The liberal drug policy practised in the Netherlands has resulted in the proliferation of 'head shops' that sell drug paraphernalia as well as botanical products that are psychoactive -- the most famous being the psilocybin-containing mushrooms, nicknamed 'paddoes' by the Dutch.

Whilst the levels of drug usage amongst Dutch citizens are generally lower than their counterparts in countries such as the UK and US, the influx of thrill-seeking tourists has created problems as they consume to excess.

In recent months, there have been several reports of tourists experiencing a form of psychosis brought about by consumption of mushrooms.

Matters came to a head in March of this year, when a 17-year-old French woman jumped from a bridge and died whilst under the influence.

Rather than an outright ban, Mayor Cohen is proposing a similar system of licensing to that used to regulate Amsterdam's coffee shops that sell cannabis to patrons.

Cohen's proposals would mean that potential consumers would have to register their interest in purchasing mushrooms and be given information by the retailer to take away and read.

After a three day period, they would be able to return to the retailer and purchase the mushrooms for consumption as usual.

Other towns in the Netherlands have already introduced licensing for magic mushroom sellers -- but Amsterdam represents the most significant centre of the consumption of psychedelics, especially by tourists.

The proposals have now been submitted to Ab Klink, the Dutch minister for health, for his consideration.