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For many, the Netherlands and coffeeshops are inextricably linked. This raises a number of questions, particularly for visitors from Germany. Can a German citizen simply walk into a coffeeshop in the Netherlands? How much cannabis may a German tourist buy? Do they need to show identification? And are German tourists allowed to take the cannabis back to Germany?
The rules are not the same everywhere in the Netherlands. Some municipalities can establish their own rules for coffeeshops and determine how strictly they are enforced. It is therefore advisable to check the rules for your specific destination in advance.
In this blog, we have gathered the most important information for German visitors.
First of all, it is important to clear up a widespread misconception: cannabis is not completely legal in the Netherlands.
The Netherlands applies a policy of tolerance. This means that the sale and possession of cannabis are officially illegal, but the sale of small quantities in coffeeshops is tolerated under certain conditions. Possession of up to 5 grams of cannabis for personal use is also generally tolerated. Coffeeshops must adhere to various rules. For example, they are not allowed to offer hard drugs, sell cannabis to minors, or sell a limited amount per person. A Dutch coffeeshop is therefore different from a regular café. The term is used specifically for establishments where cannabis may be sold under certain conditions. Is it legal for a German to visit a coffeeshop in the Netherlands? That varies by municipality. In the Netherlands, a so-called 'residency criterion applies. According to this criterion, coffeeshops are generally only allowed to sell cannabis to people living in the Netherlands. However, in practice, this criterion is not enforced equally strictly in every municipality. Dutch municipalities have leeway in shaping their local coffeeshop policy. For instance, German visitors are welcome in some municipalities, while others only admit people living in the Netherlands. Stricter rules apply, particularly in some border municipalities. Several Dutch municipalities are participating in an experiment with a regulated cannabis supply chain. This experiment investigates how controlled production and delivery to coffeeshops works in practice. In Breda, Heerlen, and Maastricht, as part of this experiment, coffeeshops are only allowed to admit people living in the Netherlands.
If you are German and wish to visit a coffeeshop in the Netherlands, please inform yourself in advance about the local regulations of the relevant municipality. As a German tourist, you can visit a coffeeshop in Amsterdam without any problems.
Although the rules for coffeeshops may vary by municipality, there are some important national rules. These rules therefore also apply to our coffeeshops in Amsterdam.
Persons under the age of 18 are not permitted in coffeeshops, and it is prohibited to sell cannabis to minors. Therefore, always ensure that you carry a valid form of identification with you. Even if you are clearly over 18, a coffeeshop may ask for your ID. You may purchase a maximum of 5 grams. A coffeeshop may sell a maximum of 5 grams of cannabis per person per transaction. Larger quantities do not fall under the Dutch tolerance policy. Hard drugs are prohibited. In the Netherlands, a distinction is made between soft drugs and hard drugs. Coffeeshops are not allowed to sell or possess hard drugs. The tolerance policy applies exclusively to the sale of cannabis under the established conditions. Alcohol and cannabis are not combined in the coffeeshop. It is not permitted to sell or serve alcohol in a coffeeshop. This is one of the conditions under which coffeeshops are allowed to operate in the Netherlands.
In addition to the official rules, there are a number of practical matters you need to know:
Always ensure that you have a valid form of identification with you. A German identity card or passport is the most obvious choice.
Check in advance whether foreign visitors are allowed. Especially if you are traveling specifically from Germany to a Dutch border town, it is advisable to check in advance whether you are allowed access to the coffeeshop at all.
Familiarize yourself with the product you are buying. Cannabis products can vary greatly in composition and potency. Especially if you have little experience, it is advisable to seek advice and not rely solely on the name or THC content.
Amsterdam is probably the best-known Dutch city when it comes to coffeeshops. The selection is large, and many coffeeshops are also visited by international tourists.
If you travel to Amsterdam, keep in mind that in addition to the rules for coffeeshops, regulations also apply to the use of cannabis in public spaces. For example, smoking cannabis is prohibited in certain parts of the Amsterdam city center.
Do you want to know exactly what the rules are for coffeeshops and tourists in Amsterdam? Then also read our blog post “Will tourists be allowed to buy cannabis in Amsterdam in 2026? ”
Are you looking for a coffeeshop in Amsterdam ? Coffeeshop Relax has two locations: in Coffeeshop Amsterdam Centrum and Coffeeshop Amsterdam Zuid .
Anyone visiting a Dutch coffeeshop for the first time is quickly overwhelmed by the enormous selection. Especially in a city like Amsterdam, the range is gigantic.
In our opinion, a good coffeeshop distinguishes itself by more than just a wide selection. Clear information about the products offered is at least as important.
At Coffeeshop Relax, our cannabis and hash strains are professionally tested in a laboratory. This includes an analysis of the composition and the determination of THC and CBD levels. The products are also tested for unwanted substances such as pesticides and molds.
In our coffeeshops, you can view the available test results via QR codes. This gives you more information about the product you are considering. And if you have any questions, our team is of course happy to assist you further.
No, it is not permitted to bring cannabis from the Netherlands to Germany.
New rules regarding cannabis have been in effect in Germany since April 2024. However, this does not mean that you can simply smuggle cannabis across the German border from the Netherlands.
On the contrary: importing cannabis from abroad into Germany is prohibited. This applies even if you purchased the cannabis legally or with the tacit consent of a Dutch coffeeshop – even if it only involves a small amount.
Therefore, there is no single definitive answer to the question of which rules apply to you as a German visitor in Dutch coffeeshops.
The basic rules are largely the same nationwide, but municipalities decide for themselves whether to permit coffeeshops and what additional conditions apply. Enforcement of the requirement regarding the number of inhabitants also differs per municipality.
Are you planning to travel from Germany to the Netherlands and do you want to visit a coffeeshop? Then make sure you are aware of the applicable rules in advance. This is how you avoid unpleasant surprises.
The basic rules are largely the same nationwide, but municipalities decide for themselves whether to permit coffeeshops and what additional conditions apply. Enforcement of the requirement regarding the number of inhabitants also differs per municipality.
Are you planning to travel from Germany to the Netherlands and do you want to visit a coffeeshop? Then make sure you are aware of the applicable rules in advance. This is how you avoid unpleasant surprises.
Are you in Amsterdam and do you want to visit a Dutch coffeeshop? Then you are very welcome at Coffeeshop Relax.
You can find us at two locations:
Coffeeshop Relax Amsterdam Centre
Binnen Oranjestraat 9
1013 HZ Amsterdam
Coffeeshop Relax Amsterdam South
Vechtstraat 9
1078 RH Amsterdam
Both locations are open daily from 8:00 AM to 1:00 AM .
In our coffeeshops, you will find a varied selection of professionally tested cannabis and hash, and a team that is happy to tell you more about the different products.
