrelated...
Woman says she'll sue if dispensary ban continues:
http://www.recordnet.com/daily/news/articles/112004-gn-10.phpCruel, but not that unusual:
http://www.chron.com/cs/CDA/ssistory.mpl/editorial/2911241The way out is the way in...Participants in the Cover-Up of 9/11 - The Case of American and United Airlines:
http://globalresearch.ca/articles/DAV411A.htmlToward a New Criminal Investigation into the Events of 9/11:
http://www.justicefor911.org/The Hidden Story of WTC 7:
http://www.wtc7.net/9/11 Truth LA:
http://www.911truthla.us/
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #20 posted by siege on November 20, 2004 at 19:58:02 PT
OFF==========TOPIC
HOW THE PATRIOT ACT COMPARES TO
HITLERS ERMÄCHTIGUNGSGESETZ (ENABLING ACT):
At http://www.furnitureforthepeople.com/actpat.htmyou can read the following 4 Articles:
1) How Patriot Act Compares to Hitler's Ermächtigungsgesetz (Enabling Act)2) A 21st Century Comparison of The Enabling Act and The Patriot Act3) Ten Key Dangers of The Patriot Act that Every American Should Know4) Bill Moyers' NOW Comments on the Patriot Act
~~Please tell your congress and senators to repeal the Patriot Act and to throw out current legislation advocating a second act.
Thank You, for your support!
Source:
http://www.rickieleejones.com/political/patriotact.htm
additional resources:
Citizens for Legitimate Government
http://legitgov.org
American Civil Liberties Union
http://aclu.org
Electronic Frontiers Foundation
http://eff.org
National Lawyers Guild
http://nlg.org
http://portland.indymedia.org/en/2004/11/303979.shtml
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #19 posted by siege on November 20, 2004 at 19:42:35 PT
Illegal
News Gathering Is Illegal
Under New Patriot Act llhttp://www.rense.com/general59/newsgatheringisillegal.htm
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #18 posted by The GCW on November 20, 2004 at 19:16:21 PT
This one is out now/ in print Sunday.
(This one shows the two different mentalities of sheriff.)http://www.summitdaily.com/article/20041120/NEWS/111200013 (Colorado)The task at hand"The year before Sept. 11 (2001), we busted 750,000 Americans for marijuana and one terrorist," Masters said. "And (Attorney General John) Ashcroft is telling everyone we'll fight the war on terror just like we fought the war on drugs. That's how far from reality they are - they're busting bong manufacturers as if bongs cause people to use drugs." More
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #17 posted by JustGetnBy on November 20, 2004 at 17:48:16 PT
E J
If I were a public servant, who gets a pretty good paycheck for basicly just showing up, who would I rather engage in a confrontational manner, a cannabist or the source of my finances. Cannabist are the Jews of the twenty first century.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #16 posted by E_Johnson on November 20, 2004 at 14:33:48 PT
So they figure
this will solve the growing violence problem in the Netherlands between Muslims and anti-Muslims?I mean, it's not like they don't have REAL problems. Why pick on the pot crowd?Oh yes I know, because we fight back with words, not bombs, so we are safer to abuse.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #15 posted by mayan on November 20, 2004 at 14:24:31 PT
related article...
Dutch mayor wants to create "weed boulevard" for drug tourists: http://tinyurl.com/69s8jThe latest on Ohio...Ohio Presidential Results to be Challenged:
http://www.freepress.org/departments/display/19/2004/899
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #14 posted by FoM on November 20, 2004 at 13:24:14 PT
BGreen
I was really getting worried. I'm glad all is well.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #13 posted by BGreen on November 20, 2004 at 12:52:08 PT
Relax
I'll write more about my Netherlands trip later when I have a little time (and BOY do I have a lot to tell you,) but according to Nol van Schaik himself, face to face, Nol said Donner gets nothing he squawks about because it's the Mayors of the towns who have the authority over coffeeshops, NOT Donner, so the Mayors know what really works best for their towns, INCLUDING tourism euros in the regular shops and restaurants, and Donner once again makes the international press as some sort of "savior" while in his own country he is a JOKE.Don't worry about the Netherlands. We've got enough to worry about here in the land of the "free." LOLThe Reverend Bud Green
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #12 posted by Craiig on November 20, 2004 at 12:31:36 PT
however,,,
I know the US have been sticking their noses in to dutch businesses and were threatening economic sanctions (read bribing) so not so outrageous, however it was well thrown out the last time since it's a type of racism thing if you know what i mean.Also the dutch were saying they'd just buy it for the jonny foreigner anyways.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #11 posted by afterburner on November 20, 2004 at 11:34:49 PT
Drug-Free by 2008? 2012? ...?
"Donner... said a meeting of EU justice and interior ministers agreed on guidelines for setting up an eight-year drugs action plan in the 25-nation bloc."It's 2004, and the UN says the world will be "drug-free by 2008." Why does the EU need "an eight-year drugs action plan"? That would last four years into the "drug-free" period!
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #10 posted by The GCW on November 20, 2004 at 11:12:35 PT
Clampdown Could Spell Trouble for PROHIBITIONISTS.
The prohibitionists and exterminists have shot their wad.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #9 posted by FoM on November 20, 2004 at 10:52:58 PT
Sam
What a waste of money trying to control this.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #8 posted by Sam Adams on November 20, 2004 at 10:37:20 PT
From another country?
It's simple, FOM, they'll just post a guard at the door asking to see your "papers".Craig, I think you're right, too, this is just demagogueing by the right wingers, similar to putting Reagan on the dime here, they're just doing this to stroke the few conservative rich guys who finance them.Cutting back the cannabis industry over there now would be very tough sledding indeed. It's a business that funnels millions of foreign currency directly into the Holland economy, it employs a lot of people, they spend their money & pay taxes in Holland.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #7 posted by FoM on November 20, 2004 at 10:34:46 PT
I See Now
I didn't see special passes in the article.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #6 posted by FoM on November 20, 2004 at 10:33:37 PT
Question
How would Coffee Shops know if someone was from another country?
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #5 posted by Craiig on November 20, 2004 at 10:23:21 PT
I'm 99% sure it's a load of rubbish
They've tried this before, but was stamped out. Don't know if it's part of the same story, or it appearing again, but 99% sure it won't be allowed to happen.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #4 posted by E_Johnson on November 20, 2004 at 10:08:42 PT
We need to stop begging
and start accusing.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #3 posted by E_Johnson on November 20, 2004 at 10:07:40 PT
I think it's part of family abuse really
Kids grow up with PTSD from abusive parenting and the abusive parents want them controlled by the law.Especially when they smoke cannabis and become functional enough to talk back to the abuse.It's just one form of abuse transforming into another.Our prisons are filled with abused kids grown up and being abused over and over again.The parents don't want to accept responsibility, so they allow the prison industrial complex to grow and feed itself on their offspring.What we really need is a global family confrontation.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #2 posted by medicinal toker on November 20, 2004 at 08:57:53 PT
drugs tourism?
Then access to German beer Hofbraus should also limited to only Germans, to be consistent. Same with French wines, etc. Alcohol is a drug too.
[ Post Comment ]
Comment #1 posted by Sam Adams on November 20, 2004 at 08:55:58 PT
the EU
this will be an interesting test - will the EU become like the US, with the federal government butting in everywhere? Let's hope not, more corruption & poor policy will be ahead. I'm sure the next thing they'll go after is relaxing environmental laws.What was it, 7th or 8th grade where we all learned the reasons the Roman Empire collapsed? I can still remember today that "overcentralization" was number 1 on the list....
[ Post Comment ]
Post Comment