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Whether it’s to spend only 2 days in Amsterdam or to stay longer, it’s undeniable that there are so many cool things to do in Amsterdam. The city has a variety of activities for tourists to enjoy such as their beautiful canals, traditional Dutch food, a variety of good museums and most interestingly, cannabis or more commonly referred to as weed. Amsterdam is one of the only places in Europe where people are tolerated to consume marijuana in public spaces. Unsurprisingly, this has become a huge pull to the city. If it’s your first time visiting Amsterdam, you’re probably curious to try smoking cannabis. While we at INSIDR are NOT promoting cannabis at all, we believe that it’s important to share information on how to do it safely and responsibly in a city where it’s considered a normal thing! Read on for our full guide!
And if traveling to Paris is part of your itinerary, make sure to download our FREE Paris Travel Guides!
#1 Know the rules about smoking in the city
Weed is actually not legal in the Netherlands but rather it is decriminalized. This means that while it is not legally allowed, it is tolerated by the government within certain restrictions. For example, it is NOT illegal to smoke at a coffeeshop (what places for smoking weed at are called) and to take a maximum of 5 grams home, however, there are certain public spaces where it isn’t allowed. Growing cannabis plants is also not allowed.
INSIDR TIP: Make sure your coffee shop has a green and yellow sticker in the glass window as this is verification that it has a license.
#2 Know the type of cannabis you can get
Coffeeshops sell different types of weed in different ways and forms. You can get two types of weed: Indica which gives you a relaxing high effect or Sativa which gives you a strong and uplifting high. Then, you can decide how you want it whether you want pure weed, weed mixed with tobacco or weed mixed with hashish oil. After that you can choose how you want to consume it: through a joint, a pipe or as an edible.
Photo Credit: Instagram – @_highsupply
#3 Where to go to buy Cannabis in the City
There are a lot of coffee shops around the city so here are some recommendations of some good places to try:
– Barneys: This coffee shop has been around for 23 years and is the perfect place to just sit down and relax. It’s chill and has good food in case you get hungry!
– Easy Times Coffeeshop: Helpful staff, great atmosphere and u good music!
– Coffeshop Ibiza Amsterdam: You can get some good strains here and enjoy the ambience, which includes arcade games, TV screens playing football and board games for you to enjoy!
Photo Credit: Instagram – @buuurnout
#4 What to do at a Cannabis Shop
So now that you know what you can get, it’s time to learn the protocol. It may seem normal to some but it can be intimidating for a first timer! First, you have to go up to the counter where they will give you a menu. From there, you can see what they offer and order what you want. Then, you can order a drink from their drink menu (mainly a form of courtesy). Once you got what you wanted, take it to a seat and enjoy!
#5 Things you should NOT do
Now for the things you want to avoid while smoking in Amsterdam:
1. Do not smoke in public areas that are not coffeeshops.
2. Do not carry more than 5g of weed on you while you are going around the city.
3. Avoid unauthentic coffee shops. Look and see if the coffee shop has a license (the white and green sticker) in their window.
4. Do not smoke alone.
5. Do not carry weed with you when leaving Amsterdam. There are often checks on buses going to other cities.
#6 How to Enjoy Cannabis Safely and Responsibly
Make sure you enjoy weed here in the safest way possible! Don’t overdo it while in the city, especially if you have gone to a coffeeshop far from your accommodation. If it’s your first time, go easy on cannabis edibles like muffins, cookies, or cakes as it can be a slow build up but with a strong effect. Also, try going to the bars where there are games so you can put yourself at ease if you are a bit nervous!
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