Cannabis in North Holland

North Holland contains the country's best-known coffeeshop city. Amsterdam decides locally on coffeeshop permits under the national tolerance policy and, as of mid-2026, still had not introduced the residents criterion, so visitors aged 18 and over with valid ID can buy up to 5 grams per purchase. The city has taken other steps against nuisance: since 25 May 2023 smoking cannabis on the street has been banned in the Wallen red-light district, with a €100 fine after a warning, and the ban also covers Dam Square, Damrak and Nieuwmarkt. Coffeeshop interiors remain the place to consume.

Amsterdam's shops range from The Bulldog, whose first coffeeshop opened on Oudezijds Voorburgwal in 1975, and Siberië on Brouwersgracht (1984) to Barney's on Haarlemmerstraat and the Boerejongens shops. Haarlem, a short train ride west, has its own coffeeshops, including Willie Wortel's Sativa opposite the station.

One municipality in the province takes part in the national controlled-supply experiment: Zaanstad, where since 7 April 2025 coffeeshops may sell only regulated cannabis from designated growers. Amsterdam and Haarlem are not participating, so their shops still buy through the illegal back door that the tolerance policy leaves open.