 | magellan (153)
09/25/2007 |  I'm not a pot smoker - the smoke is bad for my asthmatic lungs, and cramps my ability to run up and down the the basketball court. But I partook in Amsterdam, and thoroughly enjoyed it.
As an American, I totally appreciated walking into a coffee shop (with a reggae dj), sitting down at the counter, and ordering a beer. I sat there, chilled out, listened to the music, and sipped my beer. Then I had another.
Then, once I was nice and relaxed, I walked over to the "other" barrista - the rasta guy who helped customers with their pot selections. I told him that I wasn't a smoker, and didn't want to get too messed up. He said "no problem man" and measured out some orange scented marijuana (not hash) which he put into a little baggie. I asked him if he could roll some up for me - he said no, the girl at the coffee counter would give me a pipe. So I paid the man 8 euros, and he gave me the little baggie.
Sure enough, the girl at the coffee counter had a selection of water pipes and small pipes. I chose a small pipe, and rejoined my beer at the bar. After being loaned a lighter by the coffee barista, I packed a little pot into my little pipe and smoked it. Nice. The reggae music was kicking, and the cold, draught, fresh Heineken tasted good. I puffed again - whoops.... too much. Coughing convulsion. Yes I am a rookie. The hippy next to me look mildly mused. I could see him thinking to himself "dude..."
Anyway, I spent an enjoyable hour or so listening to the music, sipping my beer, and puffing my pipe.
I thought it was interesting to note that the drug addiction rates in the Netherlands are far lower than the rest of Europe. Could it be that if you treat people like adults, they act like adults?
Anyway, I strongly recommending partaking in this safe, clean, stress free environment. If you are American like me, it will probably be the only time that a government trusts you to try this natural, peaceful plant.
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