Amsterdam Coffee Shops

One must remember there is a huge difference in American coffee shops and Amsterdam coffee shops. American coffee shops do not sell cannabis, or hemp to be smoked or chewed whereas Amsterdam coffee shops sell it on the premises.

The occurrence of coffee shops popping up all over Amsterdam in the Netherlands started around the early nineteen seventies. The government knew it was losing the battle of illegal drugs fast and wanted something or somewhere. Hard drug users and pushers were dealt with severely while the light weights were somewhat ignored. People in possession of cannabis (derived from the hemp plant, either smoked or chewed) were almost ignored as well. The very first Amsterdam coffee shops took advantage of selling cannabis openly. They were busted on many occasions but kept selling it.

Debate is on about the first Amsterdam coffee shops, most stating the Bulldog was the first, and others claim it was the Mellow Yellow. First steps to decriminalize cannabis started in the late nineteen seventies. The laws changed so someone could have up to thirty grams in their possessions and not be arrested.

The coffee shops were still illegal until the early nineteen eighties. Finally it was established that Amsterdam coffee shops were left alone as long as they were discreet on selling cannabis and sold no hard drugs; and did not broadcast it all over the place. Amsterdam coffee shops have spread across the Netherlands and Amsterdam. Many of the Dutch do not approve of these types of coffee shops, but have learned to tolerate them.

By the nineteen nineties, Amsterdam coffee shops were almost on every corner in the city. The city council became irate and wanted most of them closed down. Some were even selling hard drugs. A compromise was agreed between the city council and members of the BCD (Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten).

The Amsterdam coffee shops that sold hard drugs or engaged in illegal activities were shut down. The good ones would be licensed the city council. Most of the licenses were frozen, and were made non transferable to help cut down the coffee shops. They all now have to display a small green and white sticker put up on the window so everyone can see it. This sticker gives the Amsterdam coffee shops the authority to sell cannabis legally. It is becoming harder to obtain these stickers as the city council still would like more of these coffee shops to close down.

Outside of Amsterdam the laws vary between localities. Where there a lot of people; the Amsterdam coffee shops are more prominent, thus the laws are governed by each city and town. Some downs Amsterdam coffee shops are not allowed, at all. Other cities or towns they are not allowed to display the green and white sticker.

Amsterdam is only one of few cities in Europe that allow soft drugs to be sold or used. It is legal to smoke that marijuana (cannabis) but it is frowned upon quite heavily when one walks around smoking.

There are very few coffee shops in the United States that offer this type; two are in Portland, Oregon. If it is not flaunted and abused the policemen look the other way. But there are very strict guidelines and must be followed to the letter or the coffee shops will get busted. Amsterdam coffee shops are extremely different than American ones for sure.