The Dutch Parliament narrowly adopted a resolution this past Tuesday to allow regulated marijuana cultivation, which the government hopes will curb the illicit export of marijuana, an estimated $8.5 billion business.
Legislators passed the resolution by a 73-72 vote. The resolution now awaits the cabinet’s consideration, which will likely come on Friday. Coffee shops in the Netherlands are permitted to openly sell marijuana and hash, but it remains a crime to grow marijuana.
“One of the main objectives is to fight crime,” said Labor Party parliamentarian Thanasis Apostolou, who drafted the resolution. “By regulating the supply we would know who is selling what and where it is going.”
“The Dutch are clearly in the lead in creating a more workable marijuana policy,” said Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director. “This is in stark contrast to the U.S. where most elected officials continue to look for new ways to punish marijuana smokers.”
For more information, please contact Allen St. Pierre, NORML Foundation Executive Director at (202) 483-8751.
