Amsterdam reverses tourist cannabis ban

Amsterdam reverses tourist cannabis ban 🍃🤩✌️

Time to clear the air about cannabis rules in Amsterdam. We know there's been a lot of confusing news and rumours over the last few years.

We at the Rookies can tell you from the ground level what visitors need to know about buying and enjoying cannabis in Amsterdam:

Can tourists buy cannabis in Amsterdam? 💶

Yes - international visitors in Amsterdam can continue to buy from licensed coffeeshops like us, The Rookies.

Plans to restrict tourists from coffeeshops were scrapped by the city's governing coalition on June 3, 2026. (Link in Dutch)

Outside of Amsterdam, a few Dutch cities like Maastricht and border towns in the south still have different by-laws where they only sell to Dutch residents.

Can you smoke cannabis in public?💨✨

Yes, just not "anywhere". Since 2023, certain areas in Amsterdam’s city center restrict public cannabis smoking.

Where is it OK to smoke in Amsterdam? ✅

• Inside licensed coffeeshops, and on their terraces/patios if they have one (We do!)

• Parks, residential areas and public spaces that are not in a restricted zone

• Inside private accommodations (if the owner allows it)

  *Check the house rules with your rental host or hotel before you book!

Where are you NOT allowed to smoke? 🚫

• Public areas in the Red Light District, Dam Square, Damrak (the main boulevard between Central Station & Dam Square,) the Nieuwmarkt square, and their surrounding areas

Exception! There are licensed coffeeshops within the restricted zones. You are still allowed to smoke inside their establishments and on their outdoor terrace/patios

• Children's playgrounds, near seniors residences, and residential

  neighbourhoods with a "blowverbod" sign (example below)

Visitor's Tip: Even in public spaces, it's considerate to check the vibe around you before sparking up

• On trains, buses, ferries, and other public transport

What could happen? 🤔😬

If you're smoking cannabis in a prohibited area, city enforcement (handhaving) or police can stop and fine you €100.

However you will not be arrested or charged, nor will they confiscate your cannabis.

Are smoking restrictions new?

No, there have always been specific zones where public cannabis smoking is restricted. They are mostly in residential neighbourhoods outside of the city center. Restrictions since 2023 include parts of the city center described above.

Isn't cannabis is legal in the Netherlands?

Technically, cannabis has never been legal here — it falls under a tolerance policy (gedoogbeleid) towards soft drugs, to separate the cannabis market from hard drugs and entrust coffeeshops to regulate safe and responsible use.

What are the requirements for buying cannabis? 🪪

You have to be over 18, and you'll need to show valid ID like a passport or official national ID card. The maximum you can purchase from a coffeeshop is 5g per day.

So come enjoy a great smoke with us 😇👍️

We'll update you if we learn of any significant changes to our city laws. Hope this helps. Feel free to pass on this info to anyone who's thinking to visit Amsterdam.

Need more info?

Just drop by and ask one of our bud tenders for expert advice.

You don't even have to remember what day it is 😂 because we're open every day, 8:30AM - 01:00AM.

That's all for now. Looking forward to seeing you at the Rookies Amsterdam!

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