1 Jan 2013

New Netherlands measures try to limit cannabis use

8:04 pm on 1 January 2013

New measures have come into effect in the Netherlands, aimed at limiting the use of cannabis.

The regulations are meant to restrict access to coffee shops - places that sell cannabis - to just Dutch citizens.

The government hopes this will reduce crime and drugs tourism.

The BBC reports around a third of tourists who visit Amsterdam visit a cannabis cafe.

The new regulations state that only Dutch residents should be allowed inside.

But the government says it's up to individual councils to decide whether to enforce the law.

The mayor of Amsterdam has made it clear tourists will still be granted access.

Cannabis cafe owners believe the changes will increase illegal street dealing and make it harder for the authorities to control the industry.