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Call to ban magic mushroom sales to minors

p>A Dutch association of shops that sell "magic mushrooms" wants a self-imposed ban on the sale to minors. The move comes as a debate hots up in the Netherlands about the safety of the magic mushrooms. A majority in Dutch parliament wants a total ban but in June Health Minister Ab Klink said he just wants an age limit on sales.

According to the association of so-called "smart shops" a limit on age would solve most problems caused by tourists who come to Amsterdam and g wild because of the relaxed attitude to drug use. Earlier this year a 17-year-old French girl died after throwing herself from an Amsterdam bridge after consuming magic mushrooms.

In the Netherlands the sale of dried magic mushrooms is banned but fresh ones are allowed because they can also be found naturally in Dutch woods. This year, 35 people have called emergency services after eating them, almost all of them tourists.

This article was written for TravelSavvy Europe by Nigel Stoneson. If you know of an interesting European travel related news story, please get in contact.

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