For five years we lived in The Netherlands where my Dutch wife introduced me to a hyper-tolerant society and world view that rocked my uptight New England sense and sensibilities to their core. Her explanation of “Red Light” districts and Ganja selling Coffee Shops (off of a special daily menu) was enlightening. For journalistic research purposes I conducted my own investigation and yes, Bill… I inhaled, although sadly remember little of the experience. My wife drew the line at Red Light district research, tolerance has its limits.

Many would be surprised to learn that prostitution and smoking dope are still illegal in Holland. They are just not prosecuted crimes because the Dutch have a long standing tradition of law enforcement that says, what you do within the confines of your own residence (with the notable exception if someone is being harmed as in the case of child abuse) is your business and no one else’s. The police will not arrest (except in serious situations) and courts will not prosecute simple possession cases.

When you visit the Red Light district in any major Dutch city, the doorways are indeed considered ‘residences’ and while there are stringent health code and taxation checks of the women of the night, the world’s oldest profession is alive, well and somewhat regulated.

The coffee shops though had an interesting legal curveball thrown at them last week. As of 01 July a total smoking ban in cafes and restaurants came into effect and raised an interesting legal question. Since most marijuana product is mixed in with a bit of tobacco, that creates a situation where smoking a marijuana cigarette with tobacco inside is against the law and an enforceable action under the new zero tolerance café and restaurant smoking ban. It could result in the coffee shop owner being heavily fined and losing their license if they are found to have allowed tobacco to be smoked. Yet they get a free pass as long as it is pure marijuana in that joint.

What do you think? Let us know by adding a comment to this post.

Later in the week we will share with you a series of interviews from the lawyer representing a group of coffee shop owners, the coffee shop owners themselves and a member of the Dutch Parliament.