As the Netherlands attempts to tighten laws on foreigners, where should Americans looking to light up legally book their flight to?
The Dutch Parliament recently passed new anti-drug rules that would prohibit foreigners from buying pot in the famous Dutch “coffee shops.” The new law would require Dutch citizens to sign up and have a membership card to get into the coffee shops. The Justice and Health Minster of the Netherlands released a letter stating, “In order to tackle the nuisance and criminality associated with coffee shops and drug trafficking, the open-door policy of coffee shops will end.” I am curious what criminality he could be referring to. Nearly half of the Netherlands tourism is drug related. This ban will not only affect the coffee shops but also hotels, restaurants, and everything else in the tourism industry.
Ever since Cheech and Chong’s classic Up in Smoke, Americans have viewed Amerstdam as the place to go for pot. Now that the Dutch have shot themselves in the foot, where should Americans go for a drug-friendly vacation?
Portugal
Portugal decriminalized all drugs in 2001. While there are no public coffee shops, there are people selling pot in any major public square. Remember, “Quiero fumar.” For pure tourist attractions, Portugal may have the Netherlands beat. Lisbon is filled with relics from the Portuguese Age of Discovery. Also, if you get bored it is a quick train ride over to Spain.
California
Mendocino County has been referred to as the “Nappa Valley of Pot.” As long as pot is still technically illegal in California however, it may only be a dream. Mendocino county caters to an upscale crowd with their “Bud and Breakfasts” and breathtaking views of the Pacific. If California legalizes pot entirely, Mendocino could become America’s pot retreat.
Jamaica
As we know form Hollywood, every Jamaican has dreadlocks and is smoking constantly. While that portrayal is not quite right weed is as easy to find in Kingston as it is in Amsterdam. Though it is still illegal Jamaican police rarely, if ever, enforce drug laws. Simply get ask your local cab driver where to find some and he will take you where you need to be. Jamaica is also rightly known as an island paradise with its beautiful beaches, jungles, and waterfalls. Unfortunately, it is also widely known as the murder capital of the Caribbean. Remain in tourist friendly areas and you will be fine, just don’t wander off.
Amsterdam’s culture has been one-of-a-kind, possibly irreplaceable. I may still go there to see the tulips, windmills, and touristy stuff. As far as top destinations I want to visit, Amsterdam has dropped pretty far down my list.
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