The Netherlands is known for its tolerant drug policy. But what many people don’t realize is that drugs are actually illegal in the Netherlands! Understanding Dutch drug policy can therefore save you a lot of trouble. All drugs are prohibited in the Netherlands.
It is illegal to produce, possess, sell, import, and export drugs. However, the government has implemented a drug policy that tolerates the smoking of cannabis under strict conditions in designated coffee shops.
Want to be well-prepared for your visit and learn more about local customs? Then check out our section What you need to know about Amsterdam.
Coffee Shops
Coffee shops are only allowed to sell soft drugs and not more than five grams of cannabis per person per day. They are governed by strict laws that control the amount of permitted soft drugs and the conditions under which they are sold and used. Coffee shops are not allowed to advertise drugs. Persons under the age of 18 are prohibited from buying drugs and are barred access to coffee shops.
Drugs policy
The drugs policy in the Netherlands aims to reduce the demand for drugs, the supply of drugs, and the risks to drug users, their immediate surroundings and society. The Dutch recognize that it is impossible to prevent people from using drugs altogether.
Did you know…?
In the Netherlands there is an important difference between a “coffee shop” and a “koffiehuis”.
A coffee shop is a place where you can legally buy soft drugs (such as marijuana and hashish), ‘space cakes’, coffee, tea, and sometimes freshly-squeezed juices and sandwiches.
A koffiehuis (which literally means coffee house) is just a regular café and thus does not offer soft drugs or space cake.
