Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
Dutch say no to tobacco, yes to cannabis
The Netherlands has long been known as one of the most tolerant countries in the world. But as of July 1, that famous live-and-let-live attitude will no longer extend to tobacco. That's the day a ban on smoking in public places of employment takes effect in the Netherlands. Well, not all smoking.
Yes, while smoking tobacco in public is soon to be verboten, smoking a joint (that's a "marijuana cigarette" for you squares) will remain legal in the Netherlands. But, as this article notes, Dutch potheads don't feel too lucky that their drug of choice is still legal. That's because many of them cut their joints with tobacco.
The Dutch government is not prohibiting marijuana smokers from rolling "pure" joints, and it's likely that many smokers who had previously mixed marijuana and tobacco will switch to smoking "pure." Interestingly, there's not yet a way for government inspectors to determine whether a joint is "pure" or cut with tobacco (other than testing it themselves, I suppose.)
Smoking tobacco will still be permitted inside the famous Dutch coffee shops, but only in separate rooms without employees, which many shop owners say they can't afford to provide.
More here.
Filed under: Arts and Culture, Netherlands, Nightlife
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 4)
jw Jun 27th 2008 8:10PM
I was remembering today how in H-school I'd sneak cig's and was a no no by my parents and how it wasn't worth it. Pot was! At 19 after moving out I could buy cig's. I bought a pack, smoked one and Boy Was I Sick!!!!!. That's the difference. Pot was fine! Also, study showed that cig's gave lung cancer, pot No but throat can happen from the burn. pre protect w/food glob // sip cool after!. Enjoy Life and be a better neighbor.
earth mama Jun 27th 2008 8:17PM
not mad at them... i don't indulge but they both cause lung problems, however, one is more fun... than the other...
heehee!
mike Jun 27th 2008 8:17PM
SCREW POT I RATHER SMOKE CIGARETTES
catmansage Jun 28th 2008 12:09AM
that is because you are a drug addict and a weakling
catmansage Jun 28th 2008 12:21AM
that is because you are a weak willed drug addict plus you smell like you use herbal ashtray shampoo
watdafuk Jun 27th 2008 8:30PM
Wish they would do that here.
karliepoo Jun 27th 2008 8:30PM
I was just in Amsterdam in February. COOLEST. CITY. EVER! I find it really interesting that tobacco is now illegal because they have cigarette vending machines everywhere. For the record, pot is not "legal" in the Netherlands. It's "tolerated" if you carry no more than 5 grams, and it's not tolerated near the German or Belgium borders. Nonetheless, LONG LIVE TOLERATED POT!!!!!
watdafuk Jun 27th 2008 8:35PM
Wish they would do that here.
undrgrndgirl Jun 27th 2008 8:37PM
the only country on the planet that makes any sense...
will Dec 20th 2008 9:36PM
Fell in love with amsterdam last march, 5 day was not long enough, must return, IT'S GGRRRREEEAAATTT!
Pat De Range Jun 27th 2008 8:42PM
Now this is just crazy. Cigarets have caused a lot of cancer, in none smokers too. Do they really think that funny stuff wouldn't do the same? Hell I wouldn't want any of them operating on me, what about a dentis high on that stuff working on YOUR MOUTH, or driving me any place, or doing anything around me for that matter! I wouldn't want to go into a Bank and make a deposit with a teller high on that stuff!
Bpers2001 Jun 27th 2008 9:48PM
But having them drunk on alcohol wouldn't bother just the same? See, what you fail to understand is it wouldn't be anymore acceptable for somebody to be high on pot then for somebody to be drunk on booze, while doing their job, etc. I notice you didn't post your objection to somebody being drunk, just that of somebody being high. Why is that, I wonder? Booze is so much more worse for you then a little pot. Booze messes you up, both physically and mentally. But, just like booze, you don't have to indulge, should you not want too, and that applies to a great many people that would prefer not too.
Awesome Jun 27th 2008 9:04PM
At least some countries in this world got their head on Str8. Reminds me of an outkast song. "marijuana illegal but cigarettes cool? i might look kinda funny but aint no fool."
Nancy Jun 27th 2008 9:21PM
I gotta move to the Netherlands. Life is surely sucking here.
will Dec 20th 2008 9:37PM
You must be in dis-usa Nancy!
Nancy Jun 27th 2008 9:22PM
Pat De Range...you'd be surprised. Many people who "serve" you are stoned. If you can't tell, why worry about it? Not everyone is dysfunctional.
dolf Jun 27th 2008 9:26PM
I've been to netherlands many times. It's just another law that they won't enforce.
Lizz Jun 27th 2008 9:27PM
Allowing pot? Yawn.. Give me a ciggie anyday... I smoke when I like, where I like. This is America after all.
dolf Jun 27th 2008 9:28PM
i've been to the Netherlands many times. It's just another law they will choose not to enforce
patrickgawne Jun 27th 2008 9:51PM
Nothing like a Marlboro after a fat doobie. Amsterdam will never be the same.