The Dutch cannabis debate

FRANÇAIS :
La politique hollandaise en matière de drogues passe aujourd'hui pour être en dehors du contrôle international des drogues. L'aspect le plus voyant est la révision du Dutch Opium Act de 1976 qui a, de facto, décriminalisé le cannabis possédé en petites quantités. Le processus de banalisation qui s'en est suivi a été considéré comme pouvant servir de modèle à la révision de la politique européenne. Cet article cependant en arrive à la conclusion que ce modèle fut seulement le résultat d'une absence de politique et d'argumentation et une adaptation aux circonstances du moment (1968-1976).
ENGLISH :
Today's Dutch drug policy has acquired the reputation of standing outside the international mainstream of drug control. One of the most eye catching aspects of the revision of the Dutch Opium Act in 1976 has been the de facto decriminalization of cannabis in small amounts. Nowadays the use and small-scale dealing in cannabis has become normalized. This process of normalization is widely seen as a "model" for a revision of European drug policies. However, in this article the conclusion is reached that this process should not be considered as a "model". When we examine the arguments, points of contention, and policy alternatives discussed within the Dutch ministries between 1968 and 1976, it becomes clear that the de facto decriminalization of soft drugs was more the result of the absence of policy, and of a belated adaptation to already existing circumstances, than of any rational, well-considered action. (Author's abstract)