From: "Gregg Strom/BRYX Int'l" 

Scottish Parliament Considers 'Dutch Coffee House' Legalization

    Edinburgh, Scotland: Ministers in the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) have
proposed a plan to allow a four-year test trial for "Dutch style"
cannabis cafes where patrons can buy and smoke marijuana legally.
    Tommy Sheridan, the Scottish Socialist Party leader, called on other
ministers to support the four-year legalization plan. Citing Dutch crime
statistics, Scottish ministers such as Sheridan believe the cannabis coffee
shops would lessen the use of hard drugs and reduce crime.
    "The current system is failing and I think there should be a more
grown-up debate about it," said Donald Gorrie a Liberal Democrat MSP.
    Although this proposal has serious support from Scottish MSPs, the final
decision rests with the United Kingdom Parliament.
    "Most European countries continue to lessen the penalties for smoking
marijuana, while here in America, our lawmakers continue to 'toughen up'
our marijuana laws leading to record levels of marijuana arrests,"
said Scott Colvin, NORML Publications Director.
    For more information, please contact Scott Colvin, NORML Publications
Director at (202) 483-5500.

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