Netherlands Drug Policy

The Netherlands' drug policy distinguishes between soft and hard drugs, focusing on harm reduction and public health. Cannabis is tolerated in licensed coffee shops under strict regulations, while the sale and possession of hard drugs are illegal but often deprioritized for minor offenses. The approach emphasizes prevention, treatment, and education rather than punitive measures, aiming to reduce addiction and social harm. This pragmatic policy seeks to balance individual freedoms with societal safety, ensuring drug use is managed responsibly without criminalizing users unnecessarily.