The deal with drugs in Amsterdam

Everyone knows that drugs are easily accessible in Amsterdam, but what exactly does that mean?  Does it mean you can go up to anyone on the street and ask where to buy dope? Of course not.  So how does one go about making a purchase?  What drugs are okay to use? Where can you use them?

http://www.amsterdam.info/drugs/

The first thing to note is that not all drugs are legal in Amsterdam.  Hard drugs (e.g. coke, heroin) are just as illegal as they are in Canada.  Other drugs (shrooms for example) are technically illegal, but are sold in various forms (like truffles- another part of the mushroom plant) in order to slip through the fingers of the law.  Weed is the most common street drug in Amsterdam.  It can be purchased in “coffee” shops, and smoked there, or taken home.  There are coffee shops all over the city.  They cannot be missed.  These shops are open to anyone over the age of 18, and offer a wide variety of Marijuana strains.  A 1 gram joint typically costs 10 Euro, and deals are cut the more you buy.

Other drugs available in Amsterdam include: truffles (parts of the magic mushroom plant), speed, salvia and more.  These drugs are sold in “smartshops”, along with paraphernalia and growing kits.  Smart shop employees are well informed, helpful and non-judgmental, creating a safe environment for non-experienced users.

Another unique feature of Amsterdam are the countless bakeries that stay open well into the night.  I have no doubt these bakeries are there to satisfy the munchies of many a stoner once other restaurants, cafes and groceries stores have closed for the night.