Holiday Special #1 – Amsterdam, Netherlands

Amsterdam has a well-earned reputation among young people around the world looking to enjoy a 420 holiday. Amsterdam is, of course, the weed capital of Europe, and it shines as a great beacon of acceptance for the consumption of soft drugs around the globe. But despite what you may have heard, things are not always what they seem when it comes to weed in Amsterdam.

What is the law on cannabis?

Let’s start with what the law actually is on smoking cannabis. For one, cannabis is not actually legal in the Netherlands, something many people outside of the Netherlands do not know. Weed in the Netherlands is actually decriminalized (‘toleration policy’). This basically means that it’s tolerated. It’s not really allowed, but nothing will happen to you if you choose to go into a coffee shop and smoke it and/or take some home for your own personal pleasure (5g or less).

Inform yourself at the Coffeeshop Info Centre Amsterdam.

If you’ve got any specific questions about smoking weed in Amsterdam and you’re a bit hesitant to visit a grizzly dark coffee shop then you might just want to visit the Coffeeshop Info Centre Amsterdam.. They will answer all your questions on the regulations about soft drugs in Amsterdam. They also sell some premium seeds, CBD products and you can score some clean and stylish ganja paraphernalia there too. It’s just a 3 minute walk from the Central Station, so we can recommend this stop if you want to get smart before you get high in Amsterdam. Address: Prins Hendrikkade 10

Some of the best weed options in Amsterdam

Instead of recommending coffee shops based on weed quality, I’ll give you some suggestions based on the atmosphere, which ultimately plays an important role in the experience. If you are here for the first time, you really can’t do any better or worse than The Bulldog. There is a big location in Leidseplein and several in the Red Light District. Selfie yourself with the sign, and enjoy the mega crowds. 

For a more local experience, try; 

1. Boerejongens – great for smoking, great for picking up produce, very smooth place with friendly staff at all 4 (!)locations
2. CoffeeshopAmsterdam – best spot near the Central Station, clean friendly and some premium stuff
3. Tweede Kamer – an institution in The Hague, an institution in Amsterdam. Been around for a long time, check it out and you’ll understand why.
4. Grey Area – American’s love it and lots of celebrities have been there
5. The Spirit – Pinball machines and a chilled vibe
6. Easy Times – Your home from home
7. The (original) Dampkring – think Ocean’s 12, sofas and a cat

Smoking weed in Amsterdam: know your limits

This is the part where I warn you that you should be careful when consuming marijuana, especially if you’re doing it for the first time. As I already mentioned, be extra careful with edibles since they can feel like duds until they kick in, then you’ll need to ride out the high. Smoking weed allows you to control how high you get by smoking just a little or a lot. As you can see, there is much more to the weed scene in Amsterdam than just hopping into the nearest coffee shop near your hotel and asking for a joint. It’s important to know what you’re getting, understand your own limits, and be in a safe environment when you are trying something for the first time.