Since the 1970s, when the Dutch government created a clear difference in the law between ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ drugs, Amsterdam has had coffeeshops, which are not to be mistaken with cafés.
More than 160 coffeeshops can be found in Amsterdam, with the Red-Light District housing the majority of them. Every coffeeshop in Amsterdam has its own distinct vibe, ranging from the trippy to the hipsterish, as well as from the local to the touristy. Coffeeshops in Amsterdam aren't just places to puff on a joint. You may easily meet new people and have fun with your friends at these venues. since they are social hotspots. This is a great place to watch TV, play chess or card games, and much more, always in a really laid-back manner.
The history of coffeeshops in Amsterdam
Since the 1970s, when the Dutch government created a clear difference in the law between 'hard' and 'soft' drugs, Amsterdam has had coffeeshops, which are not to be mistaken with cafés. There has always been a gray area in the legality of Amsterdam coffeeshops, unlike the perfectly legal smart shops in the city.
In the 1970s, the hippie movement was gaining momentum. While it was against the law to use weed or hashish in those days, hotspots like the Paradiso or the Melkweg were popular hangouts for musicians and fans alike to enjoy live music and a joint. That's how we found several house dealers in such music venues. Dealers, on the other hand, were allowed to do business inside the homes.
Even though Dutch legislation stated that the use of cannabis was illegal, the government and police felt that allowing the use of soft drugs like marijuana would deter individuals from using dangerous drugs like heroin. The city of Amsterdam and the coffeeshop union, Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten (BCD), have reached an agreement that permits coffeeshops to operate in a legal gap and is allowed. In the Netherlands, every coffeeshop has to put a green and white official sticker on its window.
Cannabis law in Amsterdam
A coffeeshop in the Netherlands has its own norms, which you should know about.
- Amsterdam has liberalized its stance on marijuana.
- Although it is illegal to possess a small amount of marijuana or hashish, the police will simply seize the substances if they find more than 5 grams. You may surrender them and avoid prosecution if you wish.
- There is no tolerance policy for minors; thus, you must be at least 18 years old to consume drugs.
- It is against the law to grow marijuana at home, but if you have fewer than five plants, you can turn them in and not get in trouble.
- In public places, smoking is strictly prohibited. Only in Amsterdam's coffeeshops is marijuana smoking permitted.
Rules to follow at coffeeshops in Amsterdam
- You must be at least 18 years old (21 in certain locations) and have a valid form of identification at all times.
- At most, you're permitted to visit the same coffeeshop twice a day.
- Every day, you may only purchase 5 grams.
- It is unlawful to consume either alcoholic beverages or tobacco products.
- You should not be a hassle to anybody.
- Drugs with a high potential for abuse are not permitted.
The bottom line
When looking for an actual coffeeshop, don't ask around for directions to the closest "coffeeshop"; instead, go directly to the establishment.
