Browse Topics
Tools
Internaxx Stock Market
Index Last Var.(%)
BEL 20 2119.3 0.50
DAX 5252.45 1.50
IBEX 30 10726.8 0.59
CAC 40 3377.59 1.40
FTSE 100 4564.5 0.79
AEX 276.85 0.95
DJIA 9096.72 -0.13
Nasdaq 1975.51 0.39
FTSE MIB 20341.67 1.65
TSX Composite 10570.54 -1.74
ASX 4148.9 -0.60
Hang seng 20135.5 -2.37
Straits Times 0.00
ISEQ 20 442.48 0.27
You are here: Home News Dutch News Dutch news in brief, Thursday 2 July 2009

Dutch News

archive
Print Email Comment Subscribe
Enlarge font Decrease font Text size

02/07/2009Dutch news in brief, Thursday 2 July 2009

Read the roundup of today's Dutch press from Radio Netherlands.

Crack down on cannabis
A number of today’s papers cover a leaked official report in which sweeping changes to the famously permissive Dutch cannabis policy are recommended. De Volkskrant says the document also pushes for the age at which alcohol can be bought to be raised from 16 to 18. The authors of the report believe the authorities should give out a strong message that alcohol and drug use by people under 18 “is not normal” and is highly dangerous.
 
Licensed outlets called ‘coffeeshops’ are at present allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis products. However, producing the soft drugs is not legal and coffeeshops must rely on criminals for their supplies. Foreigners crossing the Dutch border to stock up on the soft drugs have caused increasing trouble over the last few years. Both problems are highlighted in the report which also indicates, on the other hand, that 30 years of permissive policy towards soft drugs has had a positive effect on public health.
 
The report recommends that coffeeshops should be limited in scale and only allowed to supply local cannabis users. It also wants the institution of a drugs authority which would follow developments in the market and come down hard on people abusing the system.
 
Nrc.next reports there have been suggestions that the distinction between cannabis and ‘hard’ drugs, such as cocaine and ecstasy, is outdated because of the strength of modern cannabis products.
 
What’s best for dementia patients?
Trouw questions whether small-scale care for dementia patients, the subject of recent hype, really delivers the best results. Some time ago, the government launched an EUR 80 million plan to provide dementia sufferers with small living units in their communities. Trouw quotes a number of experts who list the advantages of grouping patients together in larger numbers.
Have your Dutch News delivered straight to your inbox - sign up for our e-mail newsletter now!

Print Email Comment Subscribe

General rating: Not rated yet

Rate article:    Add my rating

0 reactions to this article

Reply
Discussion Forums

International News

Five gun attack dead named by MoD, by PanatellaFred

International News

Intelligence Squared, by Stonewall

International News

Americans Wake Up, by Wild Rose Country

Science & Technology in the Netherlands

Recommendation for Desktop Repair in Amsterdam, by aprilinamsterdam

Discuss Dutch Culture

Hooligans, by Stonewall

participate in the forums

Inside Expatica
Healthcare in the Netherlands

Healthcare in the Netherlands

Here’s a current guide to health insurance, doctors, dentists and pharmacies.

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Dutch immigration and residency regulations

Lost in the Dutch immigration system? Look no further than this guide compiled for our Survival Guide 2009.

The Netherlands at a glance

The Netherlands at a glance

Some basic facts and figures about living and working in the Netherlands.

Giving birth in the Netherlands

Giving birth in the Netherlands

The challenges and benefits of the maternity system in the Netherlands and how it differs to other countries.