Good to know

Responsible use

Informed, moderate and aware of the risks.

If you want to avoid every risk, don't use cannabis. That is the honest answer. If you do choose to, it helps to know when not to and how to keep the risks as small as possible. This page sells nothing and encourages nothing — it is information.

Better not to use if

  • You are under 18. Your brain is still developing and cannabis acts directly on that.
  • You are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive.
  • You are mentally vulnerable or psychosis runs in your family. Cannabis raises that risk and can worsen an existing condition.
  • You have heart or lung problems. Smoking strains your lungs, and cannabis raises your heart rate and lowers your blood pressure.
  • You still have to drive, work or study. Your reaction time and concentration stay affected for hours.
  • You take medication — ask your doctor or pharmacist first.

Keeping the risks small

  • Buy at a coffeeshop and ask staff for advice, so you know what you are getting.
  • Start low and wait. Especially with edibles: they take about an hour, so don't take more straight away.
  • Don't use every day. Daily use is the fastest route to dependence.
  • Only use when you feel well. On a bad day cannabis usually makes it worse, not better.
  • Don't combine with alcohol or other substances.
  • Leave the car, scooter and bike where they are.
  • Don't use to suppress something — stress, sleeplessness or low mood. It solves nothing and becomes a habit.

At the coffeeshop

  • Bring valid ID. You must be 18 or over and the shop is required to check.
  • You may buy a maximum of 5 grams per day.
  • Alcohol and hard drugs are not allowed.
  • Follow the shop's house rules, and don't use on the street or where children are.
  • Never sell or pass anything on to minors. That is a criminal offence.

Had too much?

Nauseous, dizzy, anxious or panicky? Unpleasant, but it almost always passes on its own, usually within an hour. Find a quiet spot, sit or lie down, drink water and eat something sweet. Have someone stay with you. If it doesn't pass, or something else is wrong, call your doctor — or 112 in an emergency.

Help and reliable information

Unsure about your own use or someone else's? Drugsinfo.nl, run by the Trimbos Institute, has independent information and lets you ask questions anonymously.

Go to Drugsinfo.nl

This page is general information, not medical advice. Coffeeshopindebuurt.nl sells nothing and has no stake in your use.