The Dutch government is banning the sale of all magic mushrooms after a series of high-profile incidents involving tourists who had taken them.

Between the Autobahn, "honor system" public transportation, legal drugs, and legal prostitution, certain aspects of central Europe offer a very relaxing feeling of personal freedom and responsibility. I'm just as unlikely to steal a ride on the Munich U-Bahn as I am to screw a hooker while whacked out on shrooms in Amsterdam, but there is the odd moment in life when you walk out of the wrong subway exit and its nice to know that you can go back in without repaying and without being hunted down by the police. Its nice to be treated like an adult. Its unfortunate to hear that after all these places are just as susceptible to reactionary legislation driven by media sensationalism as we are.

BBC NEWS | Europe | Netherlands bans magic mushrooms