When you think of Amsterdam, what do you think of? Their contribution to world politics? Maybe their high level of education, or what about their famous smoked meat? No, you think of the red light district and smoking weed, from marijuana shops to eating weed brownies, and everything else involving weed.

However, a Dutch judge upheld a previous ruling and will pretty much kill the tourist industry with this, in my opinion. Non dutch residents will be restricted from buying weed, and current shops will be turned into private clubs limited to just 2000 members. The mayor, Eberhard van der Laan (his real name), is trying to work out a compromise with the national government. Rightfully so, since his city relies heavily on tourism, and this is sure to put a dent in it. This comes into effect next year, with approximately 23% of tourists visting ‘coffee shops’. So only about a 1/4 of people admit to smoking weed basically, you can bet that figure is higher. The ban is currently enforced in other cities in the Netherlands right now with police having raided several shops in Maastricht.

The only bright side on this is that there will be an election in September, and hopefully the new government will recognize the importance of weed to the Dutch and to all people who cherish weed and want to visit.

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