Are coffeeshops legal in the Netherlands?

They are tolerated under strict conditions; tolerance is not legalization. Breaches may trigger enforcement under the Opium Act.

What is the controlled supply chain experiment?

A government program testing regulated cultivation/distribution to coffeeshops with quality monitoring and evaluation.

Can I bring cannabis across the border?

No. Do not transport cannabis internationally. Verify local rules and customs controls before travel.

Netherlands: Cannabis Laws & Policy Overview

Last updated: October 14, 2025

Legal notice: Informational only—not legal advice. Dutch law is based on the Opium Act (Opiumwet), while coffeeshops operate under tolerance (gedoog) conditions. Always verify on official portals linked below and follow the strictest rule that applies to you. See our Legal Disclaimer & No-Warranty.

The Legal Backbone (Opium Act)

The Opium Act (Opiumwet) formally prohibits possession, cultivation, production, and supply of cannabis, subject to prosecution policy and toleration guidelines. See the official consolidated text and prosecution guidance under Official Sources.

Coffeeshops: Tolerated Retail with Conditions

Dutch authorities may tolerate retail sales in licensed coffeeshops if they comply with local/ national criteria (e.g., no advertising, no hard drugs, age checks, quantity limits, nuisance control). Tolerance is not legalization—breach of conditions can result in enforcement. Local municipalities implement additional rules.

Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment

The government is running a Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment (often called the weed experiment) to test whether regulated cultivation and distribution can replace the illicit backdoor to coffeeshops and improve public health/safety. The program phases include designated municipalities, licensed growers, quality monitoring, and evaluation.

Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis is available via regulated pharmaceutical channels with physician oversight and quality standards; products are not the same as retail coffeeshop items. Patients should consult clinicians and pharmacies for current pathways and eligibility.

Driving, Borders, and Travel

Driving: Impairment rules apply; do not drive under the influence.
Borders: Do not transport cannabis across international borders (including Schengen). Customs and other EU member laws apply.

Keep Learning

Legal hub: Cannabis Laws by Country & Region
Safety: Responsible Use Guide
Process: How We Fact-Check, Editorial Standards
Updates: Research Updates

Official Sources (Primary Statutes & Government Pages)

Opium Act (Opiumwet) – consolidated text (Overheid.nl)
Prosecution guidance (Aanwijzing Opiumwet) – enforcement policy (Overheid.nl)
Controlled Cannabis Supply Chain Experiment – Dutch government portal
Experiment background & design – methodology and monitoring

Cannabis Laws in the Netherlands: Opium Act, Coffeeshops & the Supply Chain Experiment