RISING SWELL OF SUPPORT FOR MARIJUANA

THIRTY years after the first "coffee shops" opened their doors in Amsterdam,
there's growing acceptance of both recreational and medical use of cannabis
across Europe and in Canada. Entrepreneurs will not be allowed to set up
shop in these countries just yet, though that hasn't stopped a few from
trying.

The most dramatic step came in September, when a Canadian Senate committee
concluded that marijuana does less harm than alcohol and should be legalised
for everyone over the age of 16. That followed a 2001 ruling that made
Canada the first country in the world to legalise cannabis for medical
purposes.

The latest recommendation is not legally binding, but it marks the changing
tide of opinion. A report by Canada's House of Commons due out this month is
expected to recommend the less bold step of decriminalisation. There are
concerns, however, that a softer line will cause the US to clamp down on
borders and trade.

In Britain, the government has promised to move cannabis into a softer drug
category by 2003. This which will reduce the penalty for being caught with a
single joint or plant. The drug will remain illegal, as it still is in the
Netherlands. Regulations to permit medicinal use are not on the cards in
Britain, although trials are under way.

In the US, various states independently attacked the strict federal rules
against marijuana with little success. In Nevada, a move to legalise the
drug was turned down. However, California and seven other states already
have guidelines for medicinal cannabis use and New York, Vermont and
Maryland are expected to join the list over the next few years.