Amsterdam: the drugs

Out of all the things Amsterdam is known for, I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that legalized marijuana is probably the most well known. In fact, when people tell you they're going to Amsterdam, this is probably the first scenario that pops into your head:

And it's true. Marijuana is a pretty prevalent part of Amsterdam. I'd say you can avoid it if you want to, but you can pretty much smell it every time the wind changes. 

But here's a fun fact guys: marijuana is technically illegal in the Netherlands. However, since the Dutch are the most amazingly tolerant people ever, they just sort of overlook it as long as it's not hurting anyone. But that's why you can't just find signs like "buy your weed here!!" Instead, you have to go to "coffee shops." And trust me, they're not hard to find. First, because they're on every corner. And second because the smell is unavoidable as you walk past. 

But what happens if you really do just want a coffee without an ensuing high? Then you go to a Cafe.

Of course, if can't remember, just walk up to the door and ask yourself 3 simple questions:
1. is everyone inside smoking something?
2. are there pictures of marijuana leaves all over the decor?
3. is the pungent stench of weed permeating into the street?

if your answer to any one of these questions was "yes," then it's safe to say you're at a coffee shop. 


Oh, and here's one last fun fact to think about: The Netherlands is starting to make it illegal (as in actually illegal and enforced) for non dutch residents to use coffee shops. This has already been implemented in most of southern Netherlands and is supposed to take effect in Amsterdam in 2013. Just so you know.

drug habits.

If you know me very well, you know that I'm not a big medicine taker. It's not really because I have something against taking medicine, I just 1. don't get sick very often and 2. never seem to remember that some quick tylenol would be a great way to beat that headache.

The irony of me and my lack of drug use, of course, is that my sister, on the other hand, is a pharmacist. 

If ever I do find myself in need of drugs (or any other medical attention, really), I always consult the my pharmacist first. And for being on a completely different continent, you would not believe how many calls and emails I still put in on drug-related business. 

Being able to go over every little detail of the drugs I'm looking for makes days like today - my first ever trip to a German pharmacy - a little less stressful. 

Thank goodness for sisters that are pharmacists.