Cannabis is popular in the Netherlands because of its tolerance policy. We allow people to possess small amounts of cannabis for personal use. Coffee shops provide a legal place for recreational use. But what about smoking weed on the streets? Is smoking weed on the street legal, or is there an outright ban?

We delve deeper into the rules around drug use on the street to help you avoid violations. Read all about the legality of smoking weed on the street here.

Is smoking weed on the street legal?

When looking at the legality of weed, the Dutch drug policy is important. This law states that there is a ban on hard drugs and a ban on soft drugs in force.

Almost everyone knows that hard drugs are prohibited on the streets. But under the above regulation, the use of soft drugs, such as weed, would also be punishable. That would mean you would not be allowed to use cannabis in public locations.

Yet cannabis sales can be found in numerous coffeeshops. This is because of the tolerance policy. This means that municipalities tolerate small quantities for personal use. 

However, there remains a ban on the possession of larger quantities of cannabis. This is punishable under the Opium Act with fines starting at the 100 euro mark (depending on the number of grams of cannabis).

Wiet roken op straat

Variation between municipalities

The enforcement of cannabis use on the streets differs from one local municipality to another. Municipalities lay down their tolerance policies in their general local bye-laws.

So different rules may apply in each city. Some cities, such as many Limburg municipalities, take stricter measures with a local ban. Others take a more lenient stance with a partial ban.

This creates complexity. There is no simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ answer to the question of whether cannabis smoking on the street is legal. After all, the answer depends on the specific rules in a particular city.

Where does society stand?

Social and societal perspectives regarding cannabis are changing. Over the years, we saw a shift from taboo to acceptance. The changing perception stems from education and a greater understanding of the medicinal aspects of the plant.

Nevertheless, unwritten rules and etiquette around public cannabis use remain in place. Respecting fellow citizens is important in the balance between personal freedom and societal.

Risks for bystanders

Smoking weed on the street can have health consequences. This is not only the case for the user, but also for bystanders.

Passively inhaling weed on the street poses risks to bystanders. This risk is similar to tobacco smoke. It has potentially harmful effects on respiratory and general health. Research indicates that exposure to this smoke carries risks.

It is important to be aware of these hazards. Especially if you enjoy smoking weed on the street. Keep in mind that you may be exposing bystanders to the effects of cannabis. So it’s better to smoke cannabis in places that are quiet and secluded.

Can you smoke weed on the street in Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht?

Do you ever walk through the municipality of Amsterdam, Rotterdam or Utrecht? Then you will stumble across several locations where public use of drugs seems almost normal.

Amsterdam’s canals, Rotterdam’s harbours or Utrecht’s parks are hotspots for cannabis use. The proximity of coffee shops, which legally sell weed, plays a role in this. But are you allowed to smoke weed on the street in Amsterdam?

Some cities operate specific smoking zones for cannabis enthusiasts. Others take more liberal stances on public consumption.

In Amsterdam, for instance, there has recently been a smoking ban on the Red Light District. In other places in the capital, enforcement does tolerate smoking weed on the streets. Still, enforcement may ask you to find another smoking spot. This is mainly the case in busy streets and areas.

Mag je wiet roken op straat

So, can you smoke weed on the street?

In the Netherlands, smoking weed on the street is officially illegal. However, according to the tolerance policy, you are allowed to carry weed with you for personal use. Most municipalities decide separately whether they follow this tolerance policy and whether they tolerate people smoking weed on the street. These complex regulations create a lot of ambiguity.

While some cities have a more relaxed attitude towards public cannabis use, others may apply stricter measures. Before you light up a joint on the street, it is useful to check whether the municipality in question allows it.

Stop by The Border

Are you visiting cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam and Utrecht? There, they seem to tolerate public cannabis use in certain locations. Stop by The Border for the best weed at the most beautiful public location in the capital: The Amsterdamse Bos.