The new government in the Netherlands has plans to close down half of the coffeeshops. The reasons remain unclear, all scientific evidence shows the Dutch drug policy is very effective.

The Netherlands follows a policy of separating the market for illicit drugs. Cannabis is primarily purchased through coffee shops. Coffee shops offer no or few possibilities for purchasing illicit drugs other than cannabis. Thus The Netherlands achieve a separation of the soft drug market from the hard drugs market - and separation of the 'acceptable risk' drug user from the 'unacceptable risk' drug user.

This table should say enough:

Social Indicator	Years	USA	Netherlands
Lifetime prevalence of marijuana use (ages 12+)	1998 vs. 1997	33%	15.6%
Past month prevalence of marijuana use (ages 12+)	1998 vs. 1997	5%	2.5%
Lifetime prevalence of heroin use (ages 12+)	1998 vs. 1997	1.1%	0.3%
Incarceration Rate per 100,000 population	1997 vs. 1996	645	77.3
Per capita spending on drug-related law enforcement	1997 vs. 1995	$81	$27
Homicide rate per 100,000 population	1995 vs. 1995	8	1.8

The source of this table is www.drugswarfacts.com, you can find many other interesting information on their website.

Thanks again for your attention
The Azarius Crew

Please do NOT reply to this email. If you have any questions or comments email them to info@azarius.net.