Story By: Lee Bullen, Sub Editor: Joseph Golder, Agency:  Newsflash

The Dutch authorities have relaxed their crackdown on coffee shops to prevent the coronavirus spread by allowing stores to open to sell cannabis to desperate users via a takeaway counter.

The move comes just one day after closing down stores and causing users to queue around the block to panic buy stocks.

Images of cannabis users forming long queues outside coffee shops in the Netherlands were widely circulated by international media after the Dutch authorities closed stores to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

However, following a consultation between the Ministry of Justice and Security and the Security Regions, it was decided to allow coffee shops to continue supplying hash and weed, according to local media.

Coffee shops are now reportedly authorised to supply cannabis from a takeaway counter.

According to reports, customers can collect soft drugs from the takeaway counter, but they are not allowed to sit in the shop to consume the products.

The government ordered the closure of all restaurants, cafes and schools until 6th April to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Cannabis panic buyers formed queues around the block and reports said that some street dealers were taking advantage of the situation by offering weed for extortionate prices.

Mayor of Breda Paul Depla also expressed his concerns about the situation.

The ViralTab page is created by and dedicated to professional, independent freelance journalists. It is a place for us to showcase our work. When our news is sold to our media partners, we will include the link here.