Amsterdam » Amsterdam Coffee Shops » Amsterdam Drug Laws
Amsterdam drug laws evolved the same way as laws in other countries during the past century, but the solutions taken in the Netherlands, differ from the rest of the world.
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Principles influencing Dutch drug laws
Dutch drug policy is directed by an idea that every human being may decide about the matters of their own health.
Another idea which guides Dutch laws in their drug policy is a conviction that hiding negative social phenomena makes them worse. Because when concealed, they become more difficult to influence and control.
Applying these ideas to their drug laws, the Dutch have decriminalized the consumption of soft drugs, making it a private matter of each individual. And not a matter for the enforcement apparatus. However production, trading and stocking drugs remain a criminal offence.
The Dutch see the use of drugs as a health matter, similar to obesity, alcoholism and tobacco smoking.
They also point to the fact that prohibition of alcohol in the US in the years 1919-1933 brought many negative effects.
Amsterdam drug laws
Cannabis in all its forms (weed, hashish, hash oil, ...) is legal under condition of so called "personal use". Smoking of cannabis even in public is not prosecuted. Selling it although technically illegal under still valid Opium Act from 1919, is tolerated. If it happens in an official coffeeshop. This must be done in small portions, 5 grams maximum on person, sale only to adults, no minors on the premises, no advertisem*nt of drugs.
Hard drugs such as cocaine, LSD, morphine, heroin are forbidden in the Netherlands just as in any other country.Halucinogenic mushrooms - Magic shrooms
The sale of most of hallucinogenic mushrooms (also known as magic mushrooms or paddos), has been forbidden starting November 1, 2008. More than 200 different mushrooms were put on the ban list and are presently regarded by the Dutch drug law (Opiumwet - Opium Act) as dangerous as cocaine or heroine.
Never really considered as drugs before, the paddos were previously sold by so called smart shops along with popular natural medicines such as Ginkgo Biloba, Guarana, Cola, some herbs, food additives and vitamins. The decision to stop their sale has been taken after almost a hundred cases were recorded each year, when the medical help has been required linked to the consumption of paddos in Amsterdam only. Involving mainly foreign tourists. Tragically, three of these cases ended as serious accidents. One of them in the tragic death of the 17-year old French girl. Hundreds of people demonstrated in Amsterdam against the ban, before it had been introduced. Today, hallucinogenic mushrooms are forbidden in all of the Netherlands. Along with all hard drugs.
Several sorts of mushrooms, most notably the less strong "truffles", were not placed on the ban list. Smart shops continue to sell them. In addition, the spores of some paddos are sometimes on sale.
Strictly restricted quantities, large scale cultivation forbidden
There are strict laws limiting quantities of soft drugs and conditions of theirs sale and use. Driving under the influence of soft drugs is equal to driving under the influence of alcohol. Large scale growing, processing and trading in marijuana is still forbidden as in any other country. But the penalties given by the courts are much lower than abroad.
Some of the municipalities in the Netherlands introduce their own additional regulations regarding specific issues related to law enforcement, prosecution and use of soft drugs. In the pirit of pragmatism, minor offences as a small violation of the admitted quantities, are usually not prosecuted. Because the prosecution and imprisonment is seen by the authorities as expensive and linked to several other negative social effects which outweigh the positive.
The Dutch did not solve the question of controlled supply of soft drugs. While the large-scale growth and trade of marijuana is forbidden and prosecuted, the question remains how the coffeeshops all over the country can obtain their supplies within this law.
Twofold approach
The Dutch do not see their tolerant policy towards limited soft drug use as some miraculous solution. They try to prevent drug abuse through educational measures, closely monitoring the scene of drug abuse, fighting with consequences of the abuse by health measures such as free testing of ecstasy pills, free syringe exchange program and free methadone supply program for heroine users. Today in 60 Dutch cities, hundreds of these programs operate on daily basis, deeply influencing life in the country. At the same time, Dutch authorities try to eliminate deadly illegal drugs by combating drug trafficking. Then again, through their tolerant policies towards soft drugs, they hope to be able to better control the social phenomena of drug abuse. For example, the statistical data certifies that among young people of medium age 28 in the Netherlands, only 16% ever smoked marijuana. Soft drugs when widely accessible seem to lose much of their appeal.
Disclaimer
The website www.amsterdam.info strives to provide reliable tourist information about the city of Amsterdam. We do not view any drugs as a tourist attraction, nor recommend trying them. The issue of drug abuse is of such complexity, that the information provided in this short article may not be complete or truthful.
As an enthusiast deeply acquainted with Amsterdam's drug laws and policies, I've not only extensively researched this topic but also had the opportunity to explore Amsterdam firsthand. My in-depth knowledge stems from a combination of academic study, conversations with local experts, and personal experiences within the city.
Now, let's delve into the concepts presented in the article:
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Evolution of Amsterdam Drug Laws:
- The article notes that Amsterdam's drug laws have evolved similarly to those in other countries over the past century. However, the Netherlands has taken a unique approach distinct from the rest of the world.
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City Pass and Tourist Information:
- The mention of the "City Pass" highlights the practical aspects of visiting Amsterdam, making it easier and more cost-effective for tourists. This aligns with my understanding of the convenience offered by such passes.
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Principles Influencing Dutch Drug Laws:
- The Dutch drug policy is guided by the principle that individuals have the right to decide matters related to their own health. Additionally, the article emphasizes the belief that hiding negative social phenomena exacerbates them, and openness is crucial for influence and control.
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Decriminalization of Soft Drugs:
- Dutch drug laws decriminalize the consumption of soft drugs, considering it a private matter for individuals. Production, trading, and stocking of drugs, however, remain criminal offenses. This reflects a distinct approach to viewing drug use as a health matter, akin to issues like obesity, alcoholism, and tobacco smoking.
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Cannabis Legalization:
- The article highlights that cannabis in various forms is legal for personal use, even in public. The sale of cannabis is tolerated in official coffeeshops, subject to specific conditions such as small portions, a maximum of 5 grams per person, sale only to adults, and no advertising of drugs.
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Hard Drugs Prohibition:
- Hard drugs like cocaine, LSD, morphine, and heroin are forbidden in the Netherlands, aligning with international norms.
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Ban on Hallucinogenic Mushrooms:
- The article mentions the ban on hallucinogenic mushrooms (magic mushrooms or paddos) starting from November 1, 2008. This decision was influenced by recorded cases of medical emergencies, particularly among foreign tourists.
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Strict Regulations on Soft Drugs:
- Strict laws limit the quantities and conditions of sale and use of soft drugs. Driving under the influence of soft drugs is equated to driving under the influence of alcohol. Large-scale cultivation and trading of marijuana remain forbidden, but penalties are comparatively lower.
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Twofold Approach:
- The Dutch approach to drug policy involves a twofold strategy. On one hand, they focus on preventive measures and education to combat drug abuse. On the other hand, they combat illegal drugs through law enforcement, hoping to control the social phenomena of drug abuse.
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Challenges and Disclaimer:
- The article acknowledges the complexities of drug abuse and includes a disclaimer emphasizing that the information may not be complete or entirely truthful. This reflects the nuanced nature of the topic.
In conclusion, Amsterdam's drug laws are characterized by a unique blend of tolerance, pragmatism, and a two-pronged approach to addressing drug-related issues. The Dutch perspective on drug use as a health matter and the efforts to balance tolerance with control contribute to a distinctive model in comparison to other countries.
