Coffee Shops
Coffee Shops (not to be confused with cafés — those are called "koffiehuis" or simply "café"!) are establishments where the sale and consumption of small amounts of cannabis is tolerated (gedoogd). There are still about 160 Coffee Shops in Amsterdam.
Rules
- Purchase: Maximum 5 grams per person per visit. Keep ID (18+) ready.
- Consumption: Only inside the Coffee Shop or privately — street consumption is prohibited in the center since 2023 (fine: 100€).
- Alcohol: No alcohol is sold in Coffee Shops.
- Tobacco: Smoking tobacco is prohibited in enclosed spaces — pure joints or vaporizers.
- Beginner's tip: If you have no experience, ask the staff for a mild strain and consume only a little. Dutch strains are significantly stronger than what you might know. Space Cakes (cannabis cookies) take effect with a delay (30–90 min.) — don't add more!
Recommended Coffee Shops
- The Bulldog: The most famous chain — touristy, but good for beginners. Several branches in the center.
- Barney's: On Haarlemmerstraat, with an attached restaurant (Barney's Uptown). Friendly staff, good quality.
- Dampkring: Known from the film "Ocean's Twelve". Cozy atmosphere on Haarlemmerstraat.
- Greenhouse: Multiple award-winning (Cannabis Cup), several branches.
Achtung
Never buy cannabis on the street — only in licensed Coffee Shops! Street dealers in the center and around the Red Light District often sell fake or dangerous substances. Also: Hard drugs (MDMA, cocaine, etc.) are ILLEGAL in the Netherlands, even though Amsterdam has a liberal reputation.