Amsterdam Coffee Shops

Coffee shops are different types of "cafes" where you can legally purchase and smoke cannabis. Lighter drugs are legal in The Netherlands and people gather in coffee shops to meet and smoke cannabis in a relaxed manner.

Different coffee shops differ a lot.

Some have alcohol licenses and play lively music, while some are calm and sell coffee. You don't have to be 18 to stay in a Coffee shop, but to buy cannabis you have to be.

There are no heavier drugs available and this is strictly prohibited.

Some coffee shops also ban mobile phones and headgear. Anyone who behaves aggressively is immediately kicked out.

As a tourist, you should remember that the local low-priced varieties of cannabis are usually very strong.

Laws and regulations

It is allowed for tourists to a Coffee shop, but there is regulator which must be followed:

• Cannabis is decriminalized in Amsterdam and can be bought and consumed in coffee shops.
• However, it is forbidden to consume cannabis in public places such as streets and parker.
• The sale of cannabis is only permitted in licensed coffee shops.
• The quantity sold is limited to 5 grams per person.