The main aim of Dutch drugs policy is to prevent and limit the risks of drug use to users, the people around them and society in general. îSoft drugsî (marijuana and hashish) require a different approach than hard drugs. Many other countries do not officially distinguish between soft and hard drugs, but do treat them differently in practice.
The Netherlands tries to reduce the supply of drugs by combating organised crime. Other measures are designed to reduce the demand for drugs. Active care and prevention policies are aimed at reducing the risks of drug use for individual users and the people around them.
Government policy also aims to maintain public order and to curb nuisance related to drug use and drug dealing.
