Netherlands votes in favour of regulated marijuana production

(CNBC) For decades it has been acceptable to buy small amounts of marijuana in the country's so-called coffee shops, however the cultivation and sale of the drug has remained prohibited, prompting much political and public debate. However, Dutch MPs voted on Tuesday by a narrow majority of 77 to 72 to regulate the production of the drug, a move that supporters claim will reduce coffee shops' dependency on criminal networks. The proposals must also receive majority support from the Senate before being made law, yet they come at an interesting time for the country which is due to go to the polls in a general election on March 15.