Dutch Drug Policy

Dutch drug policy distinguishes between soft and hard drugs, aiming to reduce harm and prioritize public health. Coffee shops are allowed to sell small amounts of cannabis (a soft drug) under strict regulations, while hard drugs remain illegal. This approach emphasizes prevention, treatment, and education over criminalization, ensuring that drug use is addressed as a health issue rather than solely a criminal matter. The policy also emphasizes reducing drug-related crime and protecting society, with an integrated system that balances individual choice with community safety.