New measures limiting the use of cannabis have come into effect as the Netherlands tries to crack down on crime and drug tourism.

The regulations are meant to limit access to coffee shops - places that sell cannabis - to just Dutch citizens.

Around a third of tourists who come to Amsterdam visit a cannabis cafe.

The new regulations state that only Dutch residents should be allowed inside, but the government says it is up to individual councils to decide whether to enforce the law.

The mayor of Amsterdam has made it clear that tourists there would still be granted access.

Cannabis cafe owners, though, believe the changes will increase illegal street dealing and make it harder for authorities to control the lucrative industry.

ABC/wires