We found the best CBD shops in Amsterdam, and their premium collection of CBD items will keep you coming back. From Canna Health to When Nature Calls, here’s a well-curated list of legitimate stores that offer a wide range of high-quality CBD products in town. Whether you’re a local, fresh off the boat, or first-time vacationer in the liberal city, and in search of Dutch-style CBD products, consider this article as a guide to your first CBD purchase in Amsterdam.
Introduction
Hallo- welcome to the city of freedom! Today, we’re travelling (virtually) to Amsterdam, the stunning capital of the Netherlands. It is a populous city full of locals with diverse nationalities. Although half of the city’s inhabitants are indigenous Dutch, some of them like to call themselves Amsterdammers or Mokumers in more colloquial terms. They are consistently reputed to have a friendly attitude towards foreigners. In fact, the vast majority are fluent in English, so there’s no need for overseas travellers to learn Dutch before circling the town.
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The exact quality that makes Amsterdammers so unique is their personality and style— they’re not afraid to go their own way. It comes from the culture of freedom and a relaxed atmosphere that is found in the city, supporting an environment of creativity and self-expression. If you want to experience everything that Amsterdam has in store, it is no brainer to take a tour of the whole city and find out for yourself the real deal about its liberal and bohemian culture.
But first, a short glance at its rich history. Amsterdam nestles in the western part of the Netherlands, and under the province of North Holland. It’s not to be confused between the Netherlands and Holland as people often use these terms interchangeably. The Kingdom of the Netherlands is the official name of the country. Holland only refers to the two provinces of the Netherlands, namely North Holland and South Holland. Given that Amsterdam is located in North Holland, it is colloquially described as the “Venice of the North”, attributed by its more than 160 canals.
Originally a fishing village that did very well in trading, Amsterdam got its name from ‘Amstel’, a river in North Holland that was used as a dam to control flooding. Soon the city’s name was modified from Amstel Dam into Amsterdam. Following a quick montage to the Dutch Golden Age in the 17th century, Amsterdam became one of the most important ports in the world and the leading centre for finance and trade in the Netherlands. The beginning of the 19th century has arranged a remarkable period of development, where many new neighbourhoods and suburbs were built together in one harmonious, modern city. Until the present era, Amsterdam’s economy has observed rapid progress in ICT (Information and Communication Technology), stock exchange, tourism, and pharmaceuticals.
Modern Amsterdam is characterised by its panoramic canals, stunning museums, a hippie community for foreign travellers, and green transportation systems that feature its very own cycling culture. Beyond being one of the most liberal and sociable towns with an impressive economic climate, Amsterdam is also home to unique Dutch cuisines and massive shopping points.
As travellers, we all like to make the most of our shopping experience- especially if we’re visiting the centre for finance and trade itself. Shoppers will definitely find several flagship stores for big brands in every city corner. But suppose you’re looking at a different consumer’s perspective. In that case, the smaller streets are the best places to score precious thrift store finds, including community restaurants and independent shops- from clothes and localised souvenirs to beauty and wellness products. Just a few years back, CBD as a hemp derivative was legalised in the city- allowing consumers to enjoy CBD in the form of medicines, edibles, vapes, and cosmetics. So, if you are planning for a quick Amsterdam getaway, visiting some of its local CBD stores is one of the many things you cannot miss while you’re in it.
Even if you are a well-versed CBD user, a little effort of knowing its intriguing background and therapeutic claims can go a long way. So, let’s delve into this multipurpose molecule and let new insights steer us to an easier CBD experience.
Cannabidiol, better known as CBD, is a naturally occurring compound in cannabis. Cannabis is a plant with an illustrious history of being a potential cure for various diseases many centuries ago. The plant has two strains, namely hemp and marijuana; both have significant therapeutic attributes and contain essential cannabinoids like CBD. The only difference between these strains is that hemp does not produce any euphorically ‘high’ results, which marijuana is famous for.
Breaking myths and misconceptions, another active cannabinoid named tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is actually more responsible for marijuana’s stoned effects. In case you haven’t heard yet, THC is the famous cannabinoid cousin of CBD and the primary psychoactive constituent of cannabis. While this component is highly present in the marijuana strain, hemp may only have little to no level of THC. Most states allow a maximum rate of less than 0.3% THC in some legitimate CBD products. Even so, extremely low quantities of THC are not enough to cause adverse reactions, such as a high. CBD as a safe, non-intoxicating substance is unique to cannabis- bestowing it with a possible therapeutic profile.
Multiple research into some of these growing bodies of evidence is in progress. For now, what we know about CBD’s potential benefits is the anti-epileptic properties that it might contain. Studies showed that CBD for epilepsy was effective in reducing the frequency of seizures in patients who suffered from two different types of epilepsy among children, including Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome. Hence in 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has carefully considered the endorsement for Epidiolex, the first FDA-approved drug that contains CBD.
Other studies suggest that CBD may also help with treating other maladies, such as Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s, anxiety, and depression. It may also relieve pain and inflammation with its possible antioxidant properties.
Many locals and foreign visitors see Amsterdam as a charming haven for CBD use. However, there is a little confusing position when it comes to its legality. In 1999, the Netherlands was the first country to legalise cannabis in the medical and pharmaceutical industries. It was followed by the official establishment of the country’s Bureau for Medicinal Cannabis (BMC) in 2001. Despite all these starting points, several tourists were left wondering whether or not it’s safe to smoke CBD on the streets of Amsterdam.
During the reform of the Netherlands CBD law in 2018, smoking soft drugs in public premises of Amsterdam was prohibited. CBD was subject to restriction under the Opium Act of the Netherlands for being a derivative of hemp. As strange as it may sound, the cultivation and production of CBD are prohibited but not completely banned. The Dutch government gave the green light to several municipalities to grow legal hemp for industrial production in 2019, in accordance with the CBD law reform. They even appointed farmers to ensure the abundance of cannabis reserve and manufacture in the country. As laws and limitations are gradually amended, the recreational, medical, and scientific cannabis industry has seen rapid growth and is said to continue operation in all its municipalities and metropolitans, including Amsterdam.
Normalising the cultivation and trade of legal cannabis is regulated by a series of ‘tolerance criteria’ for shop-owners to strictly follow. For instance, the Dutch law mandates that CBD products shall be tolerated with a maximum THC level of 0.05% only. Otherwise, these products shall never be sold nor used anywhere in the country. While rules and regulations have made a conservative turn, the CBD market continuously flourishes in the Netherlands and Amsterdam. As a primary point of sale, the city is reputed to provide a wide variety of CBD products to tailor to every consumer’s needs and interests.
The legislative reform on CBD cultivation and production has opened a door of opportunity for consumers to purchase various CBD products legally. However, one must be very careful when it comes to buying CBD in Amsterdam. The laws and limitations regarding the use of CBD can be a double-edged sword. While you’re in luck to be able to choose from a wide selection of CBD products, you will also find it a bit tricky to come across products with questionable quality. Thus, it is essential to follow a few tips on how to shop CBD products like a local pro.
Request a Certificate of Analysis (COA)
Legal CBD products often come with a COA, basically a certificate of analysis or quality control that verifies whether the product contains the appropriate CBD quantities. Manufacturers are not permitted to directly provide their own analysis. The COA should be derived from a third-party testing source to ensure accurate and impartial results. Always ask the retailer to provide you with a COA, especially if the item does not come with one.
Check the label
When it comes to product content, it is imperative to double-check labelling accuracy. Ensure that the CBD and THC concentrations stated on the product label match what’s indicated on the COA. The standard product labels, such as CBD isolate, full-spectrum, and broad-spectrum, will help you determine which natural compounds of the cannabis plant are available in the product. Refer to the table below to quickly identify your preferred label.
|
Label |
CBD |
THC |
Other Cannabinoids |
|
CBD Isolate |
✔ |
✘ |
✘ |
|
Full Spectrum |
✔ |
✔ |
✔ |
|
Broad-Spectrum |
✔ |
✘ |
✔ |
Ask for recommendations
The Dutch market provides hundreds of local shops that specialise in CBD products. With a sea of options, selecting the best product can be overwhelming. Good thing, you can always ask for recommendations if you cannot decide on your purchase. The staff members at CBD stores are usually expert in their field of work. With an abundance of product knowledge, they can assist you with your needs.
Opt for reputable brands
It is hard to trust a CBD brand you’ve never heard of before. While most manufacturers wouldn’t risk selling low-quality products, it will be more secure to go for reliable brands that offer top-notch commodities. Otherwise, if you want to try a new CBD brand, make sure to read product reviews before buying from any unfamiliar brands.
Avoid products that violate local regulations
As mentioned earlier, any CBD product that contains THC level higher than 0.05% is considered illegal in Amsterdam. That’s why it makes plenty of sense to always ask for a COA. This way allows you to determine whether the products adhere to the rules mandated by the Dutch government- this is especially true if you are a newbie in the city.
The Best CBD Shops to Try in Amsterdam
Now that you have been acquainted with different shopping tips and several standards that define CBD quality, it’s time to visit Amsterdam and the CBD shops it boasts for. Without further ado, let’s take a look at some of the most trusted and accessible stores, where you can find a full array of legal CBD products to try.
Canna Health Amsterdam
Location: Nieuwe Nieuwstraat 26, 1012 NH Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Daily 10:30–18:30
Google Review: 5.0 (41 Reviews)
Canna Health Amsterdam is a herbal medicine shop that offers a wide variety of high-quality CBD products for wellness and lifestyle at a very competent price. Their products are mainly CBD isolate, which means they contain 99.7 pure CBD crystalline without THC or any harsh ingredients. The shop ensures that all their products are derived from legitimate industrial hemp, and not marijuana. Aside from its safe and high-quality products, what customers also enjoy about the shop is its excellent service. One of the reviewers commended the staff for taking the time to explain everything about their products in greater detail. Right now they offer various CBD edibles and CBD oils, and soon they’ll have more options readily available in the shop. The store opens from Monday to Sunday at 10:30 in the morning and closes at 18:30.
When Nature Calls
Location: Keizersgracht 508, 1017 EJ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Daily 9:00–22:00
Google Review: 4.7 (155 Reviews)
We like the wit expressed in the name of this store. It’s like when nature calls for CBD, we know exactly where to go. But on a serious note, When Nature Calls is one of the pioneer establishments for an array of CBD-based products in the city. The shop was launched in the late 1990s that it surely has witnessed a lot of remarkable developments in the cannabis industry from being strictly prohibited to readily available on the market shelves. Many of the products that the store provides are usable for any purpose whether it’s for CBD skin care, medication, or leisure. They have the best CBD oil collection and other CBD-filled edibles, including protein powder and booster shots. Besides a great selection of CBD products and pioneering reputation, the elegance and neatness of the shop are other qualities that will make you want to pay a visit more often.
Tatanka
Location: Halvemaansteeg 12, 1017 CR Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Daily 10:00–22:00
Google Review: 4.4 (74 Reviews)
If you are looking for an authentic ‘Amsterdam experience’, you need to explore a rare shop along 12th street of Halvemaansteeg- just a few blocks away from the Pathé De Munt Cinema. The store is called Tatanka, a Native American Indian term for buffalo. They like to believe that the goal of the store is very synonymous to a buffalo’s, which is to drive people towards a strong and independent spirit. To make it happen, they offer different types of products that can intensify your quality of life and sex drive. You can choose from a variety of CBD products, including energy supplements, crystalline powder, capsule, and pure and raw CBD oil. They also have different CBD vaping accessories and T-shirts made of sustainable hemp.
Amsterdam Genetics
Location: Humberweg 6, 1043 AC Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00–18:00
Google Review: 4.8 (306 Reviews)
Amsterdam Genetics is a multi-shop that offers an extensive variety of CBD products from all kinds of cannabis seeds to supplements, skincare essentials, clothing, vaping tools, and other related merchandise. They also have a dedicated cafe if you like to drop by for a morning cuppa, infused by a special ingredient: CBD. The company has been operating since 1985, which is why you can count on them when it comes to serving first-rate cannabis products. For anyone who has a long shopping list in their bags, we’d say this shop is a jack-of-all-trades that is able to deliver anything and everything!
High Culture CBD Oil Shop
Location: Bellamystraat 6, 1053 BL Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Mon-Sat 12:00–18:00
Google Review: 4.9 (23 Reviews)
Looking for a one-stop-shop that offers the best CBD oil in the metro? Look no further once you’ve crossed the Bellamystraat street! At the heart of the district nestles a humble CBD oil shop called High Culture. Their products are directly distributed from CBD farmers that are close to the neighbourhood. Since the shop specialises in CBD oil, they provide a wide assortment of oils in the most useful doses to help obtain the balance and wellness that your body desperately needs. Whether it’s CBD oil for pain or anxiety, you can find everything you need at High Culture.
Jacob Hooy & Co.
Location: Kloveniersburgwal 12, 1012 CT Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Mon-Fri 10:00–18:00 | Sat 10:00–17:00
Google Review: 4.3 (42 Reviews)
Customers love the ancient atmosphere inside the Jacob Hooy & Co, an antiquated store for herbal remedies and more. The scent of herbs and spices brings back memories of an old spice stand that opened in 1743. Quite a long time ago, but the clock doesn’t stand still. The shop has kept up-to-date with a modern selection of herbal remedies, including CBD teas, cosmetics, fragrance items, and delectable jars of candy! As you walk through the doors of Jacob Hooy & Co, it kind of feels like the time splits between the past and the future with its medieval theme and modernish sets of various products.
Supmedi CBD
Location: Prins Hendrikkade 10, 1012 TK Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Daily 11:00–19:00
Google Review: 4.9 (28 Reviews)
From the old-fashioned vibe, we take you forward to a state-of-the-art interior of Supmedi CBD. This shop is a go-to place for those who are in dire need of body balance, fitness, and strength. So if you are an athlete or someone who’s into serious sports like boxing or skateboarding, you need to try the purported beneficial impact of CBD for extreme sport. Supmedi CBD specialises in vitamins and natural supplements made of fine hemp extracts, including CBD as a star ingredient. The store manufactures its own products, supplying other retail shops such as the ones we featured above, including When Nature Calls, Amsterdam Genetics, and High Culture. Aside from supplements, they also have CBD skincare and gluten-free edibles.
Amsterdam CBD Center
Location: Gravenstraat 12, 1012 NM Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Daily 10:00–18:00
Google Review: 5.0
Amsterdam CBD Center is a newly-opened store that aims to become the best CBD provider in the city. The shop owners are well-experienced in cultivating cannabis seeds, so they’ve decided to launch the Amsterdam CBD Center and hopefully provide an extensive collection of CBD capsules, oils and other essential products. They also offer free consultations to address every customer’s needs and queries.
One2Vape
Location: Spuistraat 98, 1012 TZ Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Tues-Sun 12:00–20:00
Google Review: 4.8 (904 Reviews)
When it comes to Amsterdam nightlife, there are lots of choices for vape shops to suit every taste. One2Vape is one of the premier shops specialising in CBD vape juice, oil and other vaping accessories. You can visit One2Vape in the famous Red-light District, just a three-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Regular vapers enjoy a great selection of liquid flavours at reasonable prices- not to mention the fun company of their super friendly staff.
When it comes to Amsterdam nightlife, there are lots of choices for vape shops to suit every taste. One2Vape is one of the premier shops specialising in CBD vape juice, oil and other vaping accessories. You can visit One2Vape in the famous Red-light District, just a three-minute walk from the Royal Palace of Amsterdam. Regular vapers enjoy a great selection of liquid flavours at reasonable prices- not to mention the fun company of their super friendly staff.
E-Blow Vape Shop
Location: Muiderstraat 6H, 1011 RA Amsterdam, Netherlands
Store Hours: Tues-Fri 11:00–19:00 | Sat 12:00–18:00
Google Review: 4.5 (174 Reviews)
E-Blow is another reputable vape shop you’ll find in the city. The shop owner has been specialising in e-cigarettes since the early 2000s, and the friendly staff are also well-experienced to guide you with your needs, especially if you are new to vaping. They offer a flavourful collection of CBD vape oil and other e-liquids from fruit tastes to sweets and menthol. If you’re looking for something else to love about E-blow, this shop features a fun, relaxing lounge, where you can chill out and spend a great time vaping with your mates.
We hope to give you a fantastic virtual tour that brings you closer to the most-visited CBD shops in Amsterdam. If you happen to cross the city, be sure to drop by every CBD store downtown, so you can explore a manifold of local CBD products, compare prices like a true Amsterdammer, and see what each boutique has in store for you. Amsterdam is small enough to travel on foot or through a pedal if you like, but it’s also large enough to accommodate a number of CBD spots and once-in-a-lifetime experiences that will keep you coming back. So, Goede reis— have a good journey!
Anastasiia Myronenko
Anastasiia Myronenko is a Medical Physicist actively practicing in one of the leading cancer centers in Kyiv, Ukraine. She received her master’s degree in Medical Physics at Karazin Kharkiv National University and completed Biological Physics internship at GSI Helmholtz Centre for Heavy Ion Research, Germany. Anastasiia Myronenko specializes in radiation therapy and is a fellow of Ukrainian Association of Medical Physicists.