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TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2009
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Dutch Smoking Ban Leaves Pot Users in a Fog

Cannabis in coffee houses is fine, but take that butt outside

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(Newser) – Effective tomorrow, the Netherlands bans smoking tobacco in public places, and the new law means big changes for Amsterdam's famously relaxed coffeehouses, reports USA Today. Because the law doesn't cover cannabis or hashish, users can continue to smoke them inside. But those who prefer their pot mixed with tobacco, as many do, will have to step outside.

"It's crazy," said one Amsterdam coffee shop owner. "It seems totally illogical to have a business that specializes in smoking and you ban tobacco."

A regular user of soft drugs smokes a joint with tobacco and marijuana in a coffee shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday June 24, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On July 1, the Netherlands will comply with European law banning smoking in...
A regular user of soft drugs smokes a joint with tobacco and marijuana in a coffee shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday June 24, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill:...   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
A regular user of soft drugs demonstrates how to roll a joint with tobacco and marijuana in a coffee shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday June 24, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On July 1, the Netherlands will comply with European law...
A regular user of soft drugs demonstrates how to roll a joint with tobacco and marijuana in a coffee shop in Amsterdam, Netherlands, Wednesday June 24, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the...   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Pre-rolled joints with tobacco are seen at The Green House coffee shop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday June 15, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On July 1, the Netherlands will comply with European law banning smoking in bars and restaurants.
Pre-rolled joints with tobacco are seen at The Green House coffee shop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday June 15, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On...   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
Richard van Velthoven uses a vaporiser at The Green House coffee shop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday June 15, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On July 1, the Netherlands will comply with European law banning smoking in bars and restaurants.
Richard van Velthoven uses a vaporiser at The Green House coffee shop, Amsterdam, Netherlands, Sunday June 15, 2008. Amsterdam's marijuana bars may be facing the ultimate buzz kill: a smoking ban. On...   (AP Photo/Peter Dejong)
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