The Netherlands tends to consider itself a “pragmatic” country, especially regarding its policy on drugs[1]. Yet as the following chapter indicates, the dramatic shift which established its policy regime was driven more by ideology than evidence, and justified more by identity than by a consideration of externalities. The policy regime is a flagship example for Harm Reduction models across Europe, and has, in line with the theories and norms expounded in the Hulsman Commission report of 1971, treated drug abuse as public health issue and a matter of personal choice, to the point of considering the destruction of oneself and family through drug abuse a human right:
Why Ban Drugs? Part IV: The Dutch
Why Ban Drugs? Part IV: The Dutch
Why Ban Drugs? Part IV: The Dutch
The Netherlands tends to consider itself a “pragmatic” country, especially regarding its policy on drugs[1]. Yet as the following chapter indicates, the dramatic shift which established its policy regime was driven more by ideology than evidence, and justified more by identity than by a consideration of externalities. The policy regime is a flagship example for Harm Reduction models across Europe, and has, in line with the theories and norms expounded in the Hulsman Commission report of 1971, treated drug abuse as public health issue and a matter of personal choice, to the point of considering the destruction of oneself and family through drug abuse a human right: