As the world around us gradually returns to some semblance of normality, many people are revisiting those old bucket lists and deciding that now is the time to stop thinking and start doing. We’ve all heard of the legendary coffee shops in Amsterdam where the phrase “living the high life” can take on a whole new meaning. 

Recreational cannabis is being decriminalized in so many jurisdictions that thousands are viewing it in a new way. In many countries you can even go online to buy smokables, edibles and cannabis seeds from licensed online sellers. In fact, it seems highly likely that smoking weed will soon be more socially acceptable than smoking conventional cigarettes! If you’re contemplating your first visit to the weed capital of Europe, we have some essential tips for first timers.  

Look for a coffeeshop

That’s not a coffee shop or a café – in Amsterdam, you need to look for the one word “coffeeshop” as these are the only places that are licensed to sell weed. Don’t even think about buying it on the street unless you are curious about seeing the inside of a Dutch police cell. 

Note that advertising cannabis products is not permitted in The Netherlands, so you will not see signs advertising weed or brownies. That’s why it is so important to look for that single word. Also keep in mind that you must be 18 or over to enter a coffeeshop and they are obliged to check, regardless of how old you look, so have your ID to hand.

Check out the menu

The advertising restrictions mean that even menus are low-key. They will typically just list the different strains available, either as weed for you to roll yourself or as pre-rolled joints. Note that the latter will typically be a mixture of weed and tobacco, so if you want a “pure” smoke, you are best off rolling it yourself. 

If you haven’t a clue what you are looking at on the menu, don’t be shy. Budtenders are there to help, and if you are inexperienced, they will be able to suggest something that is light and uplifting. Keep in mind that some strains with high levels of THC can deliver an effect that would be quite overwhelming to first-timers. If you’re really stuck, look for a sativa hybrid as a safe option. 

Try the edibles

If smoking is not really your thing, edibles are a great alternative. Most of the coffeeshops in Amsterdam sell something called spacecake, which is a chocolate brownie infused with cannabis. 

People assume that edibles do not have as strong an effect as smoking, but actually the opposite is true. The THC level in spacecake is high, but it can take an hour for the effect to kick in. This combination can lead to difficulties for the unwary, so be careful not to overdo it. A sensible rule of thumb is to eat half a slice and then give it 45 minutes before you decide whether to eat any more!