Legal Pot Creates Trouble for Dutch Town

As an increasing number of states across the U.S. embrace medical marijuana—and consider the idea of legal pot for all—it might be worth taking a look at the experience of Maastricht.

The New York Times has a long report on how the city, where pot is legal, is suffering a range of problems. Drug tourists from across the border in Belgium and Germany create long lines at 13 Maastricht shops where pot is sold legally. Even worse, underground drug dealers are lured by the market that has assembled in town, and are competing with the sanctioned sellers, often by selling hard drugs. Violence is on the rise.

In the U.S., medical marijuana is now legal in 14 states. It has become big business in Oakland, California, and the Golden State is slated to consider legalizing pot when voters go to the polls in November.

As the weak economy depresses tax revenues, it's temping to think that pot will be a boon for public finances. But if Maastricht is an indication of how things might play out in the U.S., one must wonder whether the market can be structured and controlled, and whether the tax dollars will ultimately be worth the hassle.