What Are The Dutch Smoking?

By Kerry Capell in London

On July 1, the Netherlands will join the ranks of nations banning smoking in public venues. But what kind of smoking, those familiar with Amsterdam might ask. “In theory, the smoking of cannabis or hashish is allowed,” says a spokesperson for the health ministry, which introduced the ban. That’s good news for the $19 billion Dutch tourism industry. Among its biggest draws: the 730 coffee shops where smoking cannabis is allowed. There’s a hitch, though—one that may seem “ludicrous” to some in the world, says Michael Veling, an Amsterdam coffeehouse owner who heads the Dutch Cannabis Retailers group. Patrons can only smoke pure pot. (Europeans like to add tobacco.) Business should stay brisk, says Veling, adding that tourist visits to the cafes are up. “This year, the Chinese have started to come,” he says.