NorthofEngland
Well-Known Member
To the vast majority of RIU contributors there is NOTHING wrong with 'Pot Tourism'.
In fact, one need only read a few threads to see more altruistic and selfless devotion to helping other people (with NO personal gain) than in most other areas of life - where 'There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch'.
BUT, to the establishment figures who decide most of the laws that we live by, the Netherlands was viewed as irresponsible for allowing the citizens of neighbouring nations to freely use a substance that is illegal on an international level.
The reason that Cannabis sometimes gains the status of 'DECRIMINALISED' (or even 'UNENFORCED PROHIBITION') rather than 'LEGAL' is because most member states of the International Community have signed treaty's and bi-lateral agreements to join forces in the WAR AGAINST DRUGS.
A state that is forward thinking enough to break from the pack mentality and try something new risks being labelled a pariah state.
A shunned and ostracized leadership could lose all credibility and influence outside of their own legislature and judiciary.
For years the Dutch have attempted to curb (and eventually stop) the sale of Cannabis to non-Dutch citizens.
The sheer amount of coffee shops in EVERY Dutch city, town and large village is an accurate demonstration of how unsuccessful they have been.
The average customers in most coffee shops are at least 70% British, German, French, Belgian and other non-residents.
A few years ago the mid Right wing, Christian Democratic government of Holland attempted to introduce licenses for smokers (available to Dutch residents only) it then attempted to close down 70% of the coffee shops.
All this did was push things underground - which was the reason for decriminalised tolerance in the first place!
Things quickly reverted back.
The international NORMALISATION of cannabis is inevitable.
But it will happen at a glacial pace with a 'three steps forward, two steps back' rhythm - because an issue as inflammatory as this, with such divergent views and agendas, provokes extreme reactions.
Also the laws concerning cannabis use are about far more than using cannabis.
They are representative of an international divide .
The Libertarian minded people of the earth see no reason why someone should not have the right to leally use Marijuana if they are adults and they choose to do so. They also find it inconceivable that, every years, men, women and children lose their liberty and freedom for committing a 'crime' with no apparent victims.
The less Libertarian minded group believe that marijuana is the thin end of the wedge and a radically different world awaits.
They're correct...
They are conservatives who admire strength, law and order, conformity...
Change frightens them and marijuana, with it's following of ethnic minorities, white people with dreadlocks and untidy clothing and the laid back attitude of the average user, represents massive change in a direction that they do not want.
Cannabis laws are about far more than the laws governing cannabis.
They are about freedom and the lines we draw to show the limits of freedom.
In fact, one need only read a few threads to see more altruistic and selfless devotion to helping other people (with NO personal gain) than in most other areas of life - where 'There's No Such Thing As A Free Lunch'.
BUT, to the establishment figures who decide most of the laws that we live by, the Netherlands was viewed as irresponsible for allowing the citizens of neighbouring nations to freely use a substance that is illegal on an international level.
The reason that Cannabis sometimes gains the status of 'DECRIMINALISED' (or even 'UNENFORCED PROHIBITION') rather than 'LEGAL' is because most member states of the International Community have signed treaty's and bi-lateral agreements to join forces in the WAR AGAINST DRUGS.
A state that is forward thinking enough to break from the pack mentality and try something new risks being labelled a pariah state.
A shunned and ostracized leadership could lose all credibility and influence outside of their own legislature and judiciary.
For years the Dutch have attempted to curb (and eventually stop) the sale of Cannabis to non-Dutch citizens.
The sheer amount of coffee shops in EVERY Dutch city, town and large village is an accurate demonstration of how unsuccessful they have been.
The average customers in most coffee shops are at least 70% British, German, French, Belgian and other non-residents.
A few years ago the mid Right wing, Christian Democratic government of Holland attempted to introduce licenses for smokers (available to Dutch residents only) it then attempted to close down 70% of the coffee shops.
All this did was push things underground - which was the reason for decriminalised tolerance in the first place!
Things quickly reverted back.
The international NORMALISATION of cannabis is inevitable.
But it will happen at a glacial pace with a 'three steps forward, two steps back' rhythm - because an issue as inflammatory as this, with such divergent views and agendas, provokes extreme reactions.
Also the laws concerning cannabis use are about far more than using cannabis.
They are representative of an international divide .
The Libertarian minded people of the earth see no reason why someone should not have the right to leally use Marijuana if they are adults and they choose to do so. They also find it inconceivable that, every years, men, women and children lose their liberty and freedom for committing a 'crime' with no apparent victims.
The less Libertarian minded group believe that marijuana is the thin end of the wedge and a radically different world awaits.
They're correct...
They are conservatives who admire strength, law and order, conformity...
Change frightens them and marijuana, with it's following of ethnic minorities, white people with dreadlocks and untidy clothing and the laid back attitude of the average user, represents massive change in a direction that they do not want.
Cannabis laws are about far more than the laws governing cannabis.
They are about freedom and the lines we draw to show the limits of freedom.
