Coffeeshop (Netherlands)

A coffeeshop in the Netherlands is an establishment licensed to sell cannabis for personal use, subject to strict regulations. This distinguishes them from regular cafes (called cafés in Dutch or eetcafés serving food) which sell coffee and other beverages but are not permitted to sell cannabis.

The sale and possession of cannabis in the Netherlands is technically illegal, but the government operates under a policy of tolerance (Dutch: gedoogbeleid) regarding the possession of small amounts (up to 5 grams) and the sale of cannabis in licensed coffeeshops. This policy is enforced by local municipalities, which issue licenses and are responsible for ensuring coffeeshops comply with national regulations.

Key regulations include:

• No advertising: Coffeeshops are not allowed to advertise cannabis products.
• No hard drugs: The sale or use of hard drugs (e.g., heroin, cocaine, ecstasy) is strictly prohibited.
• No sales to minors: The minimum age for purchase and consumption is 18.
• No nuisance: Coffeeshops must not cause disturbance to the local community.
• Limited stock: Coffeeshops are technically not allowed to hold more than 500 grams of cannabis on the premises.
• Residency Requirement: Depending on the municipality, both the owner and patrons may be required to reside in the Netherlands. This regulation is particularly prevalent in border regions to discourage "drug tourism."

While the gedoogbeleid is in place, the supply side (the cultivation and distribution of cannabis to coffeeshops) remains illegal. This situation is often referred to as the "backdoor problem," creating a legal grey area where the sale is tolerated, but the supply is not. There have been ongoing debates and experiments exploring ways to regulate the supply chain more effectively.

Coffeeshops are a significant part of the Dutch tourism industry, particularly in cities like Amsterdam. However, their existence remains a complex and politically charged issue, with varying degrees of support and opposition both within the Netherlands and internationally.