Katsu (one of the original Amsterdam Coffeeshops)
Amsterdam Coffeeshops
In 1976 the first steps were taken to decriminalise cannabis. The law was changed so that the possession of up to 30 grams of cannabis was no longer a criminal offence. Coffeeshops, however, remained completely illegal until 1980. Nevertheless, they continued to thrive and multiply.
1980 saw the beginning of the 'tolerance' policy towards coffeeshops. So long as there were never any hard drugs on the premises and they were reasonably discreet, they were generally left alone. Since then coffee shops have spread across Amsterdam and into most parts of the Netherlands. Initially, most Dutch people disapproved of coffee shops. Over time attitudes have softened and they are now widely accepted but the Netherlands is subject to constant international pressure from less enlightened governments like those in France, UK and US.
By the 1990's Amsterdam considered that it had too many coffee shops and that some were selling hard drugs. Encouraged by international pressure they decided that drastic action was required. At the same time, some of the better coffee shops were organising themselves into a union, the BCD (Bond van Cannabis Detaillisten). After some argument, a compromise was agreed by the city council that rather suited the members of the BCD.
In 1995 it was decided that the number of coffeeshops would be dramatically reduced by closing all those engaged in illegal activities. The remainder would then be licensed by the council. The number of licences was frozen and the licences made non-transferable in an effort to further reduce numbers over time. All coffeeshops now display a small green and white sticker that shows that they are licensed to sell cannabis.
A more conservative national government over the past few years has inspired local councils to strictly enforce regulations by closing any shops that slip up. Closed shops are not replaced so the overall number continues to diminish.
A list of some good Amsterdam Coffeeshops
Barney's Breakfast Bar - 102 Haarlemmerstraat
Central - 89 Prins Hendrikkade
Front Page - 14 Zoutsteeg
Blue Bird - 71 St. Antoniusbreedstraat
Bushdocter - 28 Thorbeckeplein
Grey Area - 2 Oude Leliestraat
De Dampkring - 29 Handboogstraat
Homegrown Fantasy - 87a Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal
Pink Floyd (Umma Gumma) - 44 Haarlemmerstraat
Old Church - 54Oudekerksplein
Siberie - 11 Brouwersgracht
Rokerij - 41 Lange Leidsedwarsstraat
Rokerij II - 8 Singel
Rokerij III - 8 Amstel
Stix - 21 Utrechtsestraat
Tweede Kamer - 6 Heisteeg
420 Cafe (De Kuil) - 27 Oudebrugsteeg
The Otherside (Gay Amsterdam Coffeeshop)
Amsterdam Gay travel tips