The coffeeshop/weed shop industry in the Netherlands has proliferated for years. Although the industry is licensed by the government to ensure that only marijuana/pot is sold at these facilities as opposed to the so-called hard drugs, the industry is not truly legal, but merely tolerated. For that reason, various politicians over the years have sought to restrict the coffeeshop’s business. Recently, a movement has been advanced where tourists from other countries would be required to apply for a "weed pass" as a condition of patronizing the coffee shops. The Prime Minister of the country has made a recommendation to its Parliament to consider the weed pass concept This concept has caused great consternation in the industry because it is thought that business profits will be significantly curtailed.

This summer, the highest court in the country determined that a weed pass would illicitly discriminate against tourists. The attorney for the Amsterdam coffeeshop coalition has recently said, "shops will remain open and continue fulfilling the role that there were establish four, tell all your friends, book a flight and come visit us in Amsterdam, where the coffee shops are open and waiting for you”.