Amsterdam
I love amsterdam. I have been there twice in past 4 years and plan on going back early next year. best selection of grass and hash in the world. the way i justify getting high for the entire trip is to visit a different coffee shop and city attraction every day. so have a good breakfast, go to coffee shop for a bowl, then go to the van gogh museum. the next day go to the zoo or botantical gardens or rijks museum or vondel park or concert hall or climb the west church tower or take canal boat tour or ride the #20 trolley or one of many other pleasures of amsterdam. buy and study a good map book and research the coffee shops before you go. very impo to pace yourself. stick with grass and hash, you can always drink at home. enjoy yourself.
martel
los angeles, ca   USA   09/09/03

i love marijuana and i love the swiss attitude towards it. i spent last year in geneva and the mentality is amazing compared to the states. since you dont see cops on the streets and you dont see crime, you feel very safe and the city seems perfect. at the same time you board the train and you smell the joints every time. ive heard of unlucky friends being hassled by police, but its pretty much safe to smoke anywhere. since it doesnt seem "naughty" to smoke a joint, marijuana is used recreationally and much less i find, than in new york city where laws are much stricter. also the aspects of smoking pot are slightly different than the states. for instance tobacco is used amist the weed in nearly every joint and a filter is always used in a cone technique of rolling. more often than not you are bound to smoke hash in tobacco instead of bud. hash is everywhere. smoking joints in geneva, and other swiss cities, i find that the mentality so relaxing that it seems the equivalent to smoking cigarettes in the states. if only the US would grow up and relax.
Anya (new york) <email>
geneva, NY   USA   08/22/03

I have been to Amsterdam on many occasions, as it is the first place I visit whenever traveling to Europe. I have always found the ability to purchase some smoke and light up in a bar a wonderful feeling of personal freedom. I don't go to Amsterdam to sit in coffeshops for days on end, getting totally baked, but will admit that the liberal attitude toward smoking it is a major factor that makes Amsterdam, for me, a great long weekend getaway. Gamblers go to Las Vegas, wine folks may go to France, I like to smoke so I visit Holland.

Having discussions with people from other countries is truly fascinating. Most folks I meet are thoroughly friendly, as long as you treat them the same way. I firmly believe most tourists who have bad experiences perhaps instigate an un-friendly attitude by not accepting the fact that the "American Dream" or the American way of doing things is not for everyone. For example, I find that "the customer is always right" doesn't fly at all in some European countries, and couldn't agree more with the shop owner who refuses to bow to an obnoxious or rude patron who may be expecting the same level of service they may have in the States. Unfortunately, there are jerks everywhere, but in my travels I have found that if you are polite, kind and respectful of the countries culture you visit, you are in for a wonderful experience. That being said, as many other people have commented, Amsterdam is soooo much more than pot and a red-light district. The canals, architecture, people, food and museums are a joy to take in, as is just strolling the city and soaking up what it has to offer. It's great to jump on the train and take day-trips to Germany, Belgium, or many of the other beautiful Dutch cities such as Delft and Maastricht. Go with an open mind and a bit of patience and you'll have a great time.
Brian
  USA   08/07/03

I have recently returned from a month long wander thru scandanavia. 5 countries in 4 weeks (denmark, sweden, finland, estonia, norway). i flew into and out of copenhagen. as many of you know, there in cope is christiania, the little amsterdam of denmark(minus the prostitutes). what a wonderful place!!! i've been a steady smoker for several years now. the danes are a pretty friendly culture. i promptly made a friend upon leaving the plane and we were both headed for christiania. i stopped at my pension and changed my clothes&cleaned myself up ( I had been on a plane for 9 hours at that point). I met up w/ my new friend atop cafe nemoland were he had a beer and a joint already waiting for me. I wil say that they had some of the finest bud I've ever smoked and for good prices(compared to the states). the dogs can be a little intimidating but other than that, even if you dont smoke, i urge everyone to check it out.keep an open mind. its a true haven of peace and the boundaries that divide us seem to be left at the entrance. everyone is there to escape the rigors of everyday life. they have two rules that are outwardly displayed. 1)hard drugs are forbidden.2) no violence. denmarks new govenment is very right wing & intent on doing away w/ christiania. this would be a sin against humanity. IT MUST NOT HAPPEN!!! CHRISTIANIA MUST LIVE ON!!!! So to all of you who will be visiting wonderful copenhagen, dont miss christiania. it helps w/ the jet lag, believe me!! BEVAR CHRISTIANIA!!!
wolf <email>
Baltimore, md   USA   08/03/03

Rasta Baby Coffee Shop (Amsterdam)
Hi Everyone: I just wanted to say that on my two trips to Amsterdam I've visited Rasta Baby too many times to count and I've never had anything but love shown to me there. I have to admit that I only buy pre-rolled joints from there since the pre-rolled joints are amazing and also because I actually go to The Noon for my daily Gram of BLUEBERRY so I can't really say if they'll short change you on a gram or (five) purchase at Rasta Baby but again I love the place and I hate that the person below had a bad experience there. Peace and Love, Nick
Nick <email>
North Miami, FL   USA   07/12/03

Punk Rock couple and a wheelchair
My boyfriend and I are traveling to Florence, Venice and Rome. Where do we find Italys "counter culture". Rockclubs, beaches or anywhere the "hip" crowd might be hagin'. Also my boyfriend is in a wheelchair so anywhere you know of thats cool and accessable would be great.
Katy <email>
San Francisco, ca   USA   07/07/03

Marijuana in Europe
My partner and I just returned from a 15 day Murren/Saltzburg/Rothenburg/Amst/Brues whirlwind! We had to fly into Zurich and fly out of Brussels and we thought it was such a bummer not to have pot in the Alps  that we would have to wait 7 days until we arrived in Amsterdam. We checked a Hemp store in Interlaken but they said the laws were still gray  and didn t sell, but referred us to Thun (a nice little town!) on our way out of Murren. We planned an hour stop and set off to find a store. We went down some alleys away from the major hotels and there it was. How great to go into a store and smell and deicide which kind of pot you can buy! We smoked the whole trip in moderation and discreetly. We both have been smoking for over 2 decades and are very familiar with marijuana and found it great fun to smoke stronger stuff and soak it all in! We then went via rail through Austria, Germany and into Amsterdam and Brussels and never had a problem. We did smoke and rent bikes in Amsterdam where bikes rule and rode around town aimlessly, then in circles. We had fun, but be careful with that sport! We did stare out of our hotel windows for hours watching the canal traffic and the people watching also. What a great trip. Just be smart.
Lolo <email>
Austin, Tx   USA   05/29/03

Swiss pot
All I ever hear is talk about A'dam. But, Holland is not the only place to smoke. If you are confined to the southern part of Western Europe and are interested in a little herbal refreshment, don't forget about Switzerland. I visited a small shop in Bern with a great selection of pot priced to sell. There are also shops in Zurich. Easy peasy. Don't waste your time in other countries looking for a dealer, and don't risk getting caught where it's not legal to buy it.
Patrick <email>
Columbus, Oh   USA   05/24/03

ADam for the relaxed
Each year, for the past 8, I have taken a relaxing 4 day weekend during late October or November to just relax. If it is your need to rush around through museums and other fantastic destinations- great, but don't miss ADams great ability to just relax. Breakfast at Barneys, a herring sandwich on Dam, drinks at the Ij brewery, and dinner at the Boulevard- all lazy, fun things can be easily accomplished under the influence of pot moderation. Don't get sucked into the Bluebirds couches accepting offers from dozens of kind folks to share in their bounty and you will be fine. It's all about choices, even how much you choose to smoke.
Karl <email>
Dayton, Oh   USA   05/09/03

Comment on last letter
I disagree that you frittered away your vacation because you chose to smoke instead of sightsee. My husband I and spent five days in A'dam last month and aside from going out to buy comestible and combustible provisions once a day, spent most of the time in our hotel room looking out at the canals and people-watching. It was great, and just the rest we needed. Who wants to hang around with a bunch of tourists? We can do that by going to the beach near our home in Florida. But. . .where can we go to buy and smoke a legal joint? Nowhere on this side of the pond.

Barney's was our first stop after leaving Centraal Station, and only those who've been to Amsterdam and are inveterate smokers can appreciate the joy we felt when we were able to sit right in the front window and roll a doobie. We're old time smokers from the 60's, and that was an incredible first for us. Now we're nearing retirement age, and with only Social Security to support us in our old age, we're thinking seriously of going to live in Europe again. Probably can't afford Amsterdam, but maybe there's a little town somewhere in need of some native speaking English teachers.

Oh, and if there is a coffee shop near the airport, I'd like to know about it, too. That 20 minute train ride to Centraal Station was too far. Next time I want to smoke a joint within ten minutes of arrival.
Polly <email>
Tampa, FL   USA   05/02/03

Beware!
I just returned from Amsterdam, and I have some advice for travelers: don't let smoking take over your holiday. I went for 4 days to A'dam and had ambitions to go to the Rijksmuseum, Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House...I saw none of these things. I instead saw the Sex Museum and hung out at my hostel with other tourists who were "smoked out." Nothing was accomplished. Luckily, I can go back within the next couple of months, but honestly, smoking took over my holiday. I was irresponsible. I do recommend though taking a day in Vondelpark and relaxing with a space cake. The people are friendly, and it's a great environment to relax!
R. E.
CO   USA   04/23/03

Go Slow
My advice on smoking in Amsterdam is go slow, especially if you do not smoke often in the USA. I have a lot of friends in Amsterdam and while they do usually enjoy curious American visitors, they get very tired of having to carry them out of the shops once they have hit the floor.
Kate
  USA   04/16/03

Best Time to Visit Amsterdam
The best time to visit Amsterdam and experience flowers and art is in the spring (April/May/June). As for the coffeeshop culture, they're all pretty much the same. You walk in, go to the dealer's booth/bar, browse/purchase, order something else (coffee, tea, food) as they expect you to buy more than just the weed, sit down and roll one up or smoke a bong/bowl. Some shops have bongs or bowls to use, and some ask for a deposit (not many). I would recommend visiting Grey Area (Grey Mist), Rokkerij, and Barney's. Have a good time!
Jeremy
Alexandria, VA   USA   04/05/03

Marijuana in Europe
I am an older traveler. We have traveled many places in the world. We love Amsterdam, nice hash, lots of great artwork, and cheap trains to many other countries. We don't believe in breaking the law. We really like two of the greenhouses in Amsterdam and the dolphin hash cupcakes. We also like something called "train wreck."

We always rent small apartments instead of hotels as we stay longer and they are then cheaper. We always get "smoking rooms," as they do not stink like American smoking rooms, and then air them out daily. The very straight looking people who rent us apartments always ask us to come back.

So my advice is to always keep your room cleaned up of smells and to buy a small amount as a sample first. If you haven't tried it before, then don't make the mistake of thinking it isn't doing anything and do more until you are used to it. It might be a good to stay inside the coffee shop the first few times as well. Don't make yourself a target by walking around obviously stoned. And be sure not to spend your time just getting high, but see all the artwork and special sights, especially ones off the beaten path, and talk to people you meet in the coffeehouses and parks of Amsterdam (even little old ladies and businessmen). The Dutch people are very nice and will treat you well if you act nicely.
Planet Bubbles Universe
Eugene, OR   USA   03/11/03

Americans and European Law
I have been posting to this site on a variety of subjects for a couple of years. I'm very happy to welcome visitors to this continent and very happy to give any advice I can to help you enjoy your vacation.

What I do find unpleasant, however, are the countless emails I have received over the years asking me about smuggling cannabis from one country to another. I am a cannabis user of over 25 years standing and have not suffered any negative effects. I am 100% behind the campaign to legalise the use of cannabis but I am 100% against willfully breaking the law.

Please come and enjoy the glories of Europe but not if you come with the intention of knowingly breaking another country's laws. When I am in North America, I try at all times to obey your laws. Please respect European laws and do not solicit my assistance in attempting to break them.

So many tourists feel at perfect liberty to disregard the law as soon as they land in Europe. I have encountered this attitude with a wide variety of offences ranging from not paying parking fees and subsequent fines to shoplifting. Sadly when people get caught they scream like babies for their embassy to 'get them off' along with verbal abuse of the country whose hospitality they were so eager to abuse.

I'm sorry to rant — I am more than aware that the overwhelming majority of travelers are honest law-abiding people but I am getting sick and tired of people emailing to ask me to advise them on how to break the law. So if you'll excuse me I'll withold my email address when posting to the 'Marijuana in Europe' section in the future.
Alan Bishop
Nottingham,    UK   02/24/03

Barney's, Amsterdam
I was in Amsterdam in early December. I really enjoyed Barney's Coffee House; they had a mellow and helpful staff. Try the Mekong Haze: 100%organic sativa in prelled custom stick mixed with tobacco. I saw no one acting like jerks; it's nice that there is still a place where people can exercize their free will.
King of the Gypsies
USA   02/20/03

Amsterdam
Amsterdam is a wonderful place-but not just because of their "tolerant" culture. The fact is that Amsteram is a rich and beautiful locale full of history, character and people enjoying themselves. Plus, the Dutch are great. A very laid back, helpful and friendly bunch. I personally feel the marijuana selection is very sub-standard (compared to that of the US), aside from the Dutch seed companies, of course. It is very hard to come across a high-quality connoiseur-grade sample of the actual strains listed such as the real famed "Blueberry," "Bubblegum" or the like-most cafes have quality names, but give you different strains. It is, however, a great thing for the chill vibe that only cannabis could bring to be present at local coffeeshops. Now don't get me wrong, there are some great samples, they just require some searching. I recommend the Dampkring, Katsu Coffeashop (great Hazes), and Cannabis Cafe (best bet for real Blueberry). Dont forget to soak in the great classic cityscapes ever-prevalent in Europe, but lacking in America.
Dr non
Chicago, IL   USA   02/13/03

Realism and European travel
[Re: comments about exposing kids to pot smoke] Don't forget that, for better or worse, European kids (especially Dutch kids) grow up with near-constant exposure to cigarette smoke. Any tourist with young kids will subject them to second-hand smoke at almost every restaurant they visit. Is that also child abuse? We certainly know how bad cigarette smoke is for kids, after all.

[Re: the existence of this forum] Who wants Rick to be some "innocent abroad" wandering around all slack-jawed at them crazy Europeans? I think Rick does more of a service presenting the reality of European travel without some "haze" of self-righteous propriety.
Andrew <email>
  USA   01/26/03