The Doper's Guide to Amsterdam

Cannabis isn't exactly entirely legal in Amsterdam. But, as Larry Jay—the Woody Allen-like host of this guide—explains agreeably, you won't be prosecuted for possessing small amounts. In fact, purchasing and openly smoking marijuana is not only accepted, it's most convenient in city coffeeshops, where an aficionado can savor numerable types of pot and then sit back and reflect upon matters, large and small. Jay leads us on a happy tour of these coffeeshops, explaining the basics of buying, and conducts sessions of man-on-the-street interviews (one of which is a hilarious conversation with two Florida residents). Just so you don't get the impression that Jay is only interested in weed, he here points out city highlights, while also reminding viewers that legalized prostitution is another benefit of visiting Amsterdam. Or, as he puts it, "life is like a hand that needs lotion. Amsterdam is hand lotion for life, whether that lotion is pot, or a woman, or cobblestone streets that are an invitation to a long walk." Well, I couldn't have put it better if I'd rolled one myself. Unfortunately, this is not nearly as good as Sex, Drugs & Democracy (VL Online-4/98), and covers much of the same ground as Grow Dutch II (VL Online-1/01), making it an optional purchase, at best. Aud: P. (T. Keogh)