Buying cannabis in The Netherlands, what you need to know as a tourist

The rules

• You have to be at least 18.
• Your ID will be checked upon entering a coffeeshop.
• A coffeeshop will not sell you more than 5 grams of cannabis.
• You are not allowed to have more than 5 grams of cannabis on you.
• You are not allowed to smoke on the street. Only on designated places, coffeeshops or at someone's home.

Dutch drug policy

The Netherlands is known for its tolerant policies on drugs. Many people don’t realise that drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. understanding Dutch drug policy can save you a lot of problems.

Since 1976 the narcotics act has distinguished between drugs that pose unacceptable risks to public health (hard drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstacy and amphetamines) and hemp products (soft drugs, specifically hashish and marijuana). Possession, dealing, sale, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law, unless performed for medical, veterinary, instructional or scientific purposes (and then only on permission). So bringing drugs into a club or a bar is also prohibited. You’ll be searched by security at the entrance. If you’re found to be carrying drugs, you could be handed over to police. At dance events, plainclothes security agents may be walking around to spot people taking drugs.

The Dutch government has formulated a drug policy that tolerates cannabis smoking under strict conditions. It is permitted in coffeeshops. You must be 18 years of age to enter a coffeeshop and your ID will be checked. In some regions, non-residents are not allowed to buy cannabis. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.

Avoid street dealers

When you go to Amsterdam be sure to avoid street dealers. You could also go to other nice cities The Netherlands has to offer that will provide you with cannabis, like Rotterdam, Den Haag, Utrecht, Eindhoven, Maastricht or Groningen.

Find all cities that have coffeeshops here.