Egypt's Pot Problem? A Marijuana Shortage

[Don't Blink]

Egypt's Pot Problem? A Marijuana Shortage

May 05, 2010

ABC's Lama Hasan reports from Cairo, Egypt:

Forget about the economic crisis, deficits, debts and country bail outs, Egypt is facing a huge problem of its own. A marijuana problem. And it’s not what you’re thinking.

In a country where smoking the drug is part of everyday life for many here, a shortage of the stuff is a problem and it’s one that some are calling ‘’unprecedented.’’ The hash shortage is not due to consumers smoking the country’s stash up and bleeding it dry, it’s thanks to the vigilance of the interior ministry’s anti narcotics squad.

In March this year, the agency trumpeted a seven and a half ton seizure. And they’re not stopping there, Egyptian authorities are also arresting the head honchos of the drug trade making it more difficult to spread marijuana on the streets. So, what does this mean for the dealers who can get their hands on the drug and consumers? A hike in prices. The cost of eight to twelve grams has more than doubled this year.

As the dry spell continues, some in the media are taking advantage of the situation and taking a crack at the smokers. One local newspaper featured an article about how they’re dealing with withdrawals. In case you’re wondering, some smokers have swapped their hash for alcohol and pills. People have been grumbling about the mood swings they are now forced to deal with.

Perhaps my favorite paragraph on this story comes from a Mr. Waleed Marzouk of Masry Al Youm (Egypt Today), where he says ‘’It remains to be seen whether these latest crackdowns are a serious commitment to a drug-free Egypt or little more than an elaborate public relations stunt. The general consensus seems to be that the government will flood the market with hashish soon enough, and return to its tried and tested policy of opiating the masses, especially in an election year.’’

[mr wiseguy]

so i wont be going there for my hols then

[Dennisq]

some smokers have swapped their hash for alcohol and pills

See what happens when ya mess with a good thing?

[cerina]

My thoughts exactly, Dennis.