MLM Directory

Is it legal to smoke weed in public in Amsterdam?

My friend went to Amsterdam a few months ago and said that she used to walk around at street fairs and markets and just on the street smoking a joint, but I have read online that it is illegal to smoke weed in the streets. Is it legal? If not, do they actually arrest people or fine them very often? My friend said she saw many other people doing it too, and she said she never got dirty looks or anything, which is what i read online would happen because dutch people don't like weed or something ...

Public Comments

1. no its not legal but they dont arrest people for it... they dont enforse that law at all unless itsbig time
2. Yes, it is and ive heard its illegal everywhere, they just dont enforce it unless its big time. But smokin in public might get u in trouble, and jails the last place ya wanna be when smoking the most potent shit anywhere
3. Weed is illegal, but Smoking is tolerated in certain cafes and bars or at home. Smoking on the street is prohibited.
4. no, it's not legal. You can smoke in coffee shops and places like that, but no not in public. But as far as having it on you, cops can't search you anyhow
5. The Amsterdam natives are used to weird, immature and obnoxious behaviour from tourists and are not that quick with dirty looks. Try this in almost any other city and certainly in the smaller towns and you have a good chance to get in trouble. I do wonder about the actual legality of it. I know quite a few municipalities have made a special local ordinance forbidding the use of weed in public. If they do that then the national law may be a bit vague on the subject.
6. The police in Holland are pretty cool about things like that. I'm sure they can arrest you for it if they want, but as long as you aren't disturbing anyone they'll probably leave you alone. I can't actually remember anyone openly smoking dope in public when I've been there. The law has changed in some places in Holland and is changing soon in other places. No foreigners will be allowed in coffee shops. It's true - google for coffee shop ban for foreigners. The EU want to stop it altogether. There are some odd laws anyway - if a German goes to Holland and smokes a joint, he has committed an offence by German law but not by Dutch law, and can be convicted for it!
7. See: http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index;_ylt=AgMKJca5VqZEcw5qnuPIDmKnDX1G;_ylv=3?qid=20110411023405AAJpjOz Legal - no, it`s not, has never been, and will not be for the forseeable future. However, there are some guidelines that will enable you to smoke drugs like this, and not get you in trouble. Just walking down the street smoking ? A normal cigarette, yes, but a joint - you would at least get frowned at, and could get arrested even (if there would be police around that is), or more likely be fined. This friend has either not been in Amsterdam, The Netherlands, or was completely doped up when she told you.