Netherlands

Overview

The Netherlands hasn't legalized cannabis — it invented a way to coexist with it nearly 50 years ago. Since 1976, the country operates under gedoogbeleid (tolerance policy): selling and consuming small amounts in coffeeshops is technically illegal, but the government has chosen not to prosecute. The result is the world's most famous coffeeshop system.

For Brazilian tourists, Amsterdam is the most accessible destination: hundreds of openly operating coffeeshops, varied products, and staff accustomed to international visitors. The experience is very different from Canada's regulated market — everything here is more informal, but it's been working for decades.

Important note (2025): Some Dutch cities, including Maastricht and Breda, have restricted coffeeshops to local residents only. Amsterdam still allows tourists, but the political debate continues. Verify the situation before traveling.

Legal Status

Purchase and Possession Limits

• Maximum purchase per transaction: 5 grams per coffeeshop per visit
• Tolerated possession: up to 5 grams (above this, risk of confiscation)
• Per coffeeshop stock: maximum 500g (the "backdoor problem" — supply to coffeeshops is also technically illegal but tolerated)

⚠️ Visiting multiple coffeeshops in one day is technically possible, but if police find more than 5g on you, they may confiscate the excess even if legally purchased.

How a Coffeeshop Works

Coffeeshops are licensed establishments. To enter:

1. You must be 18+ and show photo ID (passport works)
2. The staff member (verkoper) presents the menu — usually a laminated list of available products
3. You choose and pay in cash (most don't accept cards)
4. You can consume on-site or take it outside (within the 5g limit)

Typical house rules:

• No alcohol inside the coffeeshop
• No tobacco in many (EU anti-smoking regulations)
• No hard drugs on the premises
• No minors under 18
• Photography generally not allowed

Product Types

🌿 Weed (Nederwiet)

Locally produced cannabis (nederwiet = Dutch weed). High quality, generally high THC. Available in various strains: Amnesia Haze, White Widow, AK-47, OG Kush, and more.

🟤 Hash (Hashish)

Very popular in Dutch coffeeshops — perhaps more so than weed. Common types:

• Moroccan (Blonde/Gold): Mild, produced in Morocco
• Nederhash: Made from pressed Dutch cannabis, more potent
• Charas: Indian/Nepalese hand-rolled hash, rare but available

🚬 Pre-rolled Joints

Ready-to-smoke joints for purchase. Many coffeeshops sell them with or without tobacco (specify if you don't want tobacco: "without tobacco").

❌ What You Won't Find

Cannabis edibles are prohibited from being sold in coffeeshops (food regulations). You may find "space cakes" in souvenir shops, but the origin and dosage are questionable — avoid them.

Tips for Brazilian Tourists

Before entering:

• Bring cash (euros) — most coffeeshops don't accept cards
• No invitation or registration required — just show ID proving 18+
• Arrive early: famous shops (Bulldog, Dampkring) get crowded in the afternoon and evening

Inside the coffeeshop:

• Tell staff if it's your first time — they're very helpful
• Ask for strains with intermediate THC for beginners (14–18%)
• Hash can be stronger than it looks — start with a small amount
• Order a joint without tobacco ("wietje, no tobacco") to avoid mixing

On the street:

• Don't smoke cannabis aggressively in the street — respect pedestrians and residents
• Avoid school areas
• Amsterdam police generally ignore discreet outdoor consumption, but it's formally prohibited

Watch out:

• Never buy from street dealers — Amsterdam is known for scams and adulterated products
• Space cakes from souvenir shops have inconsistent dosing — be very careful
• Never attempt to take cannabis out of the Netherlands, including to other EU countries

Top Coffeeshops in Amsterdam

FAQ

Can I enter any coffeeshop as a tourist? In Amsterdam, yes — as long as you're 18+ with ID. In some smaller cities, only Dutch residents with a local ID card can enter.

Do I need to register or get a membership card? Not in Amsterdam. In some cities that adopted a "wietpas" system, it would be required — but Amsterdam has resisted that.

Can I smoke in my hotel room? Most hotels prohibit smoking (including cannabis) in rooms. Some hostels and apartment rentals are more tolerant — confirm before booking. There are some 420-friendly hostels in Amsterdam.

What if I overconsume? "Whitey" (sudden dizziness and nausea) is more common with strong hash or first-timers. Sit down, drink water or orange juice, eat something sweet. It's not dangerous but can be very uncomfortable. Coffeeshop staff know how to handle this.

Can I take cannabis to another EU country? No. Even if the next destination also tolerates cannabis, crossing borders with the substance is a serious criminal offense in virtually every country. EU borders are open, but there is random checking.