1. Abraxas, Jonge Roelensteeg 12-14 http://www.abraxasparadise.nl/ - tucked away in a narrow alley, a very chill place, large couches, easy to meet others.
2. Amnesia, Herengracht 133, - swank decor, comfortable, nice vaporizer section, helpful international staff.
3. Barney's/Barney's Uptown, Haarlemmerstraadt 102/105 http://www.barneys.biz/ - nice combo with the food choices of the restaraunt, featuring vegetarian fare.
4. De Dampkring, Handboogstraat 29 - incredible interior - moulded walls and sculpted ceilings, painted a deep auburn and laced with caramel colored wood pannelling. This was shot on location for the movie 'Ocean 12'.
5. Dutch Flowers, Singel 387- The large front window boasts a truly beautiful view of the city life, on an old, sloping street.
6. Greenhouse, Oudezijds Voorburgwal 191, beautiful handmade interior, next to the Grand hotel.
7. Greenhouse Effect, Warmostraadt 53-55, http://www.greenhouse-effect.nl/, also a hotel you can book rooms on their web site.
8. Grey Area, Oude Leilistradt 2, owned by 2 Americans, free organic coffee refills.
9. Hill St. Blues, Nieuwmarkt, 14, http://www.hill-st-blues.nl/, lower prices, more of a down home, less pretentious atmosphere.
10. Homegrown Fantasy, Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 87A, http://www.homegrown-fantasy.com/, fun place, chessboards, UV lights in the restrooms, organic shops, vaporizers.
11. Kashmir Lounge, Jan Pieter Heijestraadt 85-87,lit with candlelights, has ornate opulent Indian tapestries, ornate tiles.
12. Paradox, Eerste Bloemdwarstraadt 2, http://www.paradoxcoffeeshop.com/, wooden tables, features a nice food menu as well.
13. De Rokerij, Lange Leidsedwarsstraadt 41, http://www.rokerij.net/, just a beautiful relaxing place to relax, like being in your home basement sitting on the floor cushions and talking with your friends. Near the Leidseplein.
14. Rusland, Rusland 16, hardwood floors, many loose teas, a bit off the tourist path
15. Samenentereng, Tweedlaurierdwaarstradt 44, a most unique coffeeshop with some tree trunks supporting the building! Includes many antique's and bric a brac for sale.
16. Sieberie, Brouwersgracht 11, good internet access, has its own web cam, excellent loose teas for sale, nice large tables.
17. De Tweede Kamer, Heisteeg 6, www.channels.nl/amsterdam/twkamer, very small yet highly regarded coffeeshop.
18. Yo-Yo, Tweede Jan Van der Heijdenstraat 79, near to the Albert Cuyp market and the Sarphatipark, this is an organic shop.
19. Coffeeshop The Rookies
Situated close to the Leidseplein, the Rookies is a pub-like coffeeshop and a bar with a pool table and darts.Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 145-147 Web: www.rookies.nl
20. Coffeeshop Get Down to It, Almost at the Leidseplein, this is the Internet coffeeshop, but also has a bar and pool tables.Korte Leidsedwarsstraat 77-79
21. Katsu, Eerste van der Helststraat 70, www.katsu.nl
1. Hempshopper, home of the famous vaporizer rental! Singel, 10; and Nieuwezijds Voorburgwal 80. Phone for more info: 020-773-7014
Since 1976 the Narcotics Act has distinguished between drugs that pose unacceptable risks to public health (hard drugs such as heroin, cocaine, XTC and amphetamines) and hemp products (soft drugs: hashish and marijuana). Possession, dealing, sales, production and so forth have been made punishable for all drugs, with the exception of medical, veterinary, instructional and scientific purposes, for which permission must be obtained. Offences against the Narcotics Act are punished severely, but the penalties for soft drug offences are less severe than those for hard drug offences. Top priority is given to investigating imports and exports of hard drugs, and the heaviest penalties apply to these offences.As far as its national legislation is concerned, the Netherlands is not only bound by UN treaties, but also by agreements made among the European states with a view to combating the narcotics trade.
(Source: factsheet: cannabis Policy, NDM, Trimbos Institute)