Pubdate: Tue, 24 Oct 2000
Source: Evening Courier (UK)
Copyright: 2000 The Halifax Courier Ltd.
Contact:  Mailbag, PO Box 19, Halifax, West Yorkshire HX1 2SF, England
Fax: +44-(0)1422-260341
Website: http://www.halifaxcourier.co.uk/
Author:  Joe Wein
Referenced: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v00/n1540/a07.html

LET'S FOLLOW DUTCH EXAMPLE OVER CANNABIS

IF William Marshall ("Going up in smoke", "Evening Courier", October 11) 
wants to show us how Britain might change after cannabis decriminalisation, 
why doesn't he simply look at Dutch realities?

Twenty four years after possession of 30 grammes of cannabis was 
decriminalised there, a mere 2.5 per cent of the Dutch population - one 
person in 40 - regularly use the herb.  Adolescent use rates are around 
half of what they are in Britain.

In the Netherlands decriminalisation has taken the glamour out of cannabis. 
Cannabis prohibition is completely counterproductive, continually tempting 
young people through the "forbidden fruit" effect.

Let's get real,  let's go Dutch!

Joe Wein, Japan
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MAP posted-by: Jo-D