Cannabis+Coffeeshops

Coffeeshops to us in the US are just as they sound a shop where people go to sit and buy coffee as well as multiple other foods and beverages, and most of the time they are used as a quiet environment to work. However Cannabis Coffeeshops, or better known as just a plain “Coffeeshops” in Amsterdam have been part of the city and suburbs since the 1970s and are very different from our traditional coffeeshops. These coffeshops were built by Dutch government to help enforce distinction laws between hard and soft drugs. Overall the coffeeshops are known for a safe environment for people to buy and consume soft drugs instead of having to sneak around on the streets and unsafely buy and consume them.

Some history behind this unique coffeeshop is that it was actually brought up when in the 1960s and 70s when was struggling against drug abuse and restrictions being broken, especially among younger people. So a plan was made up to show a tolerance towards soft drugs only, while at the same time strengthening the fight against hard drugs. The first coffeeshops opened in the 70s but were repeatedly shut down by police. In 1976 the Dutch government realized the growing attraction to drug use by the youth society, that was being openly used and abused. This led to another edited law into the Opium Law defining a firm line between self harm, addictive drugs (hard drugs) and the acceptable amount of those drugs (soft drugs.)

Today there are over 200 of these coffeeshops in Amsterdam alone, still with the strong regulations and laws, but is a quite popular place for people to meet new people, hang with friends, and social. Though of course, minors are not allowed in these places, which is why it was important to express the difference between what they consider a coffeeshop, and what we consider it. So whenever you find yourself wanting a quick snack to nibble on, and perhaps so coffee or tea, always look for a cafe!