The Netherlands is known for its liberal attitude towards cannabis, and its weed shops are a major tourist attraction․ In this article, we’ll explore the world of weed shops in the Netherlands, their history, and what you can expect when visiting one․
History of Weed Shops in Netherlands
The Netherlands has a long history of tolerance towards cannabis, dating back to the 1970s․ The country’s liberal policies led to the establishment of “coffeeshops” – licensed establishments that sell cannabis products․ These coffeeshops were initially tolerated by the authorities, and over time, they became an integral part of Dutch culture․
Types of Weed Shops
There are two main types of weed shops in the Netherlands: Coffeeshops and Smart Shops․ Coffeeshops are licensed establishments that sell cannabis products, while Smart Shops sell a range of products, including cannabis seeds, growing equipment, and related paraphernalia․
Coffeeshops
Coffeeshops are the most common type of weed shop in the Netherlands․ They are licensed to sell cannabis products, including:
- Hashish: a concentrated cannabis product
- Marijuana: dried cannabis flowers
- Edibles: cannabis-infused food and drinks
Coffeeshops are required to follow strict rules, including:
- Age restrictions: customers must be 18 or older
- No advertising: coffeeshops are not allowed to advertise their products
- No hard drugs: coffeeshops are not allowed to sell hard drugs
Smart Shops
Smart Shops are establishments that sell a range of products related to cannabis, including:
- Cannabis seeds: seeds for growing cannabis plants
- Growing equipment: equipment for cultivating cannabis
- Paraphernalia: accessories for consuming cannabis
Smart Shops are not licensed to sell cannabis products, but they cater to customers who want to grow their own cannabis or purchase related products;
What to Expect When Visiting a Weed Shop
When visiting a weed shop in the Netherlands, you can expect:
- A welcoming atmosphere: weed shops are generally relaxed and welcoming
- A wide range of products: coffeeshops and Smart Shops offer a variety of products
- Friendly staff: staff are usually knowledgeable and happy to help
Before visiting a weed shop, make sure you’re aware of the local laws and regulations․ While cannabis is tolerated in the Netherlands, it’s still illegal in many other countries․
A very informative article about the history and types of weed shops in the Netherlands, it was interesting to learn about the rules and regulations surrounding coffeeshops.