Probably the most famous example of the Netherlands progressive social policy is their attitude to soft drugs. Though still technically illegal, in practice you can visit a coffeeshop and purchase 5g at a time. There are strict rules though: no one under 18, no weapons, no hard drugs, no stress. The better places will give plenty of advice and provide a comfortable atmosphere to relax in. The touristy ones are more comfortable but pricey, catering to the visitor who wants to stay and smoke in a nice environment; the locals’ ones are less comfortable but better value, catering to people who buy bulk to take home. Be warned that the products available are usually much stronger than in other countries and that space cakes should be treated with caution. A better option for beginners is a vaporizer, which friendly staff will explain how to use. Many coffeeshops are famous as cafés in their own right and with around 400 in Amsterdam choosing the right one can be difficult. For an independent directory see www.coffeeshopdirect.com. Here are some examples to illustrate the variety available:

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