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If you're planning a trip to the Netherlands and want to stay on the right side of the law and have a good time, here are the Amsterdam weed prices and rules you can expect. 

Is it Legal to Smoke Weed in Amsterdam?

You’ve probably heard stories and seen movies depicting carefree cannabis use in Amsterdam, but did you know that marijuana is illegal in the Netherlands?

However, there is an exception if you buy weed (5 grams or less; twice a day maximum) from a licensed coffeeshop. Medical marijuana is distributed by pharmacies. Smoking in public is not allowed.

Be sure to research the cannabis laws in Amsterdam before visiting the city. If you are caught with more than the decriminalized amount of soft drugs, you may get fined and face a prison sentence.

Growing cannabis at home is not legal. However, growing less than five plants of cannabis at home is decriminalized. If you are caught with under 5 plants, the authorities may confiscate the plants.

Amsterdam Weed Prices

Amsterdam weed prices vary based on various factors, including strain genetics, potency, product type, and coffeeshop location.

Here is how much you can expect to pay for weed in Amsterdam:

  • Standard Strains: €10 to €15 per gram
  • Premium Strains: €15 to €20 per gram
  • High-End or Specialty Strains: €20 to €30 per gram
  • Pre-rolled joint – €5-€12
  • Cannabis edibles (brownie, cookie, etc.) – €5-€15
  • Hash – €5-€35

Generally, the weed cost goes up higher the closer you get to the center of Amsterdam. If possible, avoid coffee shops in touristy areas to save some money. 

Best Amsterdam Coffeeshops

inside an Amsterdam coffeeshop

What is the best coffee shop in Amsterdam? There are so many good ones to choose from. Here are just a few.

  1. Coffeeshop Sloterdijk
  2. Boerejongens West
  3. Abraxas
  4. Coffeeshop Amsterdam
  5. Grey Area
  6. The Stud
  7. Barney’s Coffeeshop
  8. Het Ballonnetje
  9. The Spirit
  10. The Point Coffeeshop
  11. The Original Dampkring
  12. Coffeeshop Relax
  13. Coffeeshop Get Down To It
  14. Coffeeshop Pacific
  15. Katsu Coffeeshop & Gallerie

Dutch Coffeeshops

Amsterdam's cannabis coffee shops have a distinct history, and the rules governing them have changed over time.

Are you looking to buy cannabis from an Amsterdam coffeeshop?

Here’s how simple it is:

1. Find a Coffeeshop

It's not hard to find a coffeeshop in Amsterdam. Licensed coffeeshops are required to have a green and white flag sticker on their window that says “coffeeshop.”

Amsterdam has 160 different coffeeshop locations, many of which can be found in the city’s center

If you're a tourist, you will only be able to go inside an Amsterdam coffeeshop. In other areas of the Netherlands, they have banned non-locals from buying weed.

In 2012, a federal Dutch policy only permitted Dutch residents over 18 from visiting coffeeshops. The Amsterdam Mayor is also looking to ban tourists from the city’s coffeeshops.

2. Look at the Cannabis Menu

Menus are usually near the register, or you can ask the person working the register for product recommendations based on your tolerance and desired experience.

Do you want a light potency edible? Looking for a high-potency hash? Popular products offered at coffeeshops include cannabis flower, pre-rolled joints, edibles, and hash.

3. Order Cannabis at the Counter

Most coffeeshop employees speak English. You will need to present your ID to prove you are 18 or older, and in some establishments, the minimum age requirement is 21.

4. Pay for Your Weed

Once you’ve chosen your weed products and all the necessary accessories (lighter, filter, rolling papers, etc.), you’ll have to pay with the cannabis coffeeshop’s preferred payment method.

Some coffeeshops only accept cash, while others only accept cards. Be sure to look this up beforehand.

5. Smoke Your Bud

After buying weed at the counter, you can find a nice spot indoors or on the terrace to enjoy your cannabis products.

Most Amsterdam coffeeshops sell beverages and some bar snacks and provide entertainment such as tv or music to create a relaxed and fun atmosphere. Serving alcohol and smoking cigarettes are not permitted.

Don’t want to stick around? No problem. You can take your bud with you to a private location. Just make sure that you can legally and are permitted to smoke in the location of your choice.

You may not be able to smoke weed at hotels or Airbnb's. Smoking in public is not allowed.

Amsterdam Coffeeshops Cannabis Laws

Amsterdam has tight regulations governing coffee businesses. They are not permitted to advertise, sell to minors, offer hard drugs, or create a nuisance. To guarantee safety, they also have to abide by quality control procedures.

Coffee shops are currently permitted by law to sell cannabis, subject to certain restrictions.

Up to 5 grams of cannabis may be owned by consumers for personal use. In most cases, consumption is permitted in private homes or coffee shops.

Anyone under the age of 18 cannot legally purchase cannabis. This rule is aggressively enforced by coffee establishments.

Only Dutch citizens are permitted to purchase cannabis in specific areas of the country due to a “residents-only” policy for coffee shops. This isn't always the case in Amsterdam, though, as a lot of stores still serve tourists.

Coffee shops aren't permitted to carry more than 500 grams of cannabis on hand at any given time.

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It is not permitted to advertise coffee establishments or cannabis.

Coffee shops are required to be set apart from schools by a specific distance.

Nevertheless, the city is still evolving and adapting to local and global trends and forces.

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Fred Hernandez - Cannabis industry expert writer
Fred Hernandez

Fred Hernandez is a highly accomplished and versatile writer, boasting an extensive background in the cannabis industry. With an in-depth understanding of various sectors including cultivators, processors, retailers, and brands, Fred's expertise spans across the entire cannabis landscape. As a prominent contributor to CTU, he consistently delivers insightful articles exploring the latest developments, news, and regulations shaping the cannabis industry. Whether it's delving into the intricacies of cannabis products, cannabis strain reviews, or providing comprehensive analyses of cannabis laws, or sharing expert insights on cannabis cultivation techniques, Fred's wealth of knowledge positions him as an invaluable writer and educator for all cannabis-related subjects.

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