WELCOME TO AMSTERDAM'S CANNABIS COLLEGE

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

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

German tourist Mich Knect, 23, listens to instructions carefully. Berry
explains chemicals are added to hydroponic marijuana to produce a more
potent pop.

"This is not good," Berry said. "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."

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

Cannabis is broken down into two major categories: indica and sativa.

Indica has thick, dense buds and the high is a "heavy, stoned one."

Sativas have long, thin buds, smell sweet -- almost fruity -- and after
smoking it one will experience a buzz to the body 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.