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 The country’s own national drug legislation, the 'Opium Act', has not been repealed and cannabis is still completely illegal.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 
 

Senior research scientist Nicole Maalsté of the University of Tilburg argues that the Dutch government should once again focus on the main argument for the country's longstanding policy of tolerance regarding cannabis use: guaranteeing the health of the consumer.

She rejects the current cabinet’s stricter policies as "ideological window dressing" and urges the government to adopt a more constructive approach to find real solutions.

Ms Maalsté has repeatedly taken a stand against the ease with which the police, the Public Prosecutor's office and politicians use "incorrect figures and assumptions not based on the real situation" to argue that 'coffeeshops' - outlets which are allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis - are a threat to society and that the policy of tolerance should be scrapped.

(gsh/imm/tf)

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