Cannabis, space cake and co: what you should know about coffee shops in Amsterdam

The grass is always greener on the other side – and if there’s one country with green fingers on our planet, it’s the Dutch. After all, they are known worldwide for their magical weed: Cannabis. So it’s no wonder that more than 20 million tourists visit our beautiful Amsterdam and our coffee shops every year. In this blog, we’ll tell you everything you need to know about Amsterdam’s coffeeshop culture (spoiler alert: it’s not just coffee here) and your “first time” with a joint or spacecake.

What is cannabis and how does it work?

Let’s start with a brief digression into biology lessons: cannabis is the Latin word for hemp and refers to one of the oldest useful plants – and probably the most widespread intoxicant – in the world.
The best-known active ingredients of the hemp plant are THC and CBD.
THC has a psychoactive effect and literally goes to our heads. It docks onto the nerve cells in the brain and causes the release of the happiness hormone dopamine, which gives us the typical “high” feeling.
CBD, on the other hand, is a non-psychoactive substance that primarily affects the body and makes us feel relaxed.

What is the difference between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica?

There are over 1000 (wow!) different cannabis strains, which are categorised into two types: cannabis sativa (hemp) and cannabis indica (Indian hemp).
Cannabis sativa has a high THC content and a low CBD content, which is why it is primarily known for its intoxicating effect. For example, it can trigger fits of laughter, give us a creative boost and stimulate our hunger (pro tip: always have crisps and Stroopwafels ready).
Cannabis indica, on the other hand, has a particularly high CBD content and therefore has a calming effect on the body and mind. For example, it can reduce stress, alleviate pain and promote sleep.

It all sounds like a land of milk and honey, but please don’t forget: Cannabis is and remains an intoxicant. Caution is advised, especially if you are not yet familiar with the use of cannabis. The effects of cannabis are sometimes unpredictable, and unpleasant effects such as cravings, nausea, circulatory problems, panic attacks and hallucinations can occur. And we want to protect you from such a “bad trip”.

Are weed, marijuana and hashish the same thing?

Same same but different. Grass, marijuana or weed refers to the dried but otherwise unprocessed flowers of the female hemp plant. The colour of weed is usually green to brownish, but sometimes also white to purple-grey.
Hashish, hash or shit, on the other hand, is the extract obtained from the resin of the female hemp plant. It is much more concentrated than weed and therefore has a significantly higher THC content. Hashish is grey-brown to matt-black in colour and resembles a vegetable stock cube in appearance.

How does a visit to the coffee shop work?

In the coffeeshops in Amsterdam – small cafés where you can buy so-called soft drugs – both locals and tourists aged 18 and over are welcome. Fun fact: cannabis is not legal in the Netherlands, but is tolerated. Therefore, only a maximum of five grams of cannabis may be purchased per day.

On arrival, you will be handed a menu card that lists pre-rolled joints, hash biscuits and space cakes alongside coffee, tea and other non-alcoholic drinks. These usually cost between 6 and 12 euros each. You can either smoke or consume them directly there or take them with you (but please don’t smuggle them across the border!). Are you overwhelmed by the huge selection? No problem! The staff in the coffee shops in Amsterdam will be happy to advise you so that you can familiarise yourself with the “Dutch cultural asset” without any worries.

Which is the best coffee shop in Amsterdam?

With over 160 coffee shops in our romantic canal city, you’ll be spoilt for choice. We have therefore listed the top 5 best coffee shops in Amsterdam for you here:

The Bulldog:The Bulldog is the oldest of all coffeeshops in Amsterdam and owes its name to a fur nose. In addition to the classic coffee shops, there is now even a Bulldog Hotel and a Bulldog merchandise shop, which we also stroll past on our informative red light tour.

Grey Area: The Grey Area is located just around the corner from our favourite café Il Momento. The legendary rapper Snoop Dogg once visited here, so this coffee shop has become a true place of pilgrimage for all fans of American rap. We make a quick stop here on our city centre tour (just to look, if you want to try it, you’ll have to come back later ;-)).

Abraxas: It couldn’t be more central . The Abraxas coffee shop is located in the centre of Amsterdam, in an inconspicuous alley in the immediate vicinity of Dam Square. It’s not just the name that conjures up a magical little witch feeling.

Boerejongens: As true “farm boys”, the gentlemen at Boerenjongens know where good weed grows. They attach great importance to expert advice, welcome you on Utrechtsestraat, just around the corner from Rembrandt Square, and even have a cannabis sommelier up their sleeve.

De Dampkring: cat lovers take note! In addition to joints, coffee and co., this coffee shop also has the typical Amsterdam“kroegtijger” (pub tiger) waiting for you, who will snuggle up to you purring and create a particularly relaxed atmosphere.

Spacecake – yay or nay?

Amsterdam is also a real Valhalla for little crumb monsters, as there is spacecake or hash brownies on every corner. However, these should be enjoyed with caution, as the THC first takes a diversion through the stomach before it reaches your brain. As a rule of thumb: start with a third (sharing is caring) and wait at least an hour (!) before taking another slice, as the effect is delayed. If you eat too much at once, spacecake and hash browns can really hit your stomach, and that’s no walk in the park (been there, done that)!

Also good to know: The biscuits and brownies in the tourist shops have no effect. You should therefore buy them in a coffee shop that has an official authorisation (“Vergunning”) hanging at the entrance.

What to do if you have a “bad trip”?

Don’t panic on the cannabis titanic, you will survive! No one has ever died from consuming a joint or spacecake. The important thing is to stay calm and relax. It’s best to go to a quiet place (such as a park or your hotel), focus on positive thoughts and calm breathing and keep reminding yourself that it will pass.

If you have circulatory problems, it helps to lie down horizontally, put your feet up, eat a banana and drink plenty of water. And at the end of the day, sleep is always the best medicine.

Do’s & don’ts when using cannabis

Let us advise you: The staff in the coffee shop will help you make the right choice.

Less is more: You don’t have to smoke or eat a joint or spacecake in one go, but you can divide it to avoid side effects.

Find a quiet place that invites you to relax: for example, a coffee shop with a relaxed atmosphere or your accommodation.

Good preparation is half the battle: Equip yourself with sweet snacks and plenty of water so that you are suitably prepared in case of a ravenous appetite attack or a “bad trip”.

X Don’t panic – The effects of a joint can last up to two hours, the effects of a spacecake up to six hours.

X Don’t combine cannabis with alcohol.

X Don’t consume cannabis on the street.

X Stay away from cannabis if you are feeling low or down.

X Don’t get behind the wheel after using cannabis.

X Do not take cannabis with you to Germany/ Switzerland/ Austria.

Love and hiiigh-five, your Incredible Amsterdam team ❤️