Regulations on Cannabis in Amsterdam and the Netherlands: Latest Updates for 2023

The regulations on Cannabis are somehow complicated in the Netherlands, as they differ per municipality; each city government can decide which rules comply in their city. There are general rules and additional regulations per city which restricts the usage and the sale of Cannabis even more. In Amsterdam, the rules are relatively less strict compared to other Dutch cities, as everyone (including tourists) can purchase Cannabis in the coffee shops. In some Dutch cities, you can only buy weed in the coffeeshop if you are registered as a citizen with the municipality and own a weed pass.

In this article, we will be explaining the regulations on cannabis in the Netherlands and what the exact cannabis rules are in Amsterdam, so you won’t violate any laws if you are planning to smoke Cannabis in Amsterdam. Scroll down if you are looking for specific regulations on Cannabis in Amsterdam.

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Smoking Cannabis in Amsterdam

Disclaimer: The information and content provided in the articles on the Amsterdam.is website are intended for informational purposes only and do not constitute an endorsement or encouragement to engage in the use of cannabis in Amsterdam or any other location. The articles are not intended to provide legal, medical, or any other professional advice. The consumption of cannabis is a personal choice, and individuals are solely responsible for ensuring compliance with the applicable laws and regulations in their jurisdiction. By continuing to access, read, or use the information provided on the Amsterdam.is website, users acknowledge that they have read, understood, and agree to be bound by this disclaimer and accept full responsibility for their actions and decisions related to cannabis use in Amsterdam.

Mind you: Cannabis is not legal but tolerated in the Netherlands

The Dutch policy of toleration means that while selling small quantities of soft drugs in coffee shops is technically a criminal offense, the Public Prosecution Service does not prosecute such establishments as they prioritize other crimes in the city. Likewise, individuals possessing small amounts of soft drugs are not prosecuted.

The permissible limits for possession include:

  • Up to 5 grams of cannabis (marijuana or hash)
  • Growing up to 5 cannabis plants per person

Coffee shops are allowed to sell cannabis (hash and marijuana) as long as they adhere to the prescribed toleration criteria:

  1. They must not cause any nuisance
  2. They are prohibited from selling hard drugs (heroin, cocaine, MDMA, LSD and amphetamine (speed))
  3. They cannot sell cannabis to minors (younger than 18 years old)
  4. They are not allowed to advertise drugs
  5. They cannot sell more than 5 grams of cannabis in a single transaction
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Regulations on Cannabis is determined by each municipality

Municipalities have the authority to decide whether to permit coffee shops within their jurisdiction, as well as the number of shops allowed, and can impose additional regulations.

To address the issues of nuisance and crime associated with coffee shops, the Dutch government is shifting away from an ‘open door’ policy. The focus is on downsizing coffee shops and catering to the local market, making them less appealing to foreign drug users.

As of January 1, 2013, regulations were introduced regulating that only residents of the Netherlands can visit coffee shops and purchase cannabis. A resident is defined as someone living and registered in a Dutch municipality. However, enforcement of this rule varies does not apply in Amsterdam. Meaning everyone can purchase cannabis in a coffee shop in Amsterdam.

Outside Amsterdam, it is harder to purchase cannabis as you might need to show Dutch residence permit to be able to enter and to purchase weed.

Why does the Dutch government permit coffee shops and people buying cannabis in coffeeshops in Amsterdam?

The Dutch government permits the sale of soft drugs in coffee shops as a strategy to minimize contact between soft drug users and hard drugs. By allowing a controlled environment for soft drug consumption, they aim to reduce the potential health risks associated with hard drug use.

A coffee shop in the Netherlands is an establishment where cannabis can be purchased and consumed. However, the sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited in these venues.

This distinction is made because the health risks associated with soft drug use are deemed to be more acceptable in comparison to those of hard drugs.

Will Coffeeshops owners check before you enter a coffee shop in Amsterdam?

Yes, Coffee shop owners are responsible for verifying that customers are at least 18 years of age and in some cities checking if the customers are residents of the Netherlands. This can be done by requesting valid identification or a residence permit, along with an extract from the municipal population register.

Again, enforcement of this rule differs from one municipality to another. In Amsterdam, they only check if you are older than 18 years old. They don’t (and won’t) have to check whether you are a permanent residence of the Netherlands or not.

Cannabis regulations in Amsterdam:

The municipality of Amsterdam has implemented a local coffeeshop policy aimed at limiting public noices, keeping the Coffeeshop and cannabis sector small, transparent, and manageable, so that criminal involvement can be avoided and that cannabis usage among young people can be discouraged.

Amsterdam’s Coffeeshop Policy: Despite the Dutch Opium Act classifying personal possession of small amounts of cannabis (up to 5 grams) as a punishable offense, this law is not enforced in Amsterdam. The sale of soft drugs and the use of small quantities of marijuana and hashish are permitted in licensed coffeeshops.

Amsterdam’s specific coffeeshop policy intends to maintain a small, orderly, and manageable sector. Consequently, the number of coffeeshops in Amsterdam has decreased from 350 in 1999 to 165 (data).

This reduction has helped separate the tolerated soft drugs market from the illegal hard drugs market by decreasing street sales.

Cannabis ban on the streets in the Red Light District from mid-May 2023

Starting from mid-May 2023, there will be a ban on smoking Cannabis on the streets in the Red Light district. Meaning that you won’t be able to smoke your joints on the streets or smoking it while sitting next to the canals.

The municipality will actively check and give a fine if you smoke on the streets. Smoking Cannabis in the coffeeshops or on a canal boat in this district will still be allowed.

The Red Light district in Amsterdam: is a famous neighborhood that is known for its legal prostitution and sex-oriented businesses. It is located in the oldest part of the city and consists of a network of streets and alleys lined with windows where sex workers display themselves to potential customers. The district is also home to various adult shops, peep shows, and cafes and coffeeshops. Despite its reputation, the Red Light district is a heavily regulated area, with strict laws in place to ensure the safety and wellbeing of sex workers and their clients. While it may not be for everyone, visiting the Red Light district is a unique experience that attracts millions of tourists every year.

Also, restaurants and prostitution windows will close earlier on weekends in this restrict. In the future, the Amsterdam city government may investigate whether we they will ban smoking on the terraces of the coffee shops.

Why are they doing this?

Residents of the old town suffer a lot from mass tourism and alcohol and drug abuse in the Red Light District. To reduce noises in evening and street dealers, who in turn cause crime and insecurity, the city government of Amsterdam has introduced this new rule.

Currently, it is already not allowed to walk with a beer in your hand on the street.

If you are curious and want to read more about the ban of smoking cannabis in the Red Light District in Amsterdam, we would recommend these news articles:

Some Frequently Asked Questions on Cannabis Regulations in Amsterdam

Can tourists buy Cannabis in Amsterdam?

Yes, tourists can buy cannabis in Amsterdam. The Netherlands has a tolerant drug policy, and cannabis is legal for personal use in coffee shops. It is important for your own safety to only buy cannabis from a coffeeshop in Amsterdam and not from a street dealer.

When did Amsterdam legalize cannabis?

Amsterdam has never legalized cannabis actually. The Netherlands did not fully legalize cannabis, but they adopted a policy of tolerance towards cannabis use. This policy has been in place since the 1970s, and it allows for the possession and sale of cannabis for personal use in licensed coffee shops. Therefore, it is technically not a legalization of cannabis, but a decriminalization of possession and use. This policy was implemented as an alternative to the harsher drug policies in other countries, and it has been successful in reducing drug-related crime and promoting public health in the Netherlands.

Where to buy cannabis in Amsterdam?

Cannabis can be purchased in licensed coffee shops in Amsterdam. These coffee shops are regulated by the government and are allowed to sell cannabis for personal use. They can be found throughout the city and are easily recognizable. We have also written an article about where you can find the best cannabis and coffeeshops in Amsterdam. Read: The 10 Best Coffeeshops in Amsterdam for good Cannabis and Hash in 2023

Can tourists smoke in coffee shops in Amsterdam?

Yes, tourists are allowed to smoke cannabis in licensed coffee shops in Amsterdam. The Netherlands has a policy of tolerance towards cannabis use, and as long as it is consumed in a licensed establishment, it is legal for both locals and tourists.

Is there a Cannabis ban in Amsterdam?

Currently, you stil can smoke Cannabis in one of the 168 official coffeeshops in Amsterdam and on the streets in the Red Light District. However, starting from May 2023, there will be a cannabis ban on the streets in the famous Red Light District (a district in Amsterdam). Here you won’t be able to smoke your joints on the streets. Don’t worry, the rule wont be limiting you as long you smoke your cannabis in a coffeeshop, on a smoke boat on the canals or outside this district.

Can you grow cannabis in Amsterdam?

Although growing marijuana and cannabis plants remains illegal, the police generally only seize plants when no more than five are grown for personal consumption. If more than five plants are discovered, the Public Prosecution Service will prosecute.

In their efforts to combat cannabis cultivation, the Dutch police do collaborate with various organizations such as housing associations, the Tax and Customs Administration, and energy companies. Tenants found growing cannabis may face eviction, and those who illegally tap electricity can expect a retrospective assessment from their energy company.

This article about the regulations on cannabis is written based on the information that can be found on the official Dutch government and Amsterdam municipality websites: government.nl and amsterdam.nl. We tried to give you a summary of the current policies in Amsterdam.

If you want to read more information, we would recommend you to visit their websites to find more in depth-information about smoking Cannabis in Amsterdam.

Amsterdam Travel Guide: Best money saving & travel tips for Amsterdam

Every year, Amsterdam is visited by millions and millions of visitors around the world. Without booking your trip in advance, it will be very hard to find the best place to stay in Amsterdam or do the things you want to do.
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Find your Flight
Since airfare costs will be a significant part of your trip expenses, we recommend you to use Skyscanner as it gives you a list with the cheapest flights. You may also want to check out the website of KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. KLM is the main airline of the Netherlands and has besides convenient connections (Amsterdam Schiphol Airport), also competitive prizing and good In-flight experience (e.g. extra legroom; we Dutch are tall, that’s why).
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Find your Train Ticket
Amsterdam is well-connected with other European cities. Use NS International to purchase your train ticket to the Netherlands. NS is the main train operator in the Netherlands. Planning to see more than Amsterdam during your stay in Europe? You may want to consider buying an Eurail Interrail Pass which gives you unlimited train travel across Europe for a specific period.
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Book your Accommodation
The best platform to book a hotel room in Amsterdam is Booking.com as nearly every big and small hotel are listed on this platform, making it very easy to find your preferred hotel. All the costs are listed on the site so you won’t need to pay any unexpected costs such as tourist taxes at arrival.

Booking.com’s Genius loyalty program offers attractive discounts, meaning that you will pay less for your accommodation.

HostelWorld is your to-go platform to book a bed in a hostel. Every hostel in Amsterdam can be found on HostelWorld, making it easy to compare prices and availability.
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Buy your museum and attractions tickets in advance!
Amsterdam is a very very popular tourist attractions and if you want to visit certain attraction it is nearly a MUST to reserve and purchase your tickets online. Otherwise you won’t be able to get in. Especially if you want to visit the Anne Frank House, in high seasons the tickets are already sold out 1.5 months in advance (not a joke).

GetyourGuide is the best platform to buy your tickets online, as they offer free cancellation with full refund. Purchase your tickets first is the smartest thing what you can do before coming to Amsterdam.
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