Amsterdam is one of the most beautiful cities in the world. It is rich with history and culture, and it is known for its beautiful canals, world-renowned museums, and vibrant nightlife. A weekend getaway to Amsterdam is a popular one, as it’s a small place that you can wander around easily for a few days. With its liberal attitude to life, comes a liberal attitude to cannabis, so Amsterdam is the ideal place to relax and get stoned. But, with so much to do, and a buzz from the weed, it can be hard to know the perfect itinerary. Well, not to worry, we’ve created one for you. Have an amazing time!
Cannabis in Amsterdam
The Netherlands has long been known for its liberal attitude towards cannabis, which has made the country a popular destination for cannabis tourism. In fact, around 18 million people visit the city every year. However, the history of cannabis in the Netherlands is much more complex than a simple acceptance of the drug. The use of cannabis in the Netherlands dates back to the 16th century when the plant was introduced from Asia.
At that time, cannabis was primarily used for its fibre, which was used to make paper and cloth. It wasn’t until the 20th century that cannabis began to be used for its psychoactive effects. In the 1970s, the Netherlands became a hub for counterculture and drug experimentation. This led to a rise in the popularity of cannabis, which was seen as a natural and harmless alternative to harder drugs. In response to this, the Dutch government adopted a policy of tolerance towards cannabis use.
Gedoogbeleid Policy
The policy allowed for the possession and sale of small amounts of cannabis in designated coffee shops. The policy was implemented in 1976 and was meant to separate the sale of cannabis from the sale of harder drugs, which were still illegal. It is important to realise – because many do not – that this does not mean that cannabis was legalised, but rather decriminalised. While the possession and the sale of small amounts of cannabis were not prosecuted, it was still technically illegal.
The policy also gave local authorities the power to regulate the coffee shops and ensure that they were not selling to minors or causing a nuisance in the community. Some argued that this policy led to an increase in drug use, while others argued that it did not go far enough in decriminalising cannabis. Despite this, Gedoogbeleid has remained in place for over four decades and has made the Netherlands a unique destination for cannabis tourists. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards a more conservative approach to drug policy in the country, as they try to “clean up their image”.
Dangers of Drug Tourism
Today, the Netherlands still allows for the possession and sale of small amounts of cannabis, but the country’s drug policy is increasingly focused on reducing harm and preventing drug use. In addition, there is an overarching feeling that drug tourists use and abuse the city. Over the last few years, the mayor of the city has been trying desperately to ban tourists from being able to utilise coffeeshops. The Guardian writes:
“In her view, and that of the local heads of police and prosecution bodies, banning tourists from coffee shops is unavoidable in order to reduce the size of the soft drug sector, tackle tourist nuisance and attack hard-drug criminality.”
A great deal of tourists come to the Netherlands with one idea in their mind: getting messed up, and gawking at sex workers in the red light district. This is neither moral, nor profitable for the actual city itself, because rarely do these kinds of tourists end up spending that much money. Amsterdam – whilst liberal in many ways – is used too often like a sinful playground. Instead, it should be respected and adored for its beauty. That is why, we at Cannadelics, ask that if you are planning on going for a high weekend in the city, ensure that you maintain a level of respect for Amsterdam.
The Perfect Weekend Itinerary
Let’s set the scene. Let’s say you’re arriving in Amsterdam on Friday night, and you’re leaving on Sunday evening. Essentially, you have two days and two nights. Here is the perfect stone itinerary for you. Let’s do this.
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Friday Night
7 PM: Arrival and Check-in
On the first night, you will arrive in Amsterdam. After landing at the airport or the train station, you can take a taxi to your hotel. Once you check in, you can freshen up and get ready for the evening. This is the ideal time for a delightful dinner and an enjoyable walk through the beautiful glinting canals.
8 PM: Purchase a Pre-Rolled Joint
Before dinner, it’s time to get your munchies on and chill after a long journey. Head to the Paradox Coffeeshop. This one is super hipster and colourful. It has been around for 30 years, and does not claim to be anything fancy. However, they do focus on quality and care. In addition, it is situated in a quieter area of Amsterdam, so you won’t be bothered by bustling crowds.
9 PM – Late: Enjoy Leidseplein
Now it’s time to head to Leidseplein. This area is full of tourists but it’s also a lot of fun. In a sense, it’s made for your enjoyment, and you won’t be bothering any locals for doing it. Go grab an easy bite to eat, a drink, and avoid doing any of the guided bar crawls. They are a waste of money and a scam. Enjoy the flashing lights and buzz from the cannabis.
Saturday
11:00 AM: Breakfast at Van Stapele Koekmakerij
Van Stapele Koekmakerij is one of the most famous bakeries in Amsterdam. They are known for their delicious chocolate cookies, and you can have one with your morning coffee. It’s a perfect way to start your first proper day in Amsterdam.
12:00 PM: Explore the Canals
Amsterdam is famous for its beautiful canals, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You can take a canal boat tour or rent a bike to explore the city. Biking along the canals is an excellent way to see the city and take in the sights.
2:00 PM: Lunch at De Foodhallen
De Foodhallen is a trendy food market located in the Oud-West neighbourhood. It features a variety of stalls serving different types of food, including burgers, sushi, and pizza. You can have lunch here and try some of the local delicacies.
4:00 PM: Visit the Rijksmuseum
The Rijksmuseum is one of the most famous museums in the world. It houses over 8,000 objects of art and history, including masterpieces by Rembrandt and Vermeer. You can spend a few hours exploring the museum and learning about the history and culture of the city.
7:00 PM: Dinner at The Seafood Bar
The Seafood Bar is a popular restaurant located in the city centre. They serve a variety of fresh seafood, including oysters, lobster, and crab. It’s a perfect place to have dinner with your friends.
9:00 PM: Night Time Coffee Shop
End your second evening with a trip to a fun coffeeshop. Head to the Gray Area and grace the same seats as the likes of Willie Nelson and Snoop Dogg. Time Out writes:
“Held in high esteem by consumers the world over, Grey Area’s reputation is definitely well deserved – it has an extensive selection of award-winning cannabis and a back-to-basics vibe that lets its gear speak for itself.”
You can chill here and see where the evening takes you.
Sunday
10:00 AM: Breakfast at The Breakfast Club
Have a wake and bake in the morning with any left-over cannabis you have and then head for breakfast. The Breakfast Club is a trendy restaurant located in the Westerpark neighbourhood. They serve a variety of breakfast dishes, including pancakes, eggs Benedict, and avocado toast. It’s a perfect place to start your day with a hearty meal.
11:00 AM: Visit the Van Gogh Museum
Now it’s time to truly understand the city. The Van Gogh Museum is one of the most famous museums in Amsterdam. It houses the largest collection of Van Gogh’s paintings in the world. His artwork goes hand in hand with a cannabis brain like a spoon and a fork. It is truly perfection.
12:00 PM: Vondelpark
After a morning at the museum, head to Vondelpark, one of Amsterdam’s most famous parks. The park is the perfect place to relax and take in the beautiful scenery. You can grab some lunch at one of the many cafes and restaurants located within. If you’re feeling especially adventurous why not grab a box of magic truffles and trip out and enjoy the scenery. You can purchase them quite easily from the smartshops around the city.
2:00 PM: Canal Tour
Next, take a beautiful canal tour. Amsterdam is famous for its canals, and taking a boat around them is like something out of a fairytale. The tour will take you past some of the city’s most famous landmarks, such as the Anne Frank House, the Westerkerk, and the Skinny Bridge. This will land you perfectly in the right spot for the next activity too.
4:00 PM: Anne Frank House
Any trip to Amsterdam would not be complete without a reminder of how lucky we are today. The next stop is a trip to the Anne Frank House. This house is where Anne Frank and her family hid during World War II and is now a museum dedicated to her life and the history of the Holocaust. The museum is a powerful and emotional experience so ensure that you are prepared for it. It is also important to be respectful, so try and be in a sane frame of mind for it so you can truly take it all in.
6:00 PM: Fly Home
Enjoy
This has been our perfect itinerary for an ideal weekend in Amsterdam. Now, book those flights, and enjoy.
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