The Queen of the Netherlands
Alcoholism and drug addiction – is a terrible misfortune. They threaten the health of people around the world. The Executive Board of the Netherlands has always been focusing all their efforts on reducing the problems caused by substance abuse, making emphasis on the prevention of drug abuse, reduction the chances of drug use among the drug addicts and codependents.
Tolerance (in this case, the exemption from criminal liability) is the main focus of Dutch politics. Marijuana and hashish are less harmful to health than hard drugs such as ecstasy and cocaine, but they are also illegal. This means that the sale, manufacture and storage of all drugs in the Netherlands is a criminal offense. However, the Netherlands pursue a policy of tolerance. This means that although the storage and sale of soft drugs are considered to be administrative offense, as a rule, they are not followed by the criminal prosecution.
Such difference in approaches - tolerance towards the sale soft drugs in well-defined limits and strict measures directed against the sale of hard drugs, help to keep these drugs in various business segments of salesmanship. Sale of cannabis in coffee shops is an excellent example of this policy. The idea is that people who use cannabis do not need to illegally buy their soft drugs from a dealer, this will allow to reduce their chances of facing the hard drugs.
I am not insisting that the experience of the Netherlands will be equally successful in implementing it in other states, but one thing is certain - the leaders of all countries need to put maximum efforts and find optimal ways to overcome drug addiction in each and every country considering the mentality and socio-economic peculiarities of each region.
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28.06.12, 11:58
All that is banned, causes great interest, I think the policy of tolerance is the right thing. Another thing is not clear - how this experience can be adapted for example in our country, considering the difference between the mentality and local specificity, this can give quite the opposite effect. But learning from the Netherlands and perhaps (as an experiment) apply it locally would be helpful. It is my opinion.
28.06.12, 07:40
By legalizing drugs adiction, you are committing a great sin!
27.06.12, 15:36
Have never heard of her!
26.06.12, 17:23
You have legalized drugs and prostitution. What is next?
26.06.12, 16:59
I completely support your policy. It would be nice to adapt it in our country.
26.06.12, 16:49
I can feel a positive mood in your appeal. Do you really think that it is a right policy to tolerate prostitution and drugs?
26.06.12, 16:36
What kind of innovative methods used to combat drug addiction in the Netherlands? Nothing new was mentioned in this appeal.
26.06.12, 16:14
Holland with its drug policies, just like its football team is doing everything right, but still with no results. The score still equals to zero.
26.06.12, 15:58
Today, the monarchy has only nominal power, or you are really taking part in the decision making processes in he political arena?
26.06.12, 15:28
Your Majesty, with all my respect, may I ask you? Have you personally ever seen a drug-intoxicated person?
26.06.12, 15:24
A great manifesto. It is a pity that not all politicians have the same understanding of the problem
26.06.12, 15:18
Many religious movements have a negative attitude toward the laws authorizing the use of drugs. In your view, can legalization of drugs be considered as a sin?
26.06.12, 15:08
The Internal politics of your country is a matter of respect. In the celebration of the Queen's birthday, trance DJs such as Tiesto and Armin van Buuren are playing, the youth rests as they wish. I hope that someday all the heads of the countries will come to this.
26.06.12, 14:38
If a tourist was detained while using drugs in Holland, what would be the punishment?
26.06.12, 14:35
I like your opinion! As long as you have coffee shops, we will be your frequent guests)
26.06.12, 14:33
Partial legalization will certainly remove the primary barriers for the public. How informational policy is implemented in the fight against drugs in your country?
26.06.12, 14:30
In recent years, loyalty to your country's policy on drugs has fallen sharply. Will this trend continue?
26.06.12, 14:27
In which countries do you think we can apply the Netherlands' policies on drugs?