Yeah, the thing about the Netherlands is that they can pass a law but it's up to the locals as to enforcement. The push was started by Maastricht, a Dutch city on the German border. While it did look as if the plan might be used in Amsterdam, it has not. Maastricht, however, shut down all their coffee shops. There were about four.
Interesting to see, please let us know what, if anything, ends up different.
I am fairly familiar with the benefits of legalization, but am looking for examples of how society will change.
My imperfect understanding of the law suggests that open marijuana use in a public place is not permitted. So businesses such as this may get shut down. It depends on how they enforce.
not sure which part you disagree with but I will assume it is my point about legalized marijuana movement in the US springing from medical use. Ok, I'll restate it. Holand does have a tradition of tolerance going back hundreds of years. The US does not. Any time the US is on the cutting edge of something, I expect blowback. Also, you don't know my age.
People will stop thinking about race and creed. Societal boundaries will crumble. The rich will start giving, the poor will start educating themselves. Cats and dogs will live together in harmony.
Unless the law allows, businesses will not allow on premise consumption. Same as liquor stores. I would love a coffee shop where cannabis consumption is allowed.
Fair point. Way back when there was such an enlightened current. But you have to admit that things have changed a whole lot since. That wave of enlightenment has long been washed away. Our more recent traditions have been to attempt to ban alcohol and successfully banned just about anything else. Glad the tide seems to be changing but I am still holding my breath. This is a very squirrelly country right now IMO. We'll see where it goes.
Math is rational (well, rational math). Americans tend to be hysterical. We're not so good with gray areas; Want it all black and white. We don't tolerate contradictions well and want to see the world as angels and devils.
Thanks. Good info. Keep it coming. Is your garage nice? How many can we fit in there?
the law was passed so to speak but it was then up to the mayor of said areas to enforce it and of course the dam and most said fuck that i want my tourist money lol i think theres a town or 2 that are enforcing it tho.
The Summer festivals (Country Faire, several Hemp Festivals, Fairie World, Reggae Fest) all bring in a lot of tourists, and while weed is not the formal focus for some of these gatherings, it's everywhere! We recently voted to legalize dispensaries, so who knows how they will capitalize on the tourism thing. 