WI The War not Waged: United States follows the Dutch approach to Drugs

I can't say I agree with you FlyingDutchman. There is indeed a backlash against softdrugs these days around here. However, it's a political backlash of a certain spectrum of politicis (the Christian Democrat). On the other hand, there are also calls for further decriminalisation, on a convention of mayors a state-run marijuana farm was proposed. Next elections could very well be pivotal for the further Dutch drugs-policy.
Agree. Although my personal opinion is that a slight further decriminalization wouldn't hurt I don't see it happen.

As the last few years if anything the rules on softdrugs have gotten more strict, instead of the other way around.
Examples are:
- different approach in the bordertowns; either closure of coffeeshops or moving them to the cityborder (Maastricht).
- since last week (?) the growing of hallucinogenic mushrooms is forbidden. There was one large producer of it (did you see that in the news, Tulp?) which closed it's doors last week IIRC.
- imminent closure of coffeeshops near schools in Amsterdam.

The proposed idea you mention for a state-run marijuana farm is just that; an idea. It's not the first and certainly not the last time to be heard.
It could also very well be for medicinal purposes, which already exists in various countries.

Furthermore, the problem in the Netherlands is that production and transport is still illegal. A situation that has taken so long that now the underworld is in full control of that aspect. Why? Because legal investors can't invest as it's still illegal. If it get's legalised it might cause those underworld figures to go fully legit. Or it gives them alot more power as they have the know how to make the stuff.
The problem is that no selfrespecting government (even the Dutch or the American one :p ) is going to legitimize production and transport of large amounts of softdrugs; the stigma of softdrugs and the fact it's terrible for your health will make that sure.

Production/sale by the government themselves is even more impossible; that way the Dutch government would give it's brand of approval to a generation of apathic youngsters who are having the munchies.

Also I don't agree with you on the softdrugs-harddrugs connection. IIRC we have less junkies per capital then other countries plus we have less problems with them.
I perhaps didn't explain myself very clearly; I'm not really a believer in the if-you-use-softdrugs-once-you'll-be-a-heroine-junkie-for-the-rest-of-you-life line. I fully agree that's the advantage of our tolerant drinking and drugs laws; not many people around here kill themselves with softdrugs or paddo's, it's the tourists from much stricter countries which do so.

What I meant with that remark is, especially with so many countries with different drugslaws nearby, people who buy softdrugs in the bordertowns (like Maastricht) will also try to purchase harddrugs there.
How do you otherwise explain the large amounts of harddrugs found on arrested people from Belgium/Germany/France/Spain overhere?
I doubt they're bringing the stuff here. :rolleyes:

Expat:
I didn't really take in account the enormous differences between states and even counties, especially with reservations and such.
If, apart from gambling, the US government is going to move legal (soft)drugsproduction there too, every Indian in the States is going to be as rich as the Saoedi's!
For the rest I agree with much of your post.
 
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