Pubdate: Wed, 02 Jul 2008
Source: Province, The (CN BC)
Copyright: 2008 Canwest Publishing Inc.
Contact: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/letters.html
Website: http://www.canada.com/theprovince/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/476
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)

DUTCH HAVING A HIGH TIME WITH BASIC BACCY BAN

AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -- The Netherlands yesterday banned 
tobacco-smoking in bars and restaurants -- but weed-lovers carried on 
lighting up pure cannabis joints, pipes and vapourizers.

"No smoking" signs were plainly visible in traditional Dutch cafes 
and trendy bars, while coffee-shop owners handed out leaflets 
outlining the new rules and suggesting tobacco substitutes, such as a 
mix of herbs.

"Many cultures don't smoke cannabis with tobacco. Americans often 
smoke with bongs, but the Dutch are used to smoking it with 
cigarettes, so it will be more of a hassle for them," said Barbara 
Bovenkerk, floor manager at the Green House coffee shop.

"The first few days will be a bit strange, but eventually people will 
accept it. A while ago, they banned alcohol in the coffee shops and 
everyone complained, but went along with it."

Soft drugs are officially banned in the Netherlands but, under a 
policy of tolerance, buyers are allowed to have less than five grams 
of cannabis in their possession.

Small quantities are sold in coffee shops, making the usually small, 
cosy venues big tourist attractions.

Under the new law, cutting cannabis with tobacco could see 
coffee-shop owners fined up to 2,400 euros (slightly less than $4,000).

Some coffee-shop owners were concerned that the tobacco ban would 
lead more people to smoke stronger joints and encourage smokers to 
move out on to the streets.

"Smoking it [cannabis] pure can knock you out, and maybe make it more 
addictive. Smoking culture is also likely to move outside in the 
streets and parks," said Pieter van Wallen, manager of the Rokerij coffee shop.
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MAP posted-by: Jay Bergstrom