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Netherlands is a country known all over the world for its liberal views on weed and other light drugs. You can basically walk into these special coffee shops and purchase a small amount for your personal use completely legally. The thing is that their laws don’t allow advertising, so you need to know exactly where to go and what to purchase, which is where we come in. This little guide will show you some of the best Amsterdam coffee shops you ought to visit if you’re looking for the ultimate Dutch experience, along with some guidelines and helpful tips. So, take a look.
Dutch Laws
First of all, let’s go over some of the basic Dutch laws regarding the famous coffee shops and the light drugs they offer. Just because it’s legal to consume it in these shops, it doesn’t mean that you can carry a lot of it around or even sell it. Up to 5 grams of your favorite light substance is tolerated, but if you go beyond that, you might get charged for possession. The great thing about their laws is the fact that, if you decide to hand over the goods, you won’t be persecuted, which is a nice little addition. The same goes for growing your own recreational plants. If you get caught, you surrender it and that’s it. Of course, smoking marijuana in public is also prohibited, but doing it in these special coffee shops is perfectly legal, so don’t fret about it.
Weed Strength
Keep in mind that most of the weed available in Amsterdam is probably stronger than the kind you’ve tried somewhere else, which is why it’s best to take it slow and don’t go over your head on your first try. When testing the stuff, take just one small puff and in a matter of minutes, you should see how it affects you. The situation is similar with those special brownies you’ve heard so much about. The one main difference is that they start to work a couple of hours after you consume them, so try taking just a bite first, and then wait a little while. You don’t want to overdo it and let it hit you hard when you least expect it. Also, if you intend to combine alcohol with these drugs, don’t. It’s always the best idea to refrain yourself from combining these because it could have unexpected consequences that can endanger your life. In any case, you can ask for someone more experienced in the matter for a little bit of help on the subject.
How to Purchase
We’ve already mentioned that weed and various other types of light drugs are available and legal in these coffee shops, so to obtain some, all you need to do is go in one. Needless to say, due to their adult nature, you need to be 18 and older to even enter this coffee shop. As the shop owners are forbidden from advertising these special products they’re selling, you need to already have a rough idea of what you want. Of course, the people who work there will, no doubt, help you with your selection and offer some valuable advice on the type of weed, its strength, and so on. When it comes to strength, usually the stronger stuff, obviously, costs more, so you can use it as some form of a guideline. If you feel that prices are a bit steep, try going to coffee shops further from the town center. Most of the time, they’re much more affordable.
Best Coffee Shops in Amsterdam
Now that you’ve familiarized yourself with the basics, it’s time to take a look at some of the most famous and best Amsterdam coffee shops out there.
Barney’s Coffeeshop – First off, there’s Barney’s Coffeeshop, located in the Haarlemmerstraat (quite a mouthful?) in Amsterdam. This is one of the most beloved shops in the city and offers great meals besides those recreational drugs you actually came for. So, when you get the munchies from the taking your favorite type of weed, you’ll be in the right place. It is also worth mentioning that Barney’s Coffeeshop has won a number of High Times Cannabis Cup awards, which is one of the greatest recognitions in this field.
Green House Centrum – Next up is a small coffee shop in the Old Center by the name of Green House Centrum. According to many connoisseurs, this place offers some of the best weed in Amsterdam and, combined with its pleasant and relaxing atmosphere, it makes for one hell of an experience. Some of the celebrities that have visited this place include well-known supporters of marijuana, the band Cypress Hill, acting legend Burt Raynolds, as well as the always controversial Borat (Sasha Baron Cohen).
Amnesia – With a name like Amnesia, you can expect quite a devastating experience when it comes to their selection of light drugs. However, you would be surprised by how serene and pleasant the atmosphere in this place is and the wide variety of products they offer. Located in the Canal Belt Area, Amnesia is a great little place for a Sunday rest or after work chill with your friends.
Grey Area – Yet another place with some of the finest weed you can find in Amsterdam is certainly the puzzlingly named Grey Area. Grey Area is quite a small place, so make sure you make your reservations beforehand or go there early if you plan on finding a seat. However, its miniature space doesn’t seem to affect its reputation and a number of celebrity guests that keep on returning like Snoop Dogg, Deftones, and Bush. Even the late Lou Reed frequently came by here.
The Bulldog – If you’re looking to visit one of the most famous coffee shops in Amsterdam, look no further than the Bulldog. This was the first coffee shop to introduce the concept of weed and it revolutionized the whole industry. Today there are a number of Bulldog shops all over the center of Amsterdam, including a Bulldog hotel if you feel a bit sleepy afterwards.
Kadinsky – Amsterdam‘s old center area holds a lot of quite unique places, but one of the warmest and coziest coffee shops you can find there is probably Kadinsky. Usually, this place is full of locals who promote pleasant and social atmosphere. Get in, smoke your favorite type of weed, discuss life with strangers and enjoy the beautiful view. What more can you ask?
What do you think about these Amsterdam coffee shops? Have you visited any? Which one is your favorite?
