When you ask smokers which place is a Hub for the Greens, Amsterdam is a name often brought up. There’s no denying the reputation the Dutch city holds as a herb haven, but the past has been more confusing for Dutch laws around herbs. So let’s dive into it!
HISTORY OF HERBS IN NETHERLANDS
Our history lesson takes us back to 1972, when the Dutch government divided drugs into more and less dangerous categories under the Dutch Opium Act. Although cannabis is technically not legal in the Netherlands, there is a “tolerance policy” (gedoogbeleid), which allows small quantities to be sold for personal use in canna cafes known as “Coffeeshops”.
Although the Dutch Opium Act states that personal possession of small amounts of cannabis (‘soft drugs’) cannot be punished by the Public Prosecution Service if the quantity is no more than 5 grams. The sale of these so-called “soft drugs” and the use of small amounts of marijuana and hashish are allowed in licensed coffeeshops.
It’s an interesting scenario because owning one of these coffeeshops is technically a criminal offence, but for all intents and purposes, no one is prosecuted for this offence. The policy has very understandable criteria: no nuisance, no hard drugs, no minors, no advertising and no large sales.
Another hurdle was the new toleration rule introduced on January 1 2013: only ‘residents of Netherlands are permitted to visit coffeeshops and purchase herbs there. This law’s implementation was left up to each individual city council. The city council of Amsterdam is amongst those who haven’t implemented this rule.
SO, IS IT LEGAL IN AMSTERDAM?
Despite lengthy discussions and deliberations, Amsterdam has chosen not to implement a ban, partially because canna tourism brings in a lot to the economy and partially because the city cherishes and celebrates individual freedoms. If you’re an adult tourist all you need is a valid ID and a general sense of etiquette.
ETTIQUETTE OF SMOKING IN AMSTERDAM
Smoking in Public is mostly okay in Amsterdam, but depending on where you are, you could be fined, or judged by the locals. Some of the central areas like the Red Light District have a strong ban on smoking. In February 2023, the municipality of Amsterdam announced a partial smoking ban with fines up to €100.
Coffeeshops and designated smoking areas are the best places for you to catch a smoke safely. The coffeeshops now sell food, coffee, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks to accompany your smokes. You get pre-rolled joints, uncrushed buds, smoking paraphernalia and sometimes edibles. If you’re confused as to what to get, you can always consult your budtender for advice. Prices vary between €8 and €20.
Coffeeshops also have an attached smoking area usually, where you can find like-minded smokers with stories to share. Bigger coffeeshops have terraces or patios as well as large screens with entertainment. It’s always advisable to carry cash instead of cards.
The Bulldog is the most famous tourist hotspot coffeeshop. But the Grey Area is also an iconic spot. Love old-world charm and wooden decor? Check out the Original Dampkring which featured in Ocean’s 12. Boerejongens is a sleek coffeeshop with more of a pharmacy aesthetic and high quality substances.
THE OPPOSITION TO HERB CULTURE
In 2023, Amsterdam mayor Femke Halsema told the media that canna tourism is a blight on the city, which has led to crime and public disorder. Halsema also proposed to implement a ban on foreigners from the coffeeshops, following the 2013 toleration rule by the government.
But Halsema’s concerns are well placed. Being the first female mayor of the city, she has promised to improve conditions for sex workers and reduce crime and excessive use of drugs and alcohol. There have been discussions of moving the sex and drug tourism out of the city but residents in the alternative cities recommended have pushed back.
But it's not just this. The pungent smoke has bothered residents for a long time, leading to the ban in public places like the tourist-heavy Red Light District. The communal hotboxing that took place during COVID 19 pandemic has brought a host of critics who decry the smell of beautiful herbs as the stink of urban ruin. A lot of this discussion is tied to politics too: the conservative voices in the city suggest that this smell reflects the disorder brought by liberal-dominated areas.
IN CONCLUSION
Despite the healthy opposition, Amsterdam is still a hub for smoking up. The coffeeshops are thriving, the people are smoking respectfully in designated areas. The multibillion dollar industry of canna tourism is still thriving in its hub, Amsterdam. So where are you?
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