Very recently executive director of UNODC (United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime), Antonio Marie Costa visited Amsterdam. This visit is believed to have been scheduled the to give Costa a better view on the Dutch drug policies and their effectiveness.
Mr. Costa , accompanied by representatives of the Dutch Justice department, the Ministry of Health and the city of Amsterdam Mr. Costa visited the famous Red Light District and popular Amsterdam Coffeeshop Dampkring (that received some notability for being featured in the blockbuster movie Oceans Twelve with Brad Pitt and George Clooney).
Coffeeshop owner Paul Wilhelm was there to explain the ins and outs of a running a Coffeeshop in Amsterdam. “Strangely enough they seemed a lot more immature about the whole situation than I expected” said Paul.
the ultimate feeling of freedom
Costa’s first questions was literally; “So.. I bet that movie made you a lot of money huh?”
Paul explained: “Sure the attention is great – for what business would it not be? However the chance to a positive change was the main reason to do it”. Pauls says “These people have a lot of influence and possibly can change the look on ‘the evil’ Cannabis and Coffeeshops for some people. Steve Soderbergh contacted us for the movie because, as he said being in our shop gave him “the ultimate feeling of freedom”.
When Costa asks if they sell alcohol Paul responds: No, unfortunately we were forced to make a choice last year. Costa; “because is caused problems?”
No, Paul replied. “Actually the opposite. There was a good balance, For most visitors enough is enough. There are people that would rather drink a beer than smoke and vice versa.
When asked “So how much money do you make?” Paul with a smile replied “If you show me yours, I’ll show you mine”
The UN Under-Secretary was explained how in the early 70’s the government created a separation between soft- and hard drugs by allowing so called Coffeeshops. This eradicated the local dealers but of course also lead to a small Coffeeshop ‘Boom’.
I have a life, a family, three healthy kids
Even though there has been a learning curve for the government as well as for the Coffeeshops, there have been clear rules and regulations on the existing and running of such establishments.
When Costa asks whether they sell cigarettes Paul proudly answers “No, they are very unhealthy and more addictive than Cannabis.” In possibly a Pavlov reaction Costa responds that this is not true. Paul explains that out of personal experience and his expertise as a Coffeeshop owner, it is far more easier to quit smoking Cannabis for a day, or even a week, then having no cigarettes for a day.
I will make a detour to pick some up if need be. Costa asked: “Are you a criminal”?“ Well… yes” paul says. “But I don’t feel like one…”, Cannabis is semi legal.. (“tolerated” Mr. van Binsbergen corrects) and I’m running an establishment pretty much like anybody else. I have a life, a family, three healthy kids, of which one is going to university soon. “I don’t feel like a criminal at all.” Paul concludes.
