Coffeeshops and Cannabis

The Netherlands is home to the most liberal soft drug policy in the world, and there's no denying that some visitors to Amsterdam choose this city for that exact reason. In fact, the City of Amsterdam estimates that 23 per cent of tourists to the city visit a coffeeshop at some point during their stay.

The Dutch drugs policy, which arose in the 1970s, is based around the idea of separating hard and soft drugs, focusing efforts on strictly preventing the sale and use of hard drugs such as cocaine or heroin. The focus with soft drugs, particularly cannabis, has been to regulate its sale and use by taking it off the streets.

The sale of marijuana and hash is not officially legal in the Netherlands, however it is tolerated. As long as a coffeeshop follows a strict set of rules, it will not be prosecuted. Coffeeshops cannot serve anyone under 18, sell alcohol, or sell over 5 grammes of cannabis to a customer in one day. The sale or tolerance of hard drugs in a coffeeshop is strictly forbidden. Since 2008, the sale of magic mushrooms is also forbidden. It is also worth noting that the citywide tobacco smoking ban does include coffeeshops.

New Developments and the 'Weed Pass'

Over the last few years, there have been several new developments in the nationwide drug policy in the Netherlands. Parliament members have proposed the introduction of a "membership" card system for coffeeshops, available only to residents of the Netherlands over the age of 18. However, the implementation of these 'weed passes' is up to individual cities, and usually those most interested in the programme have been border cities such as Maastricht, which have attracted the biggest problem with "drug tourism" from nearby Belgium and Germany.

Amsterdam has appeared to be opposed to the "membership" system and its coffeeshops will continue operating as usual for the time being. However, the city has expressed concerns about the high number of coffee shops in the city centre, particularly in De Wallen which includes the Red Light District, an area which is currently undergoing long-term redevelopment.

Also on the cards is the possible redefinition of very strong marijuana with a THC content of over 15% to join the ranks of hard drugs. In that case, coffeeshops will only be permitted to sell marijuana with a smaller THC percentage.

Smoking in Amsterdam

Care to give that Mary Jane a try for yourself? Here are a few tips for making the most of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam:

- Don't simply stick to the coffeeshops in the city centre and the Red Light District. There are lots of cosy, unique neighbourhood coffeeshops in pretty areas like Jordaan and De Pijp. Not only can you hang with the locals, but you'll avoid some real tourist traps.
- Never buy drugs off the street - not only is it illegal (and pretty darn stupid considering all the coffeeshops around you), but street dope is not regulated like the stuff sold in coffeeshops, so you'll never know what you're ingesting.
- Public smoking is permitted, but try to respect those around you and keep it discreet.
- You must be 18 to use cannabis, and you can never carry more than 5 grammes - this rule doesn't only apply inside of coffeeshops!