Marijuana Legalization

Here in America, marijuana is completely banned, and is punishable by law if caught using, possessing, or selling it. However, this law against marijuana is not the same in all parts of the world. Amsterdam and Canada, for instance, are not a strict about marijuana, and either allow it or have decriminalized it. In 1976, Amsterdam decriminalized possession of soft drugs such as cannabis, or weed. Due to increased demand, outlets quickly cropped up in around the country. These establishments are known as 'coffee shops'. However, the title of 'coffee shop is misleading. Although these shops do sell coffee, they are more infamous for their sales or marijuana. The shops are not allowed to advertise that they sell marijuana, cannot sell more than 5 grams at a time, and the buyer must be 18 years of age.

Technically, the sale of cannabis remains a crime in Amsterdam, and dealing in the streets remains illegal. Even so, possession of less than 30 grams for personal use carries only a minor punishment.

The drug policy in Amsterdam draws a clean line between hard and soft drugs. Their tolerance towards soft drugs like marijuana basically frees them up to devote more effort to punish those who push harder substances like heroin and cocaine, and maintain addiction recovery programs.

Individual are allowed to grow 1 or 2 plants for their personal use but if your growing to sell and get caught you could be prosecuted. Basically, if you are caught in possession of less than 5 grams of either marijuana or hashish you will not be prosecuted.