03/10/2007 00:00:00
Netherlands: Dutch Cannabis a Bit Less Powerful
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UTRECHT, 03/10/07 - The strength of the cannabis sold in the tolerated
Dutch drugs bars known as 'coffee shops' has decreased. The level of
THC, the main constituent, has dropped from 17.5 percent in 2006 to 16
percent in 2007, according to figures presented by the Trimbos Institute
yesterday.
Since 1999, Trimbos has carried out research for the Health Ministry
into the strength of cannabis products sold in the 'coffee shops'. Until
2004, the THC content increased substantially, to more than 20 percent.
"Since then, a swing has taken place."
The THC level is nevertheless still many times that of cannabis that
grows naturally, which generally has values of 2 to 5 percent. The
strength of the Dutch 'weed' is so high due to sophisticated cultivation
techniques and equipment, which is freely available in shops.
For the first time since the measurements started in 1999, the price of
cannabis has gone up. The price was even 20 percent higher than last
year. The price of imported hash also rose.
The average price of one gram of cannabis is now 7.30 euros. "The higher
price and the drop in THC content are probably the result of the
intensified efforts of the police to trace cannabis growers. The
decrease in supply leads to a higher purchase price for the coffee
shops," Trimbos explained.
Another striking result is the substantial drop in the THC content of
imported hash. This decreased from 18.7 percent in 2006 to 13.3 percent
in 2007. There was also a slight price rise, from 7.30 to 7.70 euros on
average.
"It is possible that climatic conditions in the country of origin, in
most cases Morocco, led to a poorer harvest, resulting in lower hashish
proceeds. Another possibility is that the more stringent policies in
Morocco in relation to hashish have led to reduced income and fewer
exports."
http://www.nisnews.nl/public/031007_1.htm
Source:
http://www.ukcia.org/news/shownewsarticle.php?articleid=12880
Author:
NIS News via UKCIA
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