Proximity to Dutch Coffeeshops and Cannabis Use in the Netherlands

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to assess the influence of coffee shop availability on the prevalence and intensity of cannabis use, as well as the effectiveness of the ‘separation of markets’ policy. A convenience sample of night life visitors and a sub selection of last year cannabis users were used for analyses on cannabis and hard drug use. Logistic regression analyses showed that coffee shop proximity does not seem to be linked to prevalence of cannabis use or intensity of use. In addition, proximity of coffee shops does not seem to be linked directly to hard drug use.

Keywords: cannabis, coffee shop, proximity, drug policy

JEL Classification: K00