Drugs in Amsterdam

A lot of people come to Amsterdam for a little drug experimentation. Contrary to what most visitors seem to think, drugs are far from legal in Amsterdam.

In the Netherlands there’s a distinction made between so-called soft drugs and hard drugs. Hard drugs are Cocaine and Heroin, LSD, Ecstasy etc., soft drugs are basically marijuana, hash and mushrooms. While possession and use of the hard drugs maybe tolerated compared to the U.S. they are quite illegal and not condoned socially or by the police. Don't be the tourist arrested for buying illegal drugs on the street. Even with the soft drugs there are strict rules concerning possession and marketing.

Buying drugs on the street is about the biggest tourist trap in Amsterdam. From the first step out of the central station you will be offered drugs. Most of the time these offers will be in the form of a sort of whisper as you walk by a street dealer. They will say under their breath, "ecstasy - cocaine." Simply keep walking or shake you head from side to side. No reason to even speak. Whatever you do don’t buy it, the stuff you get offered can contain anything from vitamin C to washing powder or rat poison. Also often the customer gets robbed or harassed. Again, don't buy drugs on the streets, there are other places where it's safer to buy.

If you’re 18 or older you can visit a coffee shop, or in the case of mushrooms a "smartshop" to buy a small amount of soft drugs for your own personal use (you may buy max 5 grams, and you may posses 30 grams max). You’re not allowed to enter if you’re under aged. Here, the people behind the bar can give you advice and answer your questions. Don’t feel ashamed to ask them. Here you can also experiment a little. Most people aren't offended by smoking
, but you should be reasonable when smoking. This means that unless you are in a coffee shop, ask before you light up. When you are in a public place, especially where there are older people and / or children, leave it out.

Drugs consumption is not without risk. If you’re feeling sick after eating space cake or smoking, drink lots of water with sugar. Something sweet will straighten you out in most cases. Be very careful mixing drugs with other drugs like alcohol.

Most coffee shops are easily recognized by their green leaf symbols or anything reggae-like, or by their name like the Rookies, De Dampkring or The Grasshopper or the oldest, most mainstream and most oriented at tourist Bulldog shops, of which there are many. Apart from all the exotic Marihuana combinations, there is quite a lot of homegrown stuff around, or like the locals call it: 'Nederwiet'. The combination of drug tolerance and a strong tradition in plant improvement have led to some very strong versions of Marijuana.

The same goes for Smartshops. They say just that on their windows or street signs. Ask the people behind the counter how strong or what are the effects of the different varieties of their products. Remember, just because they are organic doesn't mean mushrooms are not powerful psycho-active drugs.

There are a multitude of websites by shop owners or tourists guides that can help you locate safe coffeeshops and smartshops. It is not a bad idea to check them out and if it is your first time in the Netherlands.

type:	Coffee Shops
World66 rating:	[rate it]
address:	Handboogstraat 29

World66 rating:	[rate it]
tel:	0031
url:	www.consciousdreams.nl
address:	warmoesstraat 12
email:	+31(0)20 4217000

Drugs in Amsterdam

Destinations in Amsterdam