Dutch to bogart weed
An 'economy-sized' blunt is fired up in protest. (AP)
A popular reason to visit the Netherlands is about to go up in smoke.
The Associated Press reports a national “pass the weed” law will prevent foreigners from purchasing marijuana in the zillions of “coffee shops” lining the canals of Amsterdam.
City leaders in Amsterdam must feel like they’ve been hit in the head with a wooden shoe because stoned tourists (and multiple dikes) help keep their fabled city afloat.
The new law, which will take effect throughout the country by 2013, will turn coffee shops into private clubs with membership open only to Dutch residents.
The national government argues the move will help crack down on so-called “drug tourists,” couriers who drive over the border from neighboring Belgium and Germany to buy large amounts of marijuana and take it home to resell.
Soon, the only reason to visit Amsterdam may be its rich history, culture, fantastic museums and tawdry sex shows. The local beer remains overrated.
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53 comments Add your comment
Ali420
April 27th, 2012
9:17 pm
Anyone who goes to Amsterdam instead of Vancouver or California is a moron. I have been to Amsterdam twice in college…WAY overrated!! Old and dirty city with really seedy people. First you are VERY limited in the amount you can buy at the coffee shops (2.5grams), and second they keef the weed which lowers the potency. Good riddance to the local economy by passing this law.
Happy Tourist
April 27th, 2012
10:01 pm
I’ve been to Amsterdam, and it is a lovely city full of history and art. The culture seems a little bit (maybe a lot) on the free wheeling, anything goes side. I loved being there – the weed was just a side benefit. I recommend it, legal weed or not.
Chong
April 28th, 2012
12:40 pm
Bummer dude, that seems like some kind of discrimination against foreigners not to mention a violation of our human rights! Wonder if the ACLU has a branch office in Amsterdam.