Amsterdam Coffee Shops
Amsterdam coffee shops feature some of the most potent strains of marijuana in the world. THC percentages of Dutch marijuana typically range from 15 to 20%, and can be higher or lower depending on the strain, growing conditions, and treatment after harvest. The cost per gram of Amsterdam marijuana usually ranges from 5 to 15 euros, depending on quality. The strains of marijuana in Amsterdam coffee shops are typically a cross between Cannabis sativa and Cannabis indica. Connoisseurs may prefer, based on their individual tastes, a sativa or an indica high, and so may select a pure strain. Connoisseurs may also prefer cannabis grown in soil and without fertilizers and pesticides: this is referred to as "organic." Organic weed is said to have a different "taste" and effect. However, organic weed is less commonly found in Amsterdam, since coffee shop owners know that most tourists can't tell the difference. The sativa high is said to be an energetic high, whereas the indica high is said to be a stoned high in which a person is said to become more withdrawn and sedated. However, everyone is different and so the effects may differ greatly between two individuals. Some Amsterdam coffee shops offer pre-rolled joints, so if you don't know how to roll them it won't be a problem. Many coffee shops also offer hash from North Africa and Asia as well as Nederhash -- potent hashish from the Netherlands. Nederhash can have a THC content as high as 80%! Many of these shops sell "space cakes": cannabis- or hash-filled cakes or cookies. Do not underestimate their potency, as it may take 1 to 2 hours to begin feeling their effects. Usually the coffee shop will have a lounge or a place to sit back and relax, to talk to friends or some of the other visitors. Some coffee shops are more spacious than others, and some have a reputation for particularly potent or pleasant strains of marijuana. In Amsterdam marijuana is tolerated. If you are going to purchase marijuana, however, do not smoke it out on the streets as this may annoy the locals or be frowned upon by the authorities. While coffee shops are scattered all over the city of Amsterdam, they tend to be particularly concentrated in the Red Light District. The best thing about getting your weed right next to the hookers is that you kill 2 birds with 1 stone. Make sure you check out our Guide for Buying Weed in Amsterdam as well as our rankings on the Best Marijuana Strains in Amsterdam. Here we list the most reputable Amsterdam coffee shops or the ones with very convenient locations.
Amsterdam Coffee Shops in the Red Light DistrictHill Street Blues Location: In Nieuwmarkt, Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 9 am-1 am Of all Amsterdam coffee shops, this is my favorite. It's not as close to the action as the more touristy Bulldog, although I have seen some stunners nearby, but it has good quality weed and excellent milkshakes! If milkshakes or sweets are your thing, enjoy this peaceful coffee shop before or after the banging! It also offers good quality hash and very potent "space cakes" (cakes or cookies made of cannabis or hash). It has comfortable sofas where you can relax. And unlike at the Old Church, the employees had no problems with my repeated visits to merely use the restroom. It has a very friendly staff. Old Church Location: Oudezijdes Voorburgwaal 47, Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 10 am-1 am This one is also located right by the prostitutes, and is right across from the Oude Kerk (Old Church). The Bulldog Location: Oudezijds Voorburgwal 90, 1012 GJ Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 9 am-1 am Smack dab in the middle of the Red Light District is the Bulldog, which is regarded by some as too touristy. Whatever your opinion, one cannot deny it is right by some nice-looking hookers. The Bulldog has been around since 1975. It is right next to one of the main canals. The Grasshopper Location: Oudebrugsteeg 16, 1012 Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Sun-Thu 8 am-1 am, Fri & Sat 7 am-1 am This coffee shop is prominent within the Red Light District area, so naturally it is very touristy. It is very close to Central Station and by many shops and restaurants. While it offers good quality weed and is conveniently located, there is an extra charge to use the restroom.
Amsterdam Coffee Shops Outside the Red Light DistrictAbraxas Location: Spuistraat 51, 1012 ST Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 10 am-1 am This coffee shop is close to Dam Square and Bob's Youth Hostel if that's where you're staying. It features standard strains in the Amsterdam coffee shop scene but the hash and space cakes are said to be of very good quality. It is well-known for its hash milkshakes. The coffee shop also conveniently offers pre-rolled joints and free internet access with a purchase. Barney's Lounge Location: Reguliersgracht 27, 1017 Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 9 am-1 am This franchise has won numerous Cannabis Cups, so they are worth a mention. Their weed is of apparently very high quality for sophisticates. They are particularly known for their "Willie Nelson" and "G-13 Haze," Cannabis Cup winners in 2005 and 2007, respectively. Hours: Daily 10 am-1 am Gray Area Location: Oude Leliestraat 2, 1015 AW Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Daily 12 pm-8 pm Hours: Daily 9 am-1 am Hours: Mon-Thu 12 pm-11 pm, Fri-Sun 12 pm-12 am Hours: Mon-Thur 9:00 am-12 am, Fri-Sun 8:00 am-1:00 am The Doors Location: Singel 14, 1013 GA Amsterdam, Netherlands Hours: Tues-Sun 10:00 am-1:00 am, Mon 11:00 am-1:00 am This coffee shop is a bit out west of the Red Light District, and is a good place to go if you are staying in a place nearby. It's not too far from Central Station. It has 2 pool tables upstairs and plays plenty of Jim Morrison. The weed here is considered good-quality. Amsterdam Red Light District Home
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