A calm, practical walk through your first coffeeshop visit: what to bring, what happens at the door, how menus are laid out and how to ask for what you want.

Before you go

A first visit is easier than most people expect. Staff serve visitors all day and are used to questions. A little preparation makes it smoother.

  • Photo ID. You must be 18 or over, and shops check. A passport, national ID card or driving licence works. A photo of your ID on a phone usually does not.
  • Cash. Cash is the safest way to pay. Some shops take debit cards, but many do not, and card rules vary from shop to shop.
  • A little time. Menus can be long. Give yourself a few minutes rather than rushing at the counter.

At the door

Many shops have someone at the entrance who checks ID and may explain the house rules. Have your ID ready, be polite and follow their instructions. Some places ask you to remove sunglasses or a hood so the cameras can see your face.

The counter

Most shops have a drinks and snacks counter and a separate place to buy cannabis. The cannabis counter is often at the back or in its own small room. A printed or screen menu shows what is available and the price.

How menus are usually grouped

  • Flower. Often grouped by type: sativa (typically described as more energising), indica (typically more relaxing) and hybrids. These labels are only a rough guide, and the effect varies between people.
  • Hash. Pressed or sieved cannabis resin, sold by the gram.
  • Pre-rolled joints. Convenient, but usually the least good value.
  • Edibles and drinks. Cakes, cookies and similar items. See our space cake safety guide before trying one.

Prices are normally shown per gram, and some products are sold as a single piece or a small pack instead.

What to say

You do not need to know strain names. Tell the person behind the counter what you want in plain words.

"Hi, it is my first time. Could you recommend something mild? I would like about a gram, and I will smoke it here."

Useful things to mention: how much experience you have, whether you want something gentle or stronger, and whether you plan to smoke on site or take it with you. Then say how much you want. Ask if you are unsure how strong something is.

Limits

Under the Dutch tolerance policy, a shop may sell no more than 5 grams to one person per day. Do not ask for more.

Smoking on site

Tobacco cannot be smoked indoors in the Netherlands. In a coffeeshop that means you can smoke cannabis on its own, or use a vaporizer if the shop offers one. If you want a joint, ask for papers and a filter tip, or buy one ready-made. Many shops also have a terrace or a room where different rules apply, so ask staff if you are not sure.

Paying and leaving

Pay at the counter, take your purchase and enjoy it in the shop or somewhere permitted. Do not carry it out of the country. Crossing a border with cannabis is illegal, including flights within Europe.

Rules and prices change. If anything here differs from what a shop tells you, follow the shop.

Quick checklist

  • Bring photo ID and some cash.
  • Be polite at the door and follow house rules.
  • Say what you want in plain words and ask for advice.
  • Buy no more than 5 grams.
  • Start with a small amount and wait before having more.