'Magic Mushrooms' to Be Banned in the Netherlands Starting December 1
Tuesday November 18, 2008
The hallucinogenic "magic mushrooms" used as recreational drugs will be banned the Netherlands beginning December 1.
The prohibition is the result of worries over a series of serious incidents in Amsterdam, in which tourists who consumed the mushrooms later experienced adverse effects. Officials warn that the unpredictable effects of mushrooms can lead to violence, depression and suicidal behavior. Simply Amsterdam News reported that a French girl died earlier this year when, after using magic mushrooms, she jumped of a high building.
The mushrooms (nicknamed "paddos" in Dutch) were already illegal drugs in their dried form, but fresh mushrooms were still tolerated. Groups of "smart shops," which sell the mushrooms, will likely lobby to reverse the ban, citing hundreds of lost jobs.
The prohibition is the result of worries over a series of serious incidents in Amsterdam, in which tourists who consumed the mushrooms later experienced adverse effects. Officials warn that the unpredictable effects of mushrooms can lead to violence, depression and suicidal behavior. Simply Amsterdam News reported that a French girl died earlier this year when, after using magic mushrooms, she jumped of a high building.
The mushrooms (nicknamed "paddos" in Dutch) were already illegal drugs in their dried form, but fresh mushrooms were still tolerated. Groups of "smart shops," which sell the mushrooms, will likely lobby to reverse the ban, citing hundreds of lost jobs.
This frequent Amsterdam visitor does not buy or use drugs.We love everything else about the city. We support this ban and urge serious curtailment of “drugs tourism”