Amsterdam, in the Netherlands, is known for many things. Its great museums. Its lovely canals. Its beautiful tulips. Its red-light district.
But ask anyone—non-stoners too—the first thing that comes to mind when you say Amsterdam, and just about everyone will say, Stoner Utopia.
Every stoner dreams of taking a trip to Amsterdam at least once in their life (or at least before weed becomes legal in their state). For half a century, it’s been the only city on Earth where a stoner could comfortably get high in a public place knowing they won’t face any heat from the police. Stoners make pilgrimages to Amsterdam from all over the world just to be part of the one-of-a-kind stoner scene and to see what it feels like to taste weed freedom.
If you make the pilgrimage, here are some keys to key in on:
LEGALITY. Not to let the truth get in the way of a good story, but the truth is, marijuana isn’t really legal in Amsterdam. It’s a misdemeanor to possess weed, and illegal to sell it. But don’t worry! A non-enforcement policy that has been in effect for decades allows lots of “coffee shops” to sell lots of pot to customers who can smoke it on site and take it to go. The policy has created such a precedent that, on the rare occasion that law enforcement does try to bust someone, the courts always rule against the government and for the stoner. Sounds like Utopia to us.
GRAB A MAP. With almost as many canals as streets, it’s not an easy place to find your way around if you’re a newcomer, or if you’re high and mapless.
COFFEE SHOPS. This is why you’re here. The term “coffee shop” in Amsterdam refers to the 200-plus purveyors of pot that also sell coffee, drinks (no alcohol), and food. It’s always fun to be in a public café with full marijuana menus, samples to eyeball and smell, free rolling papers in dispensers on tabletops, and lots of mellow happy faces.
PUBLIC SMOKING. Since marijuana is technically illegal in Amsterdam, it’s best not to light up in public places, and if you do, be discreet.
MAKING FRIENDS. Weeding out the stoners from non-stoners in most places means asking cryptic questions and dropping subtle hints. In Amsterdam, just walk into a coffee shop and you’re guaranteed that everyone is an ally and potential new buddy.
CANNABIS CUP. The greatest gathering on the global stoner social calendar every year is the Cannabis Cup—an incredible, gigantic event that takes place the week of America’s Thanksgiving. Started by High Times magazine in 1987, it includes five days of parties, rallies, competitions, and much more.
FRIENDLY HOTELS. Many hotels—and even some youth hostels—allow toking in their lobbies, rooms, bars, everywhere! Do a little research before you go, in order to find the right room.
RIJKSMUSEUM. Get high and wander through one of the greatest art museums on Earth, near downtown Amsterdam.
CANNABIS MUSEUM. Get high and wander through the only museum on the planet devoted to your favorite plant, near downtown Amsterdam.
CANALS. Take at least one canal-boat ride while in the “Venice of the North.”
RED-LIGHT DISTRICT. Taking a stroll through the famous Amsterdam red-light district is another must-do. And if you got a few extra Euros on you, who knows—you might get lucky.
