What a weird world! While America, who started this shit, grapples with the painful process of admitting that the emperor never had no clothes on, now the Dutch, who pioneered the first reasonable approach to marijuana smoking by its citizens, is trying to pretend that some regal clothing has now mysteriously appeared to justify the new round of repression.

But here's the real deal: "Until a century or so ago in Europe," the International Herald Tribune reported on Nov. 30, "people could buy cocaine and heroin over the counter ... and smoke cannabis cigarettes anywhere. Such behavior was deemed appropriate, beneficial or even fashionable."

It's like Jesse Crawford said, introducing the MC-5's performance of "Motor City Is Burning" onstage at the Grande Ballroom on the Zenta New Year in 1968, and speaking of you and me, "If you ask me, this is the high society — you!" —420 Café, Amsterdam, Dec. 2-3, 2010

And the winners are ...

The High Times Cannabis Cup is always held in Amsterdam during Thanksgiving week. The 23rd Cannabis Cup, held Nov. 21-25, featured a First Generation Hip Hop Tribute with Busy Bee Starski, Superdude, Del the Funky Homosapien, Kid Cudi and Devin the Dude performing at the PowerZone, the Melkweg and other official venues.

The winner of the 2010 Cannabis Cup is Barney's Coffeeshop for Tangerine Dream. Green House United took second place with Super Lemon Haze, and the Green Place showed with L.A. Cheese. The Gray Area and the 420 Café placed fourth and fifth.

In the Indica Cup it was a first place for Reserva Privada with their Kosher Kush. THSeeds placed with Cold Creek Kush and Karma Genetics showed with their White OG.

The Sativa Cup was awarded to Amnesia Seeds for Acapulco Gold, with DNA Genetics second with Chocolope and Hortilab third with Sour Power.

In the Import Hash Cup, Barney's Coffeeshop won for Caramella Cream, Green House United was second with Rif Cream, and the Green Place made third with Twizla.

The Dutch Hash Cup went to the Green House for Tangerine Nectar Iceolator, Barney's placed with Tangerine Nectar Iceolator, and the Grey Area showed with Grey Area Crystal.

Early-days rapper Coke LaRock was named to the Counter-Culture Hall of Fame, and Dale Gieringer of NORML was honored as Freedom Fighter of the Year.

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