Smoked Two Joints
I’m not gunna lie, the sole reason why I wanted to visit Amsterdam so badly was to legally smoke weed. I was intrigued by the freedom to just purchase marijuana at these “coffeshops” and then smoke it in the same facility. Coffeeshops their called - but they don’t sell coffee there. These are weed shops/lounges that usually sell, well .. weed, but also non-alcoholic drinks and snacks. When the warm weather hits, some coffee shops may offer outdoor seating for you to smoke a jibba while catching some rays. There are over 500 coffee shops in the country with 250 of them being right in Amsterdam.
The prices might be a little steep, though, compared to what you’re used to! You can get a spliff (pre-rolled joints mixed with tobacco) for as low as $4 USD or a joint with all weed for as low as $6 or $7 USD. Typically, the price for a gram is around $15-20 USD unless you want that dank “Cali” weed which sits anywhere from $30-45 a gram. It’s also important to mention, and I was kind of surprised by this, there are no regulated cannabis cultivation farms in the country so all of the weed that is sold here is actually imported from other places. I assume this could be a reason for the high prices?
It is worth knowing that you can only get “Space Cakes” otherwise known as edibles, in coffee shops. There are many other stores or headshops that sell cookies, cakes and other products that advertise themselves as “cannabis treats”. These are actually souvenirs .. they do contain CBD and you can take them on the plane home with you but as, for actual THC products that will get you high - those can only be found in coffee shops.
The Rules: Weed and “magic truffles” (psilocybin containing treats) are tolerated here and can be purchased in stores but they are not actually legalized. Laws towards “tolerating” weed and psilocybin were introduce in the 60’s so there could be more a of a focus on the issues with hard drug overdoses that were happening. These hard drugs like cocaine, MDMA and LSD are not legal but could be found when asking drug dealers on the streets. Just like the drinking age in Europe, the age in which it is considered “okay” to smoke is 18 years old for locals and tourists. Every person is only allowed to have 5 grams on them so any coffee shop will not sell you more than 5 grams per day. Technically, it is not allowed to smoke in the public (you can get a fine of $56 USD, but usually just a reminder from the policeman), and I was told, it is not “polite” to roam the streets, shops or restaurants while stoned?
I smoked in Amsterdam and my experience was pretty much out of this world. Looking back on it, it’s actually pretty bizarre. My friend, Cassandra and I were sitting at a coffee shop and just bought a couple pre-rolled joints. I took a couple hits. My first thought was “oh my god, I’ve missed this”. The smell, the taste .. smoke coming from my mouth that wasn’t from a Camel Crush cigarette. It had been the first time I smoked weed in 3 months while studying abroad. Then all of a sudden, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I’ve never fainted in my life and I’d say that was the closest thing to it.. I’m not kidding.. I don’t know if it had something to do with the potency of the weed or the fact that I didn’t smoke for a little while but damn! I didn’t know if I was going to pass out, throw up or poop my pants (LOL) so I searched for the bathroom which was luckily right over my shoulder or else I probably wouldn’t have found it. I stood at the sink, looking at myself in the mirror - my lips appeared to be blue and the blood was draining from my face. I was getting whiter and my ears started ringing. After feeling dizzy for a minute or so, I finally came to. So bizarre! I was honestly nervous to smoke again after that, but not nervous enough to decline the joints we just bought. I mean I wasn’t about to let them go to waste! After that, I was fine though. Before hopping on the plane back to Italy, I needed to see what those Space Cakes were all about. (Personally think their more of a muffin but..).
If I ever find myself back in Amsterdam, I will go back to Bulldog Cafe and smoke that joint down like a champ. Not no rookie no more!
