The Dutch law on cannabis is summed up by the word 'gedogen' which means "allowing less..."

Basically, if you are caught in possession of less than 5 grams of either marihuana or hashish you will not be prosecuted.

The drugs, however, will be confiscated.

If you possess more than 5 grams, you stand a "fair chance" of prosecution.

Coffee-shops are licensed to sell cannabis, but they cannot sell to under 18's, cannot advertise, and cannot stock more than 500 grams of soft drugs.

information courtesy of Ybe de Rooij, assistant prosecutor, Queen Prosecution, Holland