Prime minister prepared to discuss cannabis card problems

Prime minister Mark Rutte is prepared to discuss problems with the cannabis club registration system with local councils later in the year, he told current affairs show Nieuwsuur on Thursday evening.


Earlier this week, Maastricht mayor Onno Hoes said he wanted to end the compulsory registration of cannabis users. Instead, people should be able to buy marijuana in licenced cafes after showing ID and a certificate saying they live in the locality, he said.
Rutte told Nieuwsuur it is sensible to keep on eye on the practicalities of new legislation and learn the lessons so far. However, there is no guarantee changes will be made, he said.
Since May, all cannabis cafes in the south of the country have been turned into private members clubs in an effort to stop drugs tourism. The controversial scheme is due to go nationwide in January.
Earlier stories

Maastricht mayor does u-turn over cannabis club membership

600 jobs go as cannabis cafe reforms begin to bite
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