A Guide to Amsterdam's Cannabis Coffeeshops

Amsterdam coffeeshop rules

You must be 18 or older (21 years old in some establishments) and always have your passport or ID with you.
You are allowed to come twice a day maximum to the same coffee shop.
You can buy maximum 5 grams per day.
Alcohol and cigarettes are forbidden. However if a coffeeshop has outdoor seating it is often okay to smoke cigarettes there.
The use of hard drugs is strictly forbidden.
You will have to order a drink to sit inside.

Atmosphere in Amsterdam coffeeshops

The prospect of going to a coffeeshop in Amsterdam for the first time can be daunting - trust me, I've been there. However, your mind will soon be put at ease shortly after entering. Most shops, particularly in Amsterdam, are used to all types of customers and so you shouldn't be surprised to see a mix of older couples, young travellers, and business men there, many of whom smoking in a coffeeshop for the first time. Typically the shops have seating areas, some larger than others, with music playing, though not all shops have somewhere to smoke, so you will have to go elsewhere if this is the case. The exact vibe of each shop will differ but the idea is the same, some go for a more sophisticated real coffeeshop look (like Café Siberia) and others very much lean into the weed culture aesthetic (like Terps Army.)

How to order weed in an Amsterdam coffeeshop

To enter a coffeeshop in Amsterdam, you must be older than 18 years and have an ID. They will check.

Coffeeshops are not allowed to do any advertising so you will generally not find any details posted outside. Once inside, the menu should be very obviously sign posted above the counter. Ask for advice if you are not sure, those working in coffeeshops are often experienced smokers who will be able to advise you on the right strain for your needs. These people are here to make sure everything is safe. Once you have picked your strain and how much you'd like, your server will bag it for you and you can make your way to the seating area (or take it away with you). If you are sitting inside, it is mandatory that you order a drink too, most shops will have a small snacks and drinks menu.

How much does weed cost in Amsterdam?

Typically buds of flower sell for anywhere from €7 a gram for lower quality buds to €30 a gram for cali flower. For a new user with a lower tolerance a gram of weed would likely get you anywhere from 3-5 joints worth, but this entirely depends on how much is used and the individual smoker. You can also bring your own dry herb vaporiser if you like to make your bud go further and consume less hot smoke. Shops tend to sell weed both by the gram or in pre-rolled joints, so those who don't know how to roll are covered.

Basic smoking tips

A general (simplified) rule of thumb for beginners is that more expensive cannabis is stronger and so its best for new users not to jump straight into the deep end. Choose a shop known for its quality flower and you cant go wrong at any price point. Most shops don't allow tobacco to be smoked indoors and instead tend to provide a herb mixture to combine with your joints. I would recommend using these herbs to thin out your joint a little, particularly if smoking alone as you will require a lot less cannabis which would make it a little harder to roll. Personally I only ever roll my joints with 100% weed, but this was not the case in the beginning. The advice is to start slow.

Also, I would say don't smoke marijuana after drinking more than just a little alcohol. If you mix alcohol and marijuana there is a large risk of being very high and for first time and even experienced users this new sensation can be overwhelming. If you do drink, be prepared to reduce the total amount you consume of both substances than you typically would as the interaction will increase the effects of both.

Do they provide lighters, papers and grinders in coffeeshops?

You will find that most coffeeshop tables are equipped with rolling papers, an ash tray and a dry herb mixture. Shops do not leave grinders on the tables and so you will have to ask to borrow one at the counter. Not all shops will allow this. There are so many paraphernalia shops around in the city centre that I find its just best to buy a lighter, papers and a grinder for cheap at the beginning of my trip so I never have to worry.

Can I bring my own weed?

Yes! Most shops are perfectly fine with people bringing their own bud and this is a common occurrence. Some shops will also only sell weed and have no room for seating, so you must go elsewhere in order to smoke. I often like to source my weed from the best place and then take it to a shop with a seating area and vibe I prefer.

Ban on public marijuana smoking of 2023

From May 2023 there is a ban on smoking weed in the public areas of Dam Square, Red Light District, Damrak and Nieuwenmarkt. It is still possible to smoke cannabis outdoors on coffeeshops terraces. But if you are caught smoking freely on the street you will be penalized with 100 euro. This law is trying to calm down disorder in touristic areas, many people forget that not everyone is in Amsterdam for the coffeeshops, there are plenty around and there is no reason not to keep the smoking contained so everyone can coexist and enjoy the city.

Amsterdam Cannabis Laws

Due to the allowance of cannabis consumption and sex work, the Netherlands are reputed to be a very liberal country. This is true but you should be aware of the Dutch laws and the rules inside a coffee shop.

Possession of drugs is still punishable, but with a maximum of 5 grams of weed or hash the police will just take the drugs. You can give them up and you will not be prosecuted.
If you have more soft drugs than the quantity for personal use (5 grams) you will be fined and risk a prison sentence.
Minors are not allowed to have any drugs, the tolerance policy does not apply to them, so you must be 18 or over to buy drugs.
Growing weed at home is illegal, however 5 plants or less you can give them up and you will generally not be prosecuted.
Hard drugs are not allowed.
Import and export of drugs is illegal.
You cannot smoke in public. You can smoke weed only in Amsterdam coffeeshops or in their outdoor seating areas.

Amsterdam Coffeeshop Recommendations

When it comes to weed, not all buds are built the same and so its important to visit coffeeshops based on reputation and reviews. There are a lot of coffeeshops that are only there to please the tourists and don't know the first thing about weed. There are many good options to choose from but I am going to list a few of my favourites for high quality buds and good atmosphere.

The Plug

If you're simply looking for the highest quality buds in Amsterdam then The Plug is an easy shout for those looking for some of the best bud Amsterdam has to offer. Known for its high quality cali strains and close to the centre of Amsterdam, you definitely should consider stopping by.

Prix d'Ami

If you're looking for an all round good time then Prix d'Ami is the place to be. Known for being the largest cannabis shop in the world, this coffeeshop has a huge range of flower and hash on display to choose from. The inside has a cool vibe with loads of seating and the food menu has to be one of the best in the city.

Coffeeshop Siberie

Tucked away on a quiet side street in the city centre, Coffeeshop Siberie is a relaxing laid back venue that feels more like a normal coffeeshop that just happens to sell weed. If you're looking for something low-key, peaceful and simple then this is the place to go. This would also be a good option for those wanting to work on their laptops.

De Kade

De Kade has been praised as a great budget option for good quality strains at the most competitive prices and so if you're not looking to break the bank this should be your first stop.

A Guide to Amsterdam's Cannabis Coffeeshops

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