Your Complete Guide to Cannabis in Amsterdam
167 coffeeshops. 50 years of tolerance policy. Cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands — it is tolerated, and the distinction changes everything. Coffeeshop directory, Dutch law explained, visitor survival guide, the landmark supply chain experiment, and the culture that shaped global cannabis — no product sales, just the information tourists actually need.
What Every Tourist Needs to Know
Amsterdam welcomes millions of cannabis tourists every year, but the rules are not what most visitors expect. Cannabis is tolerated, not legal. The maximum purchase is 5 grams. You must be 18+ (not 21). Smoking is now banned in central tourist areas. And you absolutely cannot take cannabis to Schiphol Airport.
Dutch cannabis is often significantly stronger than what visitors from the US or UK are used to. Space cakes have no standardized dosing. Street dealers sell fakes. The details matter.
Show valid ID (18+, passport or government ID). Maximum 5 grams per purchase. Find a coffeeshop.
Since May 2023, public cannabis smoking is banned in the Red Light District, Dam Square, Damrak, and Nieuwmarkt. €100 fine.
Amnesty bins before security. No cannabis on any flight. Drug dogs deployed. Full airport rules.
Dutch cannabis tests at 20–30% THC. Space cakes have no mg labels. Start with one-third. Edible survival guide.
Coffeeshops by Neighborhood
The Experiment That Could Change Everything
For 50 years, coffeeshops could sell cannabis but not legally buy their supply. The Closed Chain Experiment — 11 cities, 10 licensed growers, 4-year timeline — is the first serious attempt to resolve this paradox. With a D66-led coalition now in power, full regulation is closer than ever.
The Closed Chain ExperimentFor in-depth cannabis education, dosing guides, safety information, and research summaries, visit our partner site TryCannabis.org