Hashishi

Dutch Cannabis a Bit Less Powerful
10-2-`07 | NIS News Bulletin

UTRECHT - The strength of the cannabis sold in the tolerated Dutch drugs bars known as 'coffee shops' has decreased. The level of THC, the main constituent, has dropped from 17.5 percent in 2006 to 16 percent in 2007, according to figures presented by the Trimbos Institute yesterday.

Since 1999, Trimbos has carried out research for the Health Ministry into the strength of cannabis products sold in the 'coffee shops'. Until 2004, the THC content increased substantially, to more than 20 percent. "Since then, a swing has taken place."

The THC level is nevertheless still many times that of cannabis that grows naturally, which generally has values of 2 to 5 percent. The strength of the Dutch 'weed' is so high due to sophisticated cultivation techniques and equipment, which is freely available in shops.

For the first time since the measurements started in 1999, the price of cannabis has gone up. The price was even 20 percent higher than last year. The price of imported hash also rose.

The average price of one gram of cannabis is now 7.30 euros. "The higher price and the drop in THC content are probably the result of the intensified efforts of the police to trace cannabis growers. The decrease in supply leads to a higher purchase price for the coffee shops," Trimbos explained.

Another striking result is the substantial drop in the THC content of imported hash. This decreased from 18.7 percent in 2006 to 13.3 percent in 2007. There was also a slight price rise, from 7.30 to 7.70 euros on average.

"It is possible that climatic conditions in the country of origin, in most cases Morocco, led to a poorer harvest, resulting in lower hashish proceeds. Another possibility is that the more stringent policies in Morocco in relation to hashish have led to reduced income and fewer exports."

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