amsterdam-drugs legal or not?

**Philippus Flavius Homovallumus** · 06-16-2009, 16:09

Originally Posted by Ice

I'm pretty sure decriminalization does not equate to making something legal. IIRC, all it means is that police stop targeting people with a low amount of the said substance/not for profit transfers and go after the big sellers/growers.

Over here decriminalisation means declassifying the drug so it is legal.

**Banquo's Ghost** · 06-16-2009, 18:58

Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

Over here decriminalisation means declassifying the drug so it is legal.

I'm not sure that you are correct.

IIRC, when cannabis was reclassified downwards, this meant possession was decriminalised. This did not make the drug legal, but removed criminal sanctions for being caught with it. In other words, possession meant one could be cautioned, or fined at worst - which are civil law punishments, not criminal.

**Fixiwee** · 06-17-2009, 10:57

Originally Posted by Philipvs Vallindervs Calicvla

Over here decriminalisation means declassifying the drug so it is legal.

What you mean is that THC is illegal de jure as the law still says it, but de facto it's legal since noone applies that law anymore.
The Dutch Opium Act in accordence with the EU states clearly that everything with the hemp plant is illigal except for the seeds.

Again, the difference lies between de jure and de facto. Bottom line; It's illegal, but tolerated.

**AlexanderSextus** · 06-19-2009, 06:56

It's illegal to have even 1 gram of weed

So how is it that you can smoke openly? Do cops actually fine ppl for smoking weed?

Dutch law is weird, it just so happens the weirdness of dutch law benefits a cannabis connoisseur like me.

**Fragony** · 06-19-2009, 07:18

Originally Posted by AlexanderSextus

So how is it that you can smoke openly? Do cops actually fine ppl for smoking weed?

Nope, tourists love asking them for a light. It's really not that complicated, it's illegal, but the law isn't enforced, so you can do as you please. But don't think about smoking one on a commercial terras, or where there are many kids, that is not done, you will be asked to leave. In parks, streets, beaches, no problem.

**Ice** · 06-21-2009, 17:41

Originally Posted by Fragony

Nope, tourists love asking them for a light. It's really not that complicated, it's illegal, but the law isn't enforced, so you can do as you please. But don't think about smoking one on a commercial terras, or where there are many kids, that is not done, you will be asked to leave. In parks, streets, beaches, no problem.

I wish I was Dutch

**Moros** · 06-22-2009, 14:03

Originally Posted by Fragony

Nope, tourists love asking them for a light. It's really not that complicated, it's illegal, but the law isn't enforced, so you can do as you please. But don't think about smoking one on a commercial terras, or where there are many kids, that is not done, you will be asked to leave. In parks, streets, beaches, no problem.

Did that in Belgium too...

**Fragony** · 06-22-2009, 14:41

Originally Posted by Moros

Did that in Belgium too...

In reality the police in just about every western-european country (minus England) is pretty relaxed. Public smoking or having a few grams of weed won't get you into trouble anywhere, also in France and Spain who have a reputation for tough police they will just take it from you, dealing it is another matter but so is it here. The Netherlands is no drug-paradise it only has the name really, a brand to lure tourists.

**Moros** · 06-22-2009, 16:47

Originally Posted by Fragony

In reality the police in just about every western-european country (minus England) is pretty relaxed. Public smoking or having a few grams of weed won't get you into trouble anywhere, also in France and Spain who have a reputation for tough police they will just take it from you, dealing it is another matter but so is it here. The Netherlands is no drug-paradise it only has the name really, a brand to lure tourists.

Ah well they didn't find it too funny really. Smoking weed outside normally shouldn't cost you, but they do confiscate it and stuff.
But then again I even puked on a policemen's shoes ones and got a way with it. It wasn't really intentional of course, but I was just drunk as hell. Ah you gotta love college!

**Idaho** · 06-23-2009, 11:36

Originally Posted by Fragony

In reality the police in just about every western-european country (minus England) is pretty relaxed. Public smoking or having a few grams of weed won't get you into trouble anywhere, also in France and Spain who have a reputation for tough police they will just take it from you, dealing it is another matter but so is it here.

This isn't true.

The UK police are fairly unconcerned about personal possession. They can give you a fine or a caution. Often they just tell you to keep it in your own home.

French police are far more severe.

Spain you are allowed to grow a certain amount yourself without any problems.