Dutch government to back cheap medicinal weed

[Tafari]

Dutch government to back cheap medicinal weed


AMSTERDAM (Reuters) - Patients seeking pain relief may soon be heading
for the Dutch city of Groningen to buy affordable and potent medical
marijuana in the country's first pharmacy specializing in the pungent
weed.

Although cannabis is readily available in the country's famous coffee
shops, the foundation for Medicinal Cannabis Netherlands wants to launch
a pharmacy in the northern Dutch city so patients can buy high-grade
cannabis at affordable prices, evening daily NRC Handelsblad reported on
Wednesday.

Groningen city council member Fleur Woudstra, who supports the cannabis
pharmacy, told the paper that while pot may be cheaper in coffee
shops -- usually around 10 euros ($12) for the equivalent of 3 or 4
s -- quality often suffers.

The price of Groningen's medicinal weed will be around 5 euros per gram,
which is cheaper than highly potent medicinal cannabis bought at other
regular pharmacies, the paper said.

The Office of Medicinal Cannabis -- a Dutch government agency -- and the
community of Groningen as well as the local police all support the
endeavor.

Two more cannabis pharmacies are planned in the towns of Hoogezand and
Assen.

On Thursday the lower house of parliament is due to debate the
distribution of medicinal cannabis.

Dutch minister of health Hans Hoogervorst wants it to be possible for
pharmacists to sell medical weed up until 2007.

© Reuters 2006. All Rights Reserved.
Wed Feb 1, 2006 8:09 PM GMT173

[Torkel]

Far out, man

Peace,
Torkel
_________________
Miller vs U.S. (230 F 2nd 486,489): "The claim and exercise of a Constitutional right cannot be converted into a crime."

Miranda vs Arizona (384 U.S. 436, 125): "Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule-making or legislation which would abrogate them."

HAGANS vs LAVINE (415 US 533 N-3,note 5): "Once JURISDICTION is challenged it must be proven by the Plaintiff."

[Torkel]

Far out, man

Peace,
Torkel
_________________
Miller vs U.S. (230 F 2nd 486,489): "The claim and exercise of a Constitutional right cannot be converted into a crime."

Miranda vs Arizona (384 U.S. 436, 125): "Where rights secured by the Constitution are involved, there can be no rule-making or legislation which would abrogate them."

HAGANS vs LAVINE (415 US 533 N-3,note 5): "Once JURISDICTION is challenged it must be proven by the Plaintiff."