In episode [Dutch: aflevering] number 9, Max Westerman talks about the Dutch drug regulations and prisons, comparing them to those of the U.S. Click here to view episode 9.

A controversial topic to some, my own personal view of coffeeshops, where marijuana can be bought and consumed, is neutral. Though I don't condone recreational drug use or partake in the use myself [once upon a time I tried marijuana], my opinion of how the Dutch government handles this is a good opinion. Reason one being I don't see much crime associated. . . Barely any crime at all on the news in the Netherlands, especially related to drug use! It is extremely rare to hear on the news in the Netherlands about drug-related crimes. I personally feel this basically has to do with how if something is forbidden and there is a demand for the forbidden, those who desire it will go out of their way in whatever way possible to aquire the forbidden. And because marijuana is not completely forbidden in the Netherlands, there is really no need to commit a crime. Unfortunately, drug use will continue no matter how much control is put on it; therefore, it makes sense to me to how the Netherlands permits it with control.

Dutch drug laws & what is what:

• Click here for a website which shares all information about the drug laws in the Netherlands.
• Though the issues do of course exsist, I have rarely heard on the news of prescription drug addictions or issues involving smuggling in the Netherlands.
• Coffeeshops sell marijuana.
• Smartshops sell drugs which stimulate the mind. These are such items as natural energy inducing like guarana and cola nut. Relaxation inducing like valerian. Aphrodisiacs, as well as memory inducing gingko biloba. Most popular item: Magic mushrooms. They also sell related paraphernalia.
• Headshops sell the related paraphernalia and articles of interest to a drug user.

To see the episode website, in Dutch, click here.

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