Guest Editorial: The decline of Dutch drug policy?Lessons to be learned

Abstract

For years, many saw Dutch Drug Policy as a liberal, and successful, policy and policy makers from many other countries wanted to 'go Dutch'. Harm-reduction measures and the tolerant Dutch attitude towards cannabis products have drawn international attention, positive and negative. However, things are changing rapidly. Dutch citizens no longer accept the present policy. Many harm-reduction measures are under pressure. It is argued that a new drug policy should pay more attention to the position of the so-called third party, those who suffer most from issues like drug-related nuisance. It is possible that within a few years those who are in favour of a liberal drug policy will not go Dutch, but will perhaps have to turn to other countries, for instance, the UK. However, those responsible for drug policies should learn from the latest developments in the Netherlands too. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)