THE BACK DOOR PROBLEM

A majority of the Dutch Lower House wants to tolerate the supply of softdrugs to coffeeshops. Now the Minister of Justice Korthals has to decide on this new step in legalising the marihuana branch. Because of the majority in the Lower House the Minister of Justice does not have much choice to give way to the toleration of the cultivation of marihuana.

Also a lot of mayors want to start experimenting with the legalisation of the cultivation of marihuana. While it is tolerated to buy 5 grams of soft drugs in a coffeeshop, it is illegal to supply the coffeeshop. The so-called 'backdoor'- problem creates an unclear and criminilizing situation, while at the same time half of the offered softdrugs is produced in Holland.

The city of Tilburg wants to start with the experiment. A group coffeeshops is already organized in an association and they are willing to participate in the experiment. The only thing they do not like is the ban on the import and sales of foreign softdrugs.

Marihuana is cultivated on a very large scale in Holland. All the needed equipment, raw materials and expertise are widely available in so called 'grow shops'. Many people are earning extra black money with the activity. Lately the Dutch authorities are organizing huge raids to find the private plantations. Tens of marihuana-plantations are found on one day. Sometimes even in one street.

Nowadays marihuana is unofficially number 4 on the Dutch agricultural export list. Throughout Europe - from Denmark to Greece - the Dutch potent grass is sold and even cultivated. Featurez has all the expertise for an in depth reportage on the 'marihuana branch'. more features

September, 2000