North Holland is a province and is located on the North Sea; it is in the northwest part of the Netherlands. Most policy makers in the Netherlands believe if problems over time can’t be solved, it is best to try and control them in order to reduce harm instead of enforcing laws that create a mixture of outcomes. The Netherlands drug policy is as follows:

1. Prevent recreational drug use and to treat and rehabilitate recreational drug users.
2. Reduce harm to drug users.
3. Diminish public nuisance by drug users which means reduce public disturbance and ensure safety in the neighborhood.
4. Combat the production and trafficking of recreational drugs.

Drug addicts who were once considered untreatable have new standard treatment available now for a much better likely-hood of success according to 2010 studies. Heroin addiction has decreased more than thirty percent since 1983 also.

The Netherlands has a very unique approach when it comes to drug use. For the most part, they let the individual make their own judgments when it comes to health matters, they let them decide what’s good for them and what isn’t. For example, they believe in voluntary euthanasia for the terminally ill. Decriminalizing drug use has made it a private matter for the individual not law enforcement but, drug production, trading drugs and storing larger quantities of drugs is a criminal offence like it is anywhere else.

In 1997 reference to the Netherlands drug policy and views shows that the Dutch don’t usually arrest individuals for possession or the distribution of drugs in small quantities. They even allow the sale of small quantities of marijuana (cannabis) from certain shops. Research shows that they have much lower levels of drug abuse in the Netherlands due to their views and drug policies.

What Is A Coffee-Shop?

Coffee-shops are businesses or organizations that sell cannabis (marijuana) for personal use by the public; this is also accepted by their government. According to the Dutch Amsterdam.nl, coffee-shops and the use of ‘soft drugs’ (considered some-what harmless and minimally addictive) since the 70s has been accepted by their government under the Dutch drug approach. Basically this means they accept and tolerate certain drug activities that are illegal due to the Dutch government policy. The coffee-shops can’t have any more than 500 grams of soft drugs on their premises at any given time.

These shops can legally sell soft drugs but only 5 grams for each person per transaction. Individuals can legally consume these drugs while on the coffee-shop premises or in their own homes privately.

What Are Soft Drugs?

Soft drugs are considered to be less addictive and less harmless. Marijuana, hashish and hash oil are legal for personal use only and are considered soft drugs. As long as the use is limited and controlled in a coffee-shop and in small portions this behavior is tolerated. Minors are not allowed in coffee shops.

What Is considered a Hard Drug?

Hard drugs are illegal as they are anywhere else around the world. These include cocaine, LSD, morphine and heroin. These drugs are highly addictive and have psychological and physical effects on the individual.

In October of 2007, a bill went into effect banning the hallucinogenic substance ‘magic mushrooms’. Magic mushrooms (psilocybin) are usually ingested; they can be eaten raw or cooked. In 2008 the Dutch government banned the cultivation or production of all magic mushrooms. At one time, these mushrooms were legal for personal use and were considered a soft drug.

The government works hard to educate the public to prevent drug abuse they don’t promote it. They also work hard to combat the trafficking of all illegal drugs. Programs are offered on a regular basis for free syringe exchanges and the testing of pills such as ecstasy. There are also free methadone supply programs for those who abuse heroine.

Drug treatment is offered through non-governmental establishments (organizations), followed by private physicians, hospitals and private clinics. Funding for drug abuse treatment is provided by their public budget on a national and local scale. Detoxification and residential drug treatment is covered by health insurance. drug abuse treatment interventions are outpatient treatment centers, inpatient treatment centers and substitution treatment facilities.

Due to their unique drug use policy, drug abuse and drug related crimes have decreased. Individuals except drug abuse treatment much more willingly, drug prevention and drug abuse education is also important in the Netherlands.

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