Coffee Shops

The following pages are for informative purposes only. We are not trying to encourage the use of cannabis, marihuana or any other narcotics or hallucinogenics.

Coffee shops are not to be confused with cafes. They’ve been around in Amsterdam since the 1970s. In that period Holland began making a clear distinction between hard drugs and soft drugs. Unlike many of the legal smart shops, coffee shops have always existed in the grey area between legal and illegal. Nowadays the municipal council of Amsterdam permits coffee shops, in accordance with the Union of Cannabis Retailers, to sell cannabis under condition of non-transferable licenses. These licenses can be recognized by the official green-white sticker on the shop window.

The High Times Cannabis Cup is an important event for coffee shop in Amsterdam. It is held each year in November, often around the American holiday Thanksgiving. This large smoke event often results in groups of people taking tours around the coffee shops and clouds of cannabis smoke everywhere.

Opium Law Amsterdam

According to the Dutch Opium law, coffee shops are prohibited from selling more than five grams of cannabis per person. In addition, they are only allowed to sell to customers who are able to present a valid proof of identity that confirms they are over 18 years of age. These regulations are followed quite strictly by most coffee shops, so be prepared to show proof of identification, even if it’s been years since you were last asked for your ID at home.

Other regulations and limitations that fall under the Opium law Amsterdam are the fact that it is not permitted to sell alcohol and cannabis under one roof. Since the tobacco law of 2008 it is illegal to smoke this hazardous substance near another person. Regular cannabis cigarettes can be smoked normally, as can bongs, pipes and joints make with special ‘herbal mixes’ which are sold in some coffee shops. Many coffee shops have separate smoke rooms so that customers can smoke their tobacco joints. Coffee shops never allow the use of hard drugs and you’ll be removed from the premises if you do not adhere to this.

The Habit

Coffee shops are not allowed to advertise and this makes it difficult for some visitors to understand how things work. Most coffee shops have a weed menu, often in the form of a book on top of the bar from which customers can make a choice. You’ll then be given a small plastic bag with your marihuana or hash. You are allowed to smoke your purchase in the smoke room or outside. You are also allowed to bring and smoke your own weed, although politeness dictates that you order something to drink.

Know your boundaries

It is important to understand that hash and marihuana sold in coffee shops in Amsterdam may be much stronger than most visitors are used to. Please do not select the strongest type on the menu, because what is normal for daily users may be much too strong for those new in town. It may end up ruining your evening.

It’s also better not to smoke any prepared joints or eat ‘space cakes’ if you’re not sure you can take it. The amount of cannabis in these products varies and is sometimes quite high. A good rule of thumb is: if you’re not sure, ask the staff. They’ll often be happy to offer you some advice.

Coffee shops

There are numerous coffee shops in Amsterdam, each with their own atmosphere.