This is crazy.

I went to Amsterdam in the summer of 2010 and it was one of the best times of my life.
Contrary to popular belief, the marijuana shops are NOT completely overcrowded with tourists at all.

Besides a few famous shops in the Leidseplein and Red Light District, (ex "The Bulldog"), the clubs are really not that packed with tourists.
There is many coffee shops a little outside of the main canals and they have a way more local feel. Everyone is friendly and the owners never seem angry at tourists, they are happy and eager to do business and provide marijuana.

I dont think that it will go through. The coffee shops makeup such a large part of the economy, they are just too profitable to impose strict limits on.


Why dont they think about closing some of the prostitution rings before they close the cafes that provide a simple plant....

I completely agree. How can they shut down such a major economy? So many families will be out of business because most of those shops are just like our mom and pop stores, family owned and operated. I hope that they decide not to bar tourists from enjoying a little recreational use.

These cafes are world famous and I'm sure it is one of the top draws to the area. I went there years ago specifically to check out the cafes more than the museums. I don't think the government would want to jeopardize this part of their economy/tourism industry by banning tourists from these establishments.

Of course it will go through it's the same genius that's had the US goverment spending billions on cannabis prohibition for decades when legalizing and taxing would make billions.

Well... I can kinda understand their view if it were because the risk of smuggling to other countries; but to completely prohibit tourists from purchasing marijuana entirely is a bit dramatic, and would see a hugely affect their economy. Compromise and only allow tourists purchase and use cannabis AT the cafe only; this would keep their economy stable and give them the regulation they can better benefit from. (But this is one persons perspective)

Not everyone that goes to AD is a weed tourists, a lot of people try it for the first time and it's as they do in Rome scenario, it's part of the AD experience which will spoil it for a lot of people and 100% will damage the economy.

If they think the problem is smuggling they should spend some of the tourism cash for more police on the border! This would be more usefull then banning the tourist out of the shops! I think that the Illigal Mariuhana Buisness will be growing!! Bad Idea from the Govourment!
Greetz

To take away that part of their income is really horrible. I hope they do not regulate it to the point where tourists can not partake in that time long tradition of an Amsterdam trip. I know a lot of people who go there just for the experience of it.

I would really hate to see this happen. It has been such a part of our culture to go to the Netherlands and enjoy the whole experience. But it feels like the world is trying to control everything so much that it does not surprise me in the least.

As with many issues these days, it will be interesting to follow the story. I hope it will be a positive outcome and they can find another way to solve the suggling problems. I'd hate to see the reversal of such a forward thinking nation.

They should not shut these down due to the fact that it probably does bring many harmless tourists. Im sure they need the money, and may lose a lot if they block the tourist from getting access to these cafes.