Apart from the Red Light District, Amsterdam is famous for its coffeeshop experience. However, this does not define this city. It has a rich culture, heritage, as well as history. These two things increase the city’s charm for some people.
The following is a brief guide to let first-timers know about a coffeeshop in Amsterdam:
What exactly is an Amsterdam Coffeeshop?
When it comes to the Netherlands, some coffeeshop establishment tends to be a place where one is able to legally do soft drugs. You can buy and then smoke weed and hash like super silver haze. It is possible to eat “space cakes”. These are any type of cake or even sweet such as brownies which gets infused with cannabis. It can be spelled like “coffee shop”, but often it is spelled without a space.
The coffeeshop even sells coffee. This may include cappuccinos and espresso. They might also serve teas, juices, soda, and no-drug snacks. However, they are often referred to as “coffeeshops” as back when people were not clear about the policy concerning decriminalizing cannabis, this used to be the “cover name” which the shops used which were selling hash as well as weed. In 1976, when it got officially decriminalized, the name stuck.
If you are looking to go to some coffee shop where there are no soft drugs, then you need to find a café or some coffee house or koffiehuis.
The legality of cannabis in the Netherlands
You may be wondering whether cannabis is even legal in the Netherlands. This is a complicated subject. The answer is no. It is technically thought to be illegal, however not totally punishable if you get it from some licensed coffeeshop establishment. This is why you need to make sure that the coffeeshop you go to is licensed.
These establishments are constantly under watch by law officials. They need to only sell a certain small quantity of the product and not advertise themselves. Make sure that no hard drugs are available. It is not legal to sell the products to minors. The establishment must not cause a disturbance to people and must not be close to some school and playground.
Where are coffeeshops located in Amsterdam?
You can find these everywhere and there are many of them. It is easy to find one as it will have the word “coffeeshop” on the sign. They often have Rasta colors as well as designs. The ones that do not have these elements, will have some green plus white flag or sticker present on the window which says “Coffee Shop”.
You should have a look at the reviews of different coffeeshops if you want to visit a good one. Make sure that they are licensed to sell the products.
If you are visiting Amsterdam and into this stuff, make sure you do your research before visiting a coffeeshop. You can have a look at the products they sell and how much they are charging. You will want to visit one that also have a good environment.