My Take on the Controversial Amsterdam Tourist Spots

Amsterdam Coffee Shops

I wanted to see the coffeeshop culture in particular. The Red Light district was also on my list to see. Both are highly questionable topics anywhere else in the world.

Marijuana has been hot topic in the U.S.A for some time now. Most countries have strict laws against marijuana. It is common knowledge throughout the world that Amsterdam is the place to buy "soft drugs" as Holland refers to them. When you walk into a "coffeeshop," you are handed a menu with drugs of the day. There can also be a special menu, you just have to ask. The price of four pre-rolled marijuana joints cost the same as a pack of cigarettes. Edible marijuana treats and Psilocybin mushrooms or psychedelic mushrooms are also legal in Amsterdam. Police will not arrest anyone with paraphernalia on them.

So what kind of laws are these? Doesn't the Dutch government want to regulate the consumption of marijuana and magic mushrooms? Well, Amsterdam's drug laws evolved the same way as any other major city the last 100 years. But, the lax drug laws obviously didn't follow the same patterns as other countries.

The Dutch drug policy declares that every human being may decide what is best for its health. The Dutch consider this rule to work the best for tourism, overall health of its people and crime rates. Although other countries such as Belgium, Luxembourg, Switzerland and some parts of the U.S. allow marijuana with controlled consumption, those countries do have problems with underground drug smuggling. Another idea which guides Dutch laws in their drug policy is the act of trying to hide the negative stereotypes of marijuana and magic mushrooms does not make them disappear. It actually makes them worse, because when concealed, they become far more difficult to influence and control.

The Dutch see the use of drugs as a health matter, similar to the use of tobacco and alcohol. They also point to the fact that prohibition of alcohol in the U.S. from 1919-1933 brought more negative effects such as more drug consumption, illegal moonshine sales that increased the death toll during that time and criminal activity as a whole.

I thought once I got to Amsterdam, the street would be filled with pot smoke while people were stumbling down the streets. That is not the case. The only reason coffeeshops exists is due to the overflow of tourists looking to smoke a joint. The negative stereotypes of Amsterdam's legal marijuana businesses don't exist inside the country. It's looked at just like alcohol and tobacco.

The Red Light District

The Red Light District ranges from brothels to sex shops to museums with its red windows flashing in the distance. I'm sure there are rumors about the Red Light District that show it as a disgusting sex freak show with men drooling over women in red windows. I will say, as I have experienced the walk-through, that this is not the case. Yes, there are men who do show up and use the services provided, but the majority of people who are walking down the canal walkways have no desire to walk into the red glowing doors. The type of people that walk around the controversial neighborhood consists of families, couples, many South East Asian tourists, bachelor and bachelorette parties and normal folks like Matt and I who are curious about what all the fuss is.

The Rossebuurt, as the locals know it as, is unlike any other place. I guarantee you... Amsterdam prides itself as liberal and tolerable city that embraces the fact that people may be into prostitution, soft drugs and pornography. However, the fact that Amsterdam has unions for the Red Light District girls, rules for coffeeshops and regulations for other controversial practices make this city one of the most progressive places I've ever been. It's fascinating to walk around this city due to the craziness that ensues. There are thousands of tourists wanting to experience the freedom Amsterdam gives its own people. There's no shame in that whatsoever. People are entitled to do what they want to their own bodies as long as it doesn't effect others around them. That's my take on one of the most controversial cities in the world.

I did enjoy my two day trip. There isn't much to see in the actual city besides the main area with canals, coffeeshops and the Red Light District. The Anne Frank house is there. However, there was a two month waiting list... It wasn't possible on this trip. The outer parts of The Netherlands are supposed to be gorgeous. I will have to come back to Holland to experience the more laid back presence of this great country.