Published Date:
06 November 2009
By Ethan McNern
THE Dutch are among the lowest users of cannabis in Europe, despite the Netherlands' tolerance of possession and use of the drug, according to a new study.
Among adults in the Netherlands, 5.4 per cent used cannabis, compared with the European average of 6.8 per cent, according to an annual report by the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction.
Cannabis use in Europe rose steadily during the 1990s and earlier this decade, but has recently stabilised and is beginning to show signs of decline, the agency said, owing to several national campaigns to curb and treat use of the drug.
The policy on soft drugs in the Netherlands, one of the most liberal in Europe, allows for the sale of cannabis at "coffee shops" and personal possession of less than 5 grams.
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Last Updated:
05 November 2009 9:58 PM
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Source:
The Scotsman
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Location:
Edinburgh
