Success Stories

More Success Stories

Lax Dutch Drug Laws Tighten

For decades, drug-seeking travelers have been flocking to Amsterdam to take advantage of the area’s coffeehouse culture, but Dutch officials want to make a change.

The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal soft drug policies, allowing a tourist trade to be created around Amsterdam’s coffee shop culture. While drug tourism is concentrated in Amsterdam, the problem is found throughout Holland. Recently though, some border cities have been cracking down.

Dutch Drug Crackdown

After decades of earning a reputation for easily accessible drugs, the Dutch Minister for Security and Justice just confirmed a crack down on tourists flocking to coffee shops to buy pot and other drugs. Currently, cannabis and hash are sold legally in Amsterdam.

While use for locals isn’t at issue, authorities in The Netherlands are trying to change their image as a tourist destination for those seeking legal drugs.

"No tourist attractions. We don't like that," Dutch Minister for Security and Justice Ivo Opstelten told public broadcaster NOS in mid-November. "The heart of the problem is crime and disturbances surrounding the sale. We have to go back to what it was meant for: local use for those who would like it."

Amsterdam is home to 223 coffee shops, CNN.com reported, and is already in the process of closing some venues in the Red Light District in an attempt to tackle criminal activity in the area.

The government's new plan would mean that only holders of a resident's pass would be allowed to buy hash. Currently, the possession of up to 5 grams (0.18 oz) of cannabis or hash is allowed in the Netherlands (large-scale production and transport is a crime, though).

Drug Addiction Rehab

If you or someone you love is battling a drug addiction, call The Canyon at our toll-free number. Someone is there to take your call 24 hours a day and answer any questions you have about treatment, financing or insurance.

Articles on Drug Addiction

• Drug Addiction and Pregnancy
• Drug Addiction Recovery Options
• How Drugs Can Become Addictive
• Dealing With an Employees Drug Addiction
• Drug Addiction and the Family
• Drug Addiction in the Workplace
• Drug Addiction Within the Family
• Overcoming Drug Addiction
• Addiction Treatment
• Living and Dealing With a Drug Addict
• Drug Addiction as Genetic
• Drug Addiction and Narcotics Anonymous
• Drug Addiction Help
• Drug Addiction Dangers and Women
• How is Drug Addiction and Depresson Related
• The Three Stages of Drug Addiction
• Top 5 Signs of Drug Addiction
• Youth and Drug Abuse
• Injection Drug Addiction Dangers
• The Link Between Genetics & Addictions
• Holidays Highlight Addiction
• College Athletes and Drug Use
• Mexico Drug Danger
• Drug Addiction Twitter Talk
• The Soup Takes On Dr. Drew
• Ozzy Drug Story
• Doctors Responsibility
• Olympic Doping
• U.S. Role In Mexican Drug War
• The Waning Stigma of Addiction?
• Mrs. Obama On Mexico Drug Problem
• Kids and Drugs
• The Pain Problem
• Drug Threat Assessment 2010
• Celeb Kids Suffer When Parents Use
• Dennis Hopper' Addiction Past
• Drug Double Standards
• Carlisle Hiding Relapse
• Obama Tackles Drugged Driving
• Grammy-winning Slipknot Bassist Died by OD
• Submarines Help Smuggle Drugs
• Prison Dogs
• Mexicos Drug Woes Continue
• Sorkin Still Struggles
• Mario's Arrest Linked to Mom's Addiction?
• Gender's Role In Addiction
• Lax Dutch Drug Laws Tighten
• Stars and Addiction
• Bath Salt Dangers
• Does The Social Network Glamorize Drug Use?
• Teen Hitman Is Drug Trade’s Latest Casualty