Over the past 20 years the Dutch have decriminalized "soft drugs" use and retail trade, leading to separate drug markets. The intent of this policy is to not only match laws to the harm done by specific drugs, but also to separate marijuana use from the subculture and market of "hard drugs." Due to this policy and pragmatic law enforcement, the level of cannabis use is relatively low and stable. Simultaneously, the level of social integration of the soft drug phenomenon is high, and the prevalence of individual and social hashish and marijuana problems is low. The success of Dutch policy has been achieved largely against the mainstream of international drug politics and despite the interference of the Netherlands' most important neighbors and allies. Currently, the international situation strongly influences the development of Dutch drug policy, that is, the economical and political integration of Western Europe. If the Dutch do not want to surrender to other nations' policies that damage public health and individual liberties, the Dutch government and professionals in the field must fight for the legitimacy and effectiveness of Dutch policy. 132 footnotes