Is weed legal in Amsterdam?
CANNABIS is illegal in The Netherlands, but is decriminalised for personal use.
In Amsterdam, the drug has become increasingly less prominent due to new regulations on its usage. This is what we know.
Is weed legal in Amsterdam?
It will soon be illegal to smoke cannabis on the street in Amsterdam’s red light district under regulations proposed by the local government.
The idea is to make the city a more attractive destination for visitors.
It also wants to prevent disturbances caused by people under the influence of narcotics, and make the city a less-dangerous and friendlier place to live.
Why is weed legal in Amsterdam?
It was legalized as a response to drug abuse in the area, including the use of heroin.
It was thought that if cannabis was no longer a criminal offence, then authorities could focus on usage of far harder drugs.
These new measures are the first serious effort from the city to crack down on drugs tourism.
It has been suggested that smoking from coffeeshop rooftops could also be banned.
Residents have a chance to offer their opinions on them via an online forum.
Another reason for this is to limit tourism, as it is is one of the most visited cities in Europe.
Other things that have been banned in the city include off-licence alcohol sales between Thursday and Sunday after 4pm, in an attempt to crack down on disorder.
When did Amsterdam legalise weed?
Cannabis has been available for recreational use in coffee shops since 1976. Cannabis products are only sold openly in certain local establishments.
These must be licenced and people who want to use them must be over the age of 18.
Personal consumption of the drug is decriminalised.
Possession of up to five grams for personal use is decriminalised, although it may still be confiscated by police.
In addition to the new laws, the Amsterdam council will launch a “stay away” campaign in the spring to target tourists travelling to the capital for drugs, alcohol and sex purposes.