SMOKING, TOKING COLLEGE

The first mistake the unrefined marijuana sampler invariably makes is
thinking the stronger the cannabis, the better.

"Everyone comes in here thinking that strong is good and that is absolutely
wrong," says a pot tour guide who goes by the name Berry and plies his
trade at the Cannabis College in the heart of Amsterdam.

German tourist Mich Knect, 23, listens to his instruction carefully. He is
told to look for resinous plants with profuse white, crystallized flowering
heads.

Berry explains that chemicals are added to hydroponic marijuana during
cultivation to cull a more potent pot when smoked.

"This is not good," Berry says. "You have to think of it like buying a good
bottle of wine. If chemicals were added, the connoisseur would spit it out.
Chemical-free is the proper way, although no one seems to care anymore.
People feel strong is good."

The college, which opened in 1997, says it provides tourists with "correct,
objective information about the cannabis plant" with seminars and
tutorials. Admission is free.

Knect takes notes about different strains of marijuana he will encounter
during his three-day taste tour of Amsterdam.

'Strange Homework'

Berry says there are more than 2,000 types of cannabis, which break down
into two major categories: Indica and sativa.

Indica has thick, dense buds, the smell is strong and pungent and the high,
Berry says, is a "heavy, stoned one."

The sativas have long, thin buds, smell sweet -- almost fruity -- and after
smoking it, one will experience a buzz and feel more energized.

Knect and two friends are told to smoke one sativa, one indica and one
50/50 cross-breed and report back the following day.

The three had been to some of Amsterdam's famed coffee shops, but were
overwhelmed by the choices.

"That is strange homework," Knect says.

"I'm glad they have a place like this because I had no idea what I was
doing. The marijuana guys were using words I just didn't understand."

Before parting, Berry tells Knect to be patient while smoking marijuana and
not try to consume too much at one time.

"Moderation, my friends, is essential."