Buzz Kill for Backbackers

Backpackers from around the world looking to take advantage of Amsterdam's lax drug laws could be in for a buzz kill. Dutch authorities are set to limit access to cannabis by foreign tourists in a bid to curb "drug tourism" to the Netherlands, reports the Telegraph.

Under the country's "gedoogbeleid" — tolerance policy on soft drugs —tourists and locals alike have been able to buy small amounts of marijuana at coffee shops since 1976. The policy has meant big business for local shopkeepers.

But the proposals being considered by Dutch cabinet ministers call for a pass system, which would allow only locals to purchase cannabis. The proposed rules also require that the drugs be consumed on premises and reduce the legal amount for purchase from five grams to three.

"Coffee shops should again become what they were originally meant to be: vending points for local users and not large-scale suppliers to consumers from neighbouring countries," concluded a government commission in July, reports the Telegraph.

The aim of the stricter rules is to cut down on crime and no doubt reduce the nuisance caused by stoned tourists. I mean really, tourists are bad enough. Stoned tourists? Forgetabouit.

Photo courtesy of .malk via Flickr.