Amsterdam is known for its liberal attitude towards cannabis, and visitors to the city often want to know more about the laws and regulations surrounding its use. In this guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about cannabis in Amsterdam, including the laws, the different types of products available, and how to find the best quality weed. If this isn’t what you’re interested in, check out the ultimate guide of things to do in Amsterdam.
LEGALITIES:
First and foremost, cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands. It is tolerated! Meaning it is decriminalised for a limited use.
Dutch Opium Act states that personal possession of small amounts of cannabis (‘soft drugs’) up to 5 grams is a punishable offence. Although this law is not strictly enforced, a licenced coffee shop vendor can only sell less than five grams per day per person.
Unlike other countries like Canada, Mexico, Uruguay where it is actually legal. You can consume cannabis safely by abiding to these policies:
- You don’t have more than five grams of weed in your possession;
- You’re not causing a public disturbance; and
- You’re smoking in an area of Amsterdam where it is not banned.
PRODUCTS:
When it comes to cannabis products, Amsterdam has a lot to offer.
| Marijuana | Sativa:Sativa strains have a greater THC-to-CBD ratio, which adds to their stimulating properties. Origin: Cannabis sativa is found primarily in hot, dry climates with long sunny days. These include Africa, Central America, Southeast Asia, and portions of Western Asia. Effects:Energising/upliftingStimulatingReduce anxiety Increase creativityIncrease focusHead high Better for day time use | Indica:Indica strains possess a higher CBD-to-THC ratio, which adds to their sedative effects. Origin: Cannabis indica is native to Afghanistan, India, Pakistan, and Turkey. The plants have adapted to the often harsh, dry, and turbulent climate of the Hindu Kush mountains. Effects:RelaxationRelief of painDecrease Nausea Better sleepIncrease appetite/MunchiesBody high Better for night time use | Hybird:Mixed of Sativa and Indica – affects depends on the trait from their parent strain Origin: Hybrids are typically grown on farms or in greenhouses from a combination of sativa and indica plants. Effects:Predominant effects varies depending on the vendor. |
| Hashish | Hashish, often known as “hash”, is a cannabis product composed of compressed or purified preparations of stalked resin glands called trichomes. The resin of cannabis plants contains high levels of cannabinoids, with THC being responsible for its primary psychoactive effect. In another word, concentrated THC. Origin:Traditional forms of hash come from Afghanistan, Morocco, and India. Effects:StimulatingIncrease creativityIncrease focusHead high | ||
| Edibles | Food items that are infused with cannabis with the goal of getting high. They are typically sweet items like space cakes, brownies or gummies, but almost any food item can be turned into an edible treat. Each edible should state on the packaging how many milligrams of weed are inside. As a rough starting point, 10mg is considered a single serving for an adult. Effects: Varies – ask shop vendors these important questions before trying:Strength of the edible How long will it last How much you should takeWhat to expect | ||
ORDERING:
- Check out the menu near the register with the types of weed available and the prices.
- Decide what variety and strain of weed you would like
- Decide how you would like to consume it
- Smoking the pure weed (just the leaves),
- Smoking weed mixed with tobacco (the most common option in the Netherlands),
- Smoking with hashish
- Eating edibles
- Decide delivery method:
- roll your own joints by buying loose bud
- buy a pre-rolled joint
- eat it via an edible
- As of 2008, there is a tobacco-smoking ban in the Netherlands and as a result you can’t put tobacco in the joints that you smoke inside Amsterdam’s coffeeshops. In literally all of these coffeeshops, you will see a bowl of non-potent dry weed leaves that you can put in your joint instead of tobacco. It is surely a healthier option for your lungs.
- Have your ID (Proof of age) ready. You must be over 18 years old to buy and smoke week. You can use either your EU identification card or your passport.
TIP: One of the best ways to find the best quality weed in Amsterdam is to ask locals or the staff at the coffee shop for recommendations. They will be able to guide you towards the best strains for your needs and budget.
If you get too high:
There’s nothing worse than feeling too high or out of control. Here are a few quick tips:
- First, breathe deeply. Remember, no one has ever died from a weed overdose.
- Put on a funny show or podcast to distract yourself.
- Drink a glass of water.
- Eat a snack: sugar, pine nuts, lemon, and peppercorns are all proven to reduce the effects of a high.
- Give a friend a call and let them talk you down.
- Take a relaxing shower.
- Try to sleep it off.
Happy experimenting but remember to stay safe always!