Half of all Dutch in favor of legalisation
Supporters of the left wing green party Groenlinks are most favorable of legalisation (88%), while half the supporters of the two governing Christian parties CDA and ChristenUnie want soft drugs made illegal and all coffeeshops closed down.
A remarkable finding is that most smokers can be found amongst supporters of the Socialist Party (SP) and anti-Islam PVV. Geert Wilders’ PVV strongly opposes the use and legalisation of soft drugs.
Member of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD) Fred Teeven has stated that his party supports the cultivation of cannabis, but only for the amount needed to supply coffeeshops. It is estimated that 80% of all crops cultivated within the Netherlands are exported to neighboring countries. The VVD also wishes to turn coffeeshops into ‘social clubs’, where only members are able to purchase cannabis.
This week the cabinet is debating over new drug laws. While Christian parties CDA and CU prefer to see coffeeshops disappear completely, coalition party PVDA wants these stores to be given more possibilities for legally purchasing their stock.
Also see “Cannabis Policy next Obstacle Facing Coalition”.
