Coffeeshops and the law
There is a popular misconception that soft drugs are legal in the Netherlands. Or that they are somehow sold legally in coffeeshops. In reality, the Netherlands is a signatory to a number of international treaties on a range of substances classed as illegal drugs. The country’s own national drug legislation, the 'Opium Act', has not been repealed and cannabis is still completely illegal.
On the other hand, possession of small amounts of cannabis for personal consumption is officially ‘tolerated’. In other words, the law is not enforced. This also applies to the sale of small amounts of cannabis in coffeeshops. However, the amount a coffeeshop can stockpile is strictly limited and, confusingly, the police still arrest growers and suppliers of cannabis to coffeeshops.
For more information see our Soft drugs FAQ
Maastricht's ban on selling cannabis to people from certain countries is costing the local economy 30 million euros a year, research shows.
As from 1 October this year, the southern Dutch city’s 'coffeeshops' have only been allowed to serve Dutch, Belgian and German customers.
Regional newspaper De Limburger reports that the reduction in turnover is equivalent to a loss of 345 full-time jobs. The paper’s report is based on research commissioned by the Association of Licensed Maastricht Coffeeshops (VOCM).
The ban is intended to reduce traffic and the numbers of customers congregating near the coffeeshops. However, VOCM chairman Marc Josemans says the problems have in fact increased as a result of the ban.
Maastricht Mayor Onno Hoes has said he needs more time to respond to the research.
(gsh/tf/mw)
© Radio Netherlands Worldwide
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that's the thanks we get for saving the dutch in ww2. they let germans in but not us! i think the uk should scrap the maastricht treaty.
It's very interesting seeing the insanity that the Dutch resort to in order to be in "compliance" with the idiocy of the Single Convention Treaty explained. What is very sad is that you're the smartest country in a very stupid world when it comes to cannabis. Don't get me wrong, I'm not saying I think your policies are smart. You would think being as close as you are to figuring it out that you just might give it a try. The Single Convention Treaty is not an albatross chained to the collective neck of a country. Someday a country will be the first to say enough of the stupidity. It's been proven for decades that prohibition is a failure, and we refuse to participate in the stupidity any more. If the Dutch were as smart as they used to seem it would have been your country. But nowadays the smart money is on Bolivia. What a shame for your people.
If the mayor eventually overturns the ban, I would definitely not return to Maastricht in defiancy. He was told, he didn't listen, now he should deal with it.