Since the introduction of the controversial Weed Pass (“Wietpas”) to the southern provinces of the Netherlands in June this year, authorities have reported significant upswings in cannabis-related petty crime. The protests of municipalities not yet subject to the law are becoming ever more strident…

The nuisance caused by drug dealers has exploded since the introduction of the ‘wietpas’  in the south of Holland. The drug hotline had no less than 619 reports of nuisance within the first month, four times more than the previous month. Police in Maastricht have arrested 101 people for possession, manufacturing or dealing drugs and [...]

The Commission is now preparing another six papers covering its main areas of enquiry – the results of current drug-control measures, harm reduction and suggestions for improved policies. Naturally, more attention is focused on hard drugs due to the far greater damage associated with them; however, two of these papers will specifically address the issue of cannabis legalisation and decriminalisation.

In recent weeks, two people suffering from multiple sclerosis have been brought before French courts to face criminal charges for cultivating cannabis. Both sufferers use marijuana medicinally for the relief of their disease.   In France, although the possession of cannabis seeds is legal, only industrial hemp (with a THC level of less than 0.03%) [...]