fight4rights

Dutch government to back cheap medicinal weed
Reuters | 2/01/06

AMSTERDAM - Patients seeking pain relief may soon be heading for the Dutch city of Groningen to buy affordable and potent medical marijuana in the country's first pharmacy specialising in the pungent weed.

Although cannabis is readily available in the country's famous coffee shops, the foundation for Medicinal Cannabis Netherlands wants to launch a pharmacy in the northern Dutch city so patients can buy high-grade cannabis at affordable prices, evening daily NRC Handelsblad reported on Wednesday.

Groningen city council member Fleur Woudstra, who supports the cannabis pharmacy, told the paper that while pot may be cheaper in coffee shops -- usually around 10 euros ($12) for the equivalent of 3 or 4 joints -- quality often suffers.

The price of Groningen's medicinal weed will be around 5 euros per gram, which is cheaper than highly potent medicinal cannabis bought at other regular pharmacies, the paper said.

The Office of Medicinal Cannabis -- a Dutch government agency -- and the community of Groningen as well as the local police all support the endeavour.

Two more cannabis pharmacies are planned in the towns of Hoogezand and Assen.

On Thursday the lower house of parliament is due to debate the distribution of medicinal cannabis.

Dutch minister of health Hans Hoogervorst wants it to be possible for pharmacists to sell medical weed up until 2007.

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"Those who do no harm to others should not be harmed by others..." Ethan Nadelmann
"Revolution is not a right, it is an obligation." John Locke
"Do SOMETHING besides argue emotions against the law, because it simply isn't a rational way to affect any type of change whatsoever. No offense intended, but your opinion on things is a moot point unless you take actions to change the law, rather than ramble about how unfair or injust it is." troublemaker_42
"'Just say no' to drugs, except those marketed by big pharmaceutical companies." Ignorant Politicians

faulninja

"Dutch minister of health Hans Hoogervorst wants it to be possible for pharmacists to sell medical weed up until 2007"

Why would they only sell it until 2007? why wouldnt they keep it for good? or it a trial thing and the test ends in 2007? could someone let me know?

Spock

The thing I love about the dutch is their willingness to try something different. If it doesn't work they can tweak it or just shut it down but at least they are willing to try.