Marijuana in Europe: 2002
Ethnocentric Americans believe that because something is illegal in the USA, it's wrong everywhere. However, many Europeans believe that marijuana is a recreational drug to be enjoyed by adults — much like alcohol. Those interested in "going local" with respect to marijuana during their European travels have few ways to compare notes. Let this be a forum for discussion. Was is safe to smoke? Did you feel comfortable? Did it add to your travel experience? Any pitfalls to avoid?
Christiania in Copenhagen
I was in the Christiana section of Copenhagen last winter and found it to be an interesting place to poke around even if you aren't there to purchase. There were several art galleries and a hole in the wall bar with a weird clientele. You can certainly hang around if you like. One thing that may bother some folks are some dogs that run around unattended. Otherwise, it was live and let live as far as I could tell. There are no border guards or police at the entrance.
J. Cantrell <email>
NY, NY USA 12/17/02
My favorite
Hi Al — the posting recommending a visit to Haarlem is very good advice, however if you do want to visit a coffee shop in Amsterdam itself try The Bluebird (St.Antoniesbreestraat 71). My only connection with this place is over 20 years of patronage. It's away from the red light district in a section that used to be the Jewish quarter but is still very central. Downstairs is more like a standard coffee drinking area, upstairs you can buy your cannabis, coffee, soft drinks etc. They have two 'books' outlining their stock — one for hash and one for grass. I find it a very pleasant place.
Al Bishop <email>
Nottingham, UK 12/17/02
Amsterdam cafes (post by Al)
Safe place to hang out in Amsterdam with the family? I'd recommend going outside of Amsterdam. Take the train to Haarlem. It's about a 15 minute ride. When you exit the train station take a left and follow the road through town and ask any of the locals where Willie Wortel's is. This coffeeshop is very spacious, unlike many in Amsterdam and the staff and locals are very friendly. They sell bon bons, cookies, and other goodies. Enjoy!
Jeremy <email>
Alexandria, VA USA 12/14/02
Thanksgiving weekend — Cannabis Cup Winners??
Just spent three days in the A'dam and what a long strange trip it's been! Plenty of good quality green and plenty o' hash to go around! Took a day trip to Haarlem for Willie Wortel's Hash & Marijuana festival. We spent the day stumbling from one coffeeshop to the next picking up free sample joints to smoke and judge their quality. The best shops in A'dam are the ones that the locals hang at and have minimal tourist traffic. Try the Blue Haze! It'll kick your butt. Happy travels!
Jeremy
Alexandria, VA USA 12/02/02
Italy
I lived in ROme for the summers of '99 and 2000 and I must say that cannabis is greatly tolerated. In Rome there are two places that smoking in public is done a stones throw from police. 1.Campo dei Fiori (hash capital of southern europe) and 2. Circus Maximus...dealers just walk around discretely, but users openly puff the night away and are never targeted by the police as long as there are no aggravated circumstances. For example the gabber skin heads are hasseled and sometimes searched but the authorities are attempting to get them on something serious, the hash or weed is basically overlooked. In a town called Paestum on the Amalfi coast south of Naples I smoked with some local kids as the Carabinieri (military style cops) pulled up and offered to have drinks w/ us at the local bar. Italy is the place to go for summer fun and easy hash smokin'.
anthony <email>
Staten Island, NY USA 11/29/02
Christiania in Copenhagen
Hi everyone, If you don't plan on buying anything from Christiania, I don't recommend staying longer than five to ten minutes. It's not allowed to photograph that area, signs clearly post "No Photo". Myself not being a marijuana smoker, left that area empty handed. And I've never been harassed by police or border guards since.
Josh Hanz <email>
Foster City, CA USA 11/23/02
No change in A'Dam since the 60's
During my first trip back to Amsterdam, since I left after years of residency in 1972, I was amazed that folks had no idea of what Vondel Park meant to to A'Dam. During the mid-late 60's Vondel Park was the mecca for world wide hippies, and was my place of residence. For 14 months we lived in a wonderful squatters village with kind folks from all around the globe. Tents and all, Vondel was the place to be. Coffee Houses were just starting to blossom. Folks here in SFran speak of Golden Gate park as the center of the 60s universe, yet A'Dam had 10 of thousands living in harmony. The city was both tolerant and helpful to the community. This years visit provided a view of much subdued A'Dam, but quite a few of today's Coffee House owners had their roots in the Vondel Park communities of old. The only thing that has changed is the stregnth of the pot. I am now a journalist and haven't smoked in 20 years. Caution: if you are a hippie of old; this ain't your Daddies maryjane!
Jason Arlich
SFran, CA USA 11/23/02
Pre-Rolled joints & nicotine
When you buy pre-rolled joints in Amsterdam, they are mixed with tobacco to make them burn better. For those of you who don't smoke cigarettes, the nicotine in the joints can give you a terrible reaction when mixed with pot. Always roll your own and you won't have that problem.
Patty <email>
Grand Rapids, MI USA 11/21/02
Enlightened society
I agree with a lot of the comments on this thread regarding the sense of freedom enjoyed when going to Amsterdam for the first time. I left with the impression that the Dutch are living in a more tolerant and enlightened society. They place the responsibility of your own health more on your shoulders regarding soft drugs. Indeed, how close minded is it for the U.S. gov't to endorse tobacco and alcohol use while puttting the foot down on MJ use?
My wife and I stopped in A-Dam for 5 days, and found it a worthy place on our list of exotic places. We made our way to the Grey Area as recommended by the Smoker's Guide to Amsterdam and got some BubbleGum bud. This stuff kicked butt. After 2 bong hits I was so pleasently and heavily stoned that I walked around town almost dazed for 4 hours. The best part was when I came down I didn't feel tired or muddy headed. It was hands-down the best pot that I have ever smoked. Then I went to a head shop and got some magic mushrooms called philosophers stones. They were small and round and were the most bitter things I have ever eaten. Even when wolfing down mixed nuts in conjunction. But once I got the effect it remains one of the best times that I have ever had.
But a word of caution as mentioned before. The soft drugs over there are quite strong, even for regular users and you should sample small amounts first. Also, ensure that you are safe by having a non-user go with you if you are out and about or confining yourself to a safe place like a hotel. Watch out for the many bicycles and trams that run throughout town. Also keep in mind that you should practice normal travel safety. We were offered hard drugs around the red light district. The Dutch themselves were among the coolest people we have met on this earth. They mind their own business but are friendly when asked for help.
De-criminalize
Denver, CO USA 11/11/02
Anonymous in Amsterdam
Amsterdam is my personal gateway into Europe. I now know what it feels like to "come out of the closet" when it comes to smoking marijuana. The last few years have afforded me the luxury of traveling to many European countries, solely for pleasure...but Amsterdam is my home away from home. It truely is easy to be anonymous and feel safe in a city where coffee is cheaper than water...and the beer flows at full strength.
I took the Thalys train to Paris, rode 1st class...had no problem w/ my stash. I am an Executive banker in the US and it's easy to feel like home in this tolerant region. Just writing about this has got me craving another trip!!
Big E
Greenville, SC USA 09/11/02
High times in Barcelona!
My wife and I landed in Barcelona at 9 p.m. on a Tuesday night and had bought hash within an hour. Our hotel was near the Ramblas (a boulevard with a pedestrian strip in the middle) and we walked around checking out live music and the busy nightlife. We walked up to someone who had rolled a tobacco/hash joint and begun smoking it in public.
We asked if they spoke English, then asked if they knew where we could get some of what they had. They offered to let us share the joint, and while we did someone came up and asked if we wanted to buy some. Even if you don´t see someone light up, its obviously there and all you have to do is ask the right person. Anyone who does sell will respond right away, and anyone else short of a cop will just give you a confused look. Just pick someone you wouldn´t mind hanging with (our contacts seemed to live on the street) for 20 minutes while a friend of theirs does some running. I was nervous myself (we hadn´t found anything in our other European travels) but things are seriously chill here.
Coloradan honeymooners
USA 09/10/02
Welcome to Europe
I work for a European airline so I get to travel a lot within the European Union. I've been smoking Cannabis since I was 16 — I'm now 49. Any visitor who believes that the whole of the European Union has a lax policy to Cannabis is riding for a fall. The following is no more and no less than my own findings on Cannabis tolerance within the Union — this is by no means a definitive guide it's just my experience but be warned despite what has been posted here there are very differing attitudes within the Union.
Belgium — no real problem
Denmark — Cannabis is not welcome; expect a heavy fine or even expulsion ( particularly from rural magistrates ).
Germany — no real problem
Greece — expect to go to jail.
Spain — very risky unless you are in the tourist beach/nightclub scene. In rural areas this will almost always mean jail.
France — mostly OK but I wouldn't risk it myself
Ireland — no real problems
Italy — be very cautious. If caught, expect a heavy fine or worse
Luxembourg — no real problem
The Netherlands — enjoy
Austria — no real problem
Portugal — don't even think about it. You can buy it in some of the bars in the Algarve but if you get caught by the cops, expect a prison sentence.
Finland — Cannabis is not welcome, expect a heavy fine or even expulsion ( particularly from rural magistrates ).
Sweden — Cannabis is not welcome, expect a heavy fine or even expulsion ( particularly from rural magistrates ).
Great Britain — easy to buy in South London ( Brixton ) but if caught, the police will confiscate. It is unlikely any further measures will follow.
Please also remember that any country that you break the laws of has the right to deport you. Please do not think that the US Embassy will act to help you — they expect you as a citizen of the USA to respect other countries' laws. If you choose to deliberately break the laws of a European country then your USA citezenship will not prevent you from facing the full consequences.
This is particularly true of Greece Spain and Portugal. All EU countries do NOT have a lax view towards Cannabis. I wouldn't come to YOUR country with the intention of breaking your laws.
I genuinely welcome all visitors from the States and want you to have a great time in Europe but if you come here with the intention of deliberately breaking another country's democratic, constitutional laws, you will get no sympathy if you pay the full price. I have never been in any country on Earth that is totally free of moronic idiots and it seems the USA is no different to anywhere else. Looking at some of the postings that crop up here, some of you need a little help with the reality of foriegn travel ( but most of you are as sound as a bell ).
Alan Bishop <email>
Nottingham, UK 08/27/02
Traveling with contraband
Do not even think of taking any drugs out of Amsterdam and onto any trains. On a train from Denmark to Sweden, the authorities came through with a drug-sniffing dog. The dog became interested in the luggage of an American woman who had travelled in Amsterdam, she was asked to open her luggage, and then escorted off of the train at an unscheduled stop by no less than 5 officials. I heard she would not be permitted to enter Sweden or Norway, which was her destination.
withheld
Chicago, IL USA 08/13/02
Kids in coffee shops
Why would you take a child to a coffee house? I don't believe in 100 trips to Amsterdam that I have ever seen a child in a house of refer. You can walk in and buy your grams, and go back to the hotel bathroom or even a park. (Be discreet.) But don't take a baby to a coffe house, it doesn't help the child and you are infringing on the buzz of others.
Manny
Boston, Ma USA 08/13/02
First time in a Coffee shop.
On my first trip to Amsterdam I was looking forward to smoking some weed for a change. Cannabis is illegal in Ireland (I am Irish) and you usually get bad cannabis resin, when what you really want is a nice bit of weed. I usually just have a few beers. Having no one to advise me I simply wandered into a coffee shop and bought a little bag of random grass. I sat down and rolled up a really small joint (I roll my own cigarettes anyway, so the mechanics of it are not a problem), while my non smoking girlfriend sipped her hash tea. Five minutes later I was nicely stoned. Five minutes after that I was very stoned and getting worse! Pretty soon I was paranoid and trying to keep the rising panic in check. My girlfriend still had her wits about her and got me back to our hotel, where I felt safe. My advice to anyone in a similar position to me would be to ask the coffee shop staff what they would recommend. They are a friendly bunch and know what they are talking about. Get something mild, try a little bit and see how you feel. Incidentally, hash tea is rubbish. My girlfriend drank four cups in one night with absolutely no effect. Two or three bonbons usually did the trick though.
Séan <email>
Dublin, ireland 07/01/02
dutch tolerence
My wife and I are in our middle forties, while living our life in these United States we follow the law of the land. In my youth, however I did smoke a little herb. My wife never has but put up with it up until our children came (now grown) and jobs required drug screening. Fair enough, the law's the law and I do not promote marijuana use to anyone, especially to my kids.
Five years ago we visited Amsterdam during a European trip and I visited several coffeshops there. We so much enjoyed our trip there that we have gone back each year since. My wife and I agree that the Dutch view life a little more realistically than we do here in the States and in all this is a good thing.
john shriver <email>
houston, tx USA 06/26/02
Sweden
Sweden is one country in Europe where marijuana use is even more highly restricted than in the United States. Not only is marijuana highly illegal in Sweden, with border checks coming across the bridge from Copenhagen by car and on all trains and buses. I wouldn´t recommend bringing any marijuana there at all. Also, looking scruffy or suspicious can earn you a full search. Be careful.
JCR
CA USA 06/16/02
Don't over do it
I should note that from what I understand Pot isn't illegal in Amsterdam, but it also isn't LEGAL. I got so stoned there that the cops actually tried to arrest me. I was lucky that his female partner had some compassion though since she let me go.
Daniel
San Diego, CA USA 05/31/02
Stickies
If you only want a little pot, in a social setting, ask for a "stickie". These are pre-rolled joints that include tobacco. Perfect for a quick toke or if you don't want to buy bag. They shouldn't cost much more than EUR 5.
Anon
London, UK 05/31/02
Amsterdam
If in the Dam man go to the Banana Bar. It'll blow your mind!!!
Paddy <email>
Dublin, m USA 04/18/02
Cannabis from Amsterdam to Milan
I just got back from a trip that went from Amsterdam to Milan. I used the tips and info in these links before I went and they proved invaluable. This link is a good overview of marijuana laws in Europe: http://www.mapinc.org/drugnews/v01.n808.a06.html
This is a good pictorial diary of getting cannabis in Holland: http://www.overgrow.com/edge/showthread.php?threadid=55752
This is about getting cannabis in Switzerland and Germany: http://www.overgrow.com/edge/showthread.php?threadid=28767
Kim <email>
Vancouver, Canada 04/13/02
Amsterdam High
Want to have a great experience in Amsterdam? Try the Original Greenhouse Coffee Shop the first time. For a more laid back, quality, mellow Coffee House experience (best for 1rst-time "mature" travellers), take a cab or tram from the "Dam" to the "old south" section of Amsterdam to the Original Greenhouse on Tolstraat. Look up the Greenhouse Tolstraat or "Greenhouse T.." here...
http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/ACDfrmGu.html
Excellent atmosphere with good music (mellow yet cool funk/jazz, but not elevator music), top notch quality hash and weed, served by a great, friendly & helpful staff. The staff made excellent recommendations, found me an efficient yet inexpensive glass pipe with carrying case for hash, rounded up screens, brought drinks to table in the lounge (they serve alcohol as well), chatted me up with friendly conversation, yet allowed privacy, and called me a cab (a friendly/helpful driver they knew personally). A perfect, first-time night out at a Dam coffeehouse.
After that, Grey Area/Barneys (for breakfast), Abraxas, etc. are a breeze, though you may prefer to just drop in quickly to one of the above, grab your smoke, and escape to some more peaceful location.
I would NOT recommend trying to travel (even by train) anywhere else in Europe with your ADam stash hidden. It's not worth it. (Play the soundtrack from "Midnight Express" in your head). Have your fun in ADam, then flush it.
Also, here is a great ADam coffee house on the web: http://www.hiptravelguide.com/amsterdam/php/index.php
Dave <email>
CO USA 04/06/02
Pot in Europe
I found "pot head heaven", a place called Christiania. It's right downtown Copenhagen, Denmark. It started around 1970 by a group of hippies moving into an old army base and setting up a commune. The only drugs allowed there are pot, hash, and magic mushrooms....(and lots of danish beer). The good thing about a place like this, most of the street dealing is not on the streets.
Doug <email>
Ottawa, Canada 03/13/02
A'dam — Beacon to the World!
First, got to say "Maxi kudos 2 U Rick!" for even offering this as a topic for the graffiti wall (and also for specifically referring to it at the recent L. A. Travel Show). I've always found it easy to strike up a conversation with anybody in a coffee shop — much easier than in an average bar — though whether that's due more to the nature of the substance dispensed or the general stoner vs. drinker mentality itself, I'm not sure. Given a chance, I'll do a very brief libertarian rap about how in Amsterdam people who use the drug marijuana can buy it in the same bars as they can the drug alcohol, and the money gets taxed and goes into the local economy, instead into the untaxed profit of mobsters; and nobody ever gets shot, or has their door kicked in over marijuana, or has to be fed and sheltered in prison at taxpayer expense over marijuana, etc.
I remain absolutely obfuscated and bamboozled as to why only the Netherlands out of maybe two hundred nations has gotten it right, and what *massive* campaign of reality denial must be permeating the rest of the world. The living memory of many Americans includes the catastrophic experience of prohibition of the drug alcohol (I deliberately refer to it that way to emphasize that the "war on drugs" is in fact just a "war on some drugs").
Back on topic, I'll close with the observation that while I've seen my share of bar fights break out, and had a couple of relatives who were mean drunks, I've never once seen a fight at a coffee shop in over thirty years.
Fat Freddy Fractal
USA 03/01/02
Amsterdam
1) When I was last there I purchased a handy guide called 'The Underground Guide to Amsterdam: A critical review of Coffeeshops in Amsterdam.' Not every coffeshop is reviewed or marked on the map, but there are a lot of reviews, maps, great pictures, info on natural psychadelics, hangout spots, etc. Small enough to carry in your backpack and guaranteed to amaze your friends, stoners and straights.
2) You might want to check on your hotel or hostel policy on smoking. Some don't allow it, while others go as far as having bongs available.
3) My eyes get very red when I smoke and I had a very hard time finding Visine when I was there. Bring your own.
4) The hash is amazing, great if you prefer being high vs. being stoned. In one shop I was in someone asked for Afghani hash and the counter-guy replied 'we don't support the Taliban', right on!
5) Many Dutch have a different attitude towards weed, often looking for a mild buzz a la coffee or tobacco instead of getting wasted like many Americans seek. Don't just look at the menu, talk to the counter help regarding what you are looking for. They are usually very helpful and know their wares well. You can't go wrong with the quality at the Greenhouse chain.
Brian's Stoned
USA 01/22/02
koffieshop database
Visit http://www.nlweed.com for a listing of over 700 places to buy and smoke weed in every province in the Netherlands.
civil disobedient
USA 01/14/02