The term "coffeeshop" was first created by the Dutch habit of running words together, and
since its application, it has become synonymous with a special kind of coffee shop. As you may have thought, the
Amsterdam coffee shops do sell coffee and have one or more table to sit and drink it, but much to your surprise,
the primary commodity in the Amsterdam coffee shops is cannabis, the botanical name for the plant from which
marijuana comes. They are now licensed by the local council and subject to regulation; however, a strict minimum
age of 18 is enforced.
How the Amsterdam Coffee Shops Work
In Amsterdam, the coffee shops are not allowed to advertise, thus you won’t see a big sign saying "Marijuana for
Sale". So, if you don’t see the dealer’s booth, simply go up to the bar and ask to see the menu. You will be
presented with a list of the different grasses and hashes available at a range of prices.
This Amsterdam coffee shop tour video gives you an inside look at the unique
Dutch Coffeeshop and Cannabis culture. The 2 and a half minute video gives you a quick
tour of a few coffee shops and their offerings.
In most of the Amsterdam coffee shops, the cannabis is sold by weight, but there are some that sold it by value.
Where it is sold by weight, the prices for the cannabis are usually per gram. There are about 28 grams in an ounce,
but there are still other Amsterdam coffee shops that actually sell quarters and eights if you want. On the other
hand, where it is sold by value, the menu will present the quantity, in grams, that you’ll get of each variety for
a fixed amount of 20 euros, for example.
The Usual Prices
Being a primary commodity in most Amsterdam coffee shops, the prices of cannabis generally vary according to the
location and type of the Amsterdam coffee shop. The heart of the city, the Amsterdam coffee shops sell the cannabis
with prices that tend to be a little higher especially in places that cater for tourists. That involves both the
connoisseur’s shops and rip-off joints. It is also worth noting that the Amsterdam coffee shops are prohibited to
promote or advertise their wares and most have removed their menus from their web sites.
The Question on Legality
As you may know, the legal situation of Amsterdam coffee shops selling cannabis is quite complicated.
International treaties prohibit the Netherlands from legalizing cannabis, even if they wanted to. However, the
possession of a small quantity is considered to be a misdemeanor rather than a criminal offence.
Many of the people in Amsterdam are used to a certain practice in which the possession of up to 30 grams of
cannabis is permitted. The people are allowed to purchase five grams at a time, though, so you could be asked to
explain if you are carrying more than five grams. But, along with these regulations, the law prohibits the
Amsterdam coffee shops from advertising, exporting outside of the Netherlands, using hard drugs, an excess of five
grams, an excess of the maximum of 500 grams of stock, and sales to under 18 years of age. Incidentally, the 500
gram stock rule which as long been maintained by the Amsterdam coffee shops, is routinely broken by the busier
shops. It is now used by the authorities as pretence for occasional random raids to keep an eye on them.
But if the coffee shops are not "your thing" and you're looking for more than just "coffee and
canabis", then you will find coffee lounges with live music and entertainment more to your likeness.
Amsterdam Holland -
Amsterdam is a lively, vibrant, and liberal city, built on 90 islands and connected by 400 stone bridges,
across 100 kilometres of canals.
Amsterdam
Netherlands - The center of the 17th century world economy, Amsterdam is also highly acclaimed for
its rich heritage and tolerant character.
Amsterdam Weather -
Typically weather forecast for Amsterdam ranges from a little freezing in winter to beautiful sunny days
in the summer.
Flight to Amsterdam
- There are several reputable web sites that provide online booking services for Amsterdam flights.
Cheap Flight to
Amsterdam - You will also find several well known websites providing online bookings for
Amsterdam cheap flights.
Amsterdam Airport -
What sets Amsterdam Airport Schiphol apart from other European airports is that it offers a number of
great attractions.
Amsterdam Hotels -
Whether it's business, passing through, or staying for a holiday, you will find an Amsterdam hotel the
most convenient accommodation.
Amsterdam Netherlands
Hotel - Although more pricey, Amsterdam hotels enjoy high occupancy, so it's good to
book well in advance or your arrival.
Victoria Hotel
Amsterdam - As one of the most remarkable historical and architectural Amsterdam
buildings, Victoria Hotel offers luxury and name.
Swissotel Amsterdam
- Located in the heart of Amsterdam, the Swissotel offers 4-star personalized service to make your holiday
in Amsterdam enjoyable.
Cheap Amsterdam
Hotel - If budget is on your mind then you will find that cheap Amsterdam hotels can provide great
accommodation, often in the heart of the city.
Cheap Hotel in
Amsterdam - It's worthy to note that Amsterdam offers a wide selection of cheap hotels. These
include Renaissance, Park, Ibis, and Marriott hotels.
Amsterdam Red Light
District - For five centuries, the Amsterdam's Red Light District has been servicing the personal
needs and desires of locals and visitors.
Amsterdam Red Light
- A very popular place in the Netherlands, Amsterdam Red Light district embraces all the virtues and vices
known to people.
Amsterdam Live
- There are many acclaimed live music and entertainment hotspots. From Paradiso and Jazz Cafe Alto,
to Kashmir Lounge and Boom Chicago.
Amsterdam Map - To get
around this great city, you will need a good Amsterdam map, offered by several web sites, to help you find
places of interest.
Amsterdam Vacation -
The city of Amsterdam has an instant appeal, is easy to look at, pleasant to walk around, and with a
welcoming attitude towards visitors.
Amsterdam Travel - You
can get to Amsterdam by air, train, or bus. To get around the city, use bus, metro, tram, bicycle, and of
course go on foot.
Amsterdam Marathon -
As an extremely well-organized event, the Amsterdam Marathon is classified in the Golden League category by the
IAAF.
University of
Amsterdam - Founded in 1632, the University of Amsterdam is one of Europe's major universities,
with over 20,000 students in 60 disciplinary fields.
Amsterdam
Apartments - Some of the best holiday accommodation offered in the heart of the city can be
found at different Amsterdam apartments.
Amsterdam Hostels -
Hostels in Amsterdam offer good accommodation and services, often amongst the best, within walking distance to
many city's attractions.
Amsterdam Bed &
Breakfast - Countless and charming Amsterdam bed and breakfast houses are located in the heart if
the city, offering good accommodation.
Amsterdam
Accommodation - A number of sites will help you find the right Amsterdam accommodation deals in
hotels, apartments and bed & breakfast places.
Hostels in
Amsterdam - Good accommodation can be found at hostels Cosmos, AnneMarie, Lucky Lake, as well as
Stayokay Vondelpark and Amigo Hotel.
Amsterdam Tours -
Amsterdam offers a whole variety of interesting tours. Apart from the 'red light district', there are great
museums, libraries, and restaurants.
Ajax Amsterdam - The
Ajax Amsterdam football club is a world famous club with a very rich history, winning the national
championship 27 times.
Amsterdam Printing
- At some stage you too have received a direct mail envelope, which had Amsterdam postmark, or a
return address in the Netherlands.
Amsterdam News - New York
City's original name was New Amsterdam. Accordingly, one of New York's first and leading newspapers was
The Amsterdam News.
New Amsterdam
Theatre - One New York's oldest theatres was named The New Amsterdam Theatre,
which opened in 1903, as Broadway's oldest theatre house.
