Information for tourists

Be Smart. Be Safe. Ignore streetdealers.

City of Amsterdam launched a campaign targeting young foreign visitors. The campaign is a collaboration between the City of Amsterdam, Amsterdam Marketing, Jellinek Prevention and the Amsterdam Police Department.

The aim is to warn them for street drug dealers, the fake, possibly dangerous, drugs they try to sell and for the intimidation and robbing that goes along with it. These streetdealers operate in the city center at so called ‘Tourist hotspots’. They target young male visitors in order to seperate them from their friends to try to make the deal, or in some cases to rob them. These street dealers are intimidating and can be voilent.

Amsterdam is a fun, free-spirited city. But, like any other city, it’s important to be street smart. Ignore street dealers: watch and share the video!

Be Smart. Be Safe. Ignore streetdealers.

Dutch drug policy

The Netherlands is known for its tolerant policies on drugs. Many people don’t realise that drugs are officially illegal in the Netherlands. Understanding Dutch drug policy can save you a lot of problems.

Since 1976 the narcotics act has distinguished between drugs that pose unacceptable risks to public health (hard drugs like heroin, cocaine, ecstacy and amphetamines) and hemp products (soft drugs, specifically hashish and marijuana). Possession, dealing, sale, production and most other acts involving any drug are punishable by law, unless performed for medical, veterinary, instructional or scientific purposes (and then only on permission). So bringing drugs into a club or a bar is also prohibited. You’ll be searched by security at the entrance. If you’re found to be carrying drugs, you could be handed over to police. At dance events, plainclothes security agents may be walking around to spot people taking drugs.

The Dutch government has formulated a drug policy that tolerates cannabis smoking under strict conditions. It is permitted in coffeeshops. You must be 18 years of age to enter a coffeeshop and your ID will be checked. In some regions, non-residents are not allowed to buy cannabis. Visitors should keep in mind that most venues other than coffeeshops do not allow soft drugs to be consumed on their premises. In other words, you may not smoke cannabis in clubs or bars, even in smoking areas.

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Drug potency and drugs testing in the Netherlands

If you buy drugs in the Netherlands, you should be keenly aware that the potency of the drugs can differ a great deal from the strength of drugs in your own country. In other words, you never know how strong your purchased drugs will be. If you are trying drugs for the first time or don’t have much experience, be extra careful. We advise you to take a lower dose than you would take in your home country.

If you are staying in Amsterdam for more than a week, you can get your drugs tested anonymously at the Jellinek or GGD Amsterdam drug testing service. Drugs you submit to them are analysed in a laboratory. For some pills such as ecstasy which can be matched to those in our database, there is a 50% chance you will get the results on the same day.

Jellinek

Website Jellinek Address Jacob Obrechtstraat 92 1071 KG Amsterdam Details Every Wednesday, Thursday and Friday between 5 and 8.30 PM.

You can call in for the results on Thursdays between 6.30 and 8.30 PM. Phone +3120-5901590 Costs €2,50 for each sample

GGD Amsterdam

Website GGD Amsterdam Address Valckenierstraat 4 1018 XG Amsterdam Details Every Monday and Tuesday between 5 and 8.30 PM.

You can call in for the results on Thursdays between 6.30 and 8.30 PM. Phone +3120-5555450 Costs €2,50 for each sample

For more detailed information on how drugs checking works check the info in on this page:

Why do they test drugs in the Netherlands and how does it work?

You can also check the English info on the website of Unity, the alcohol and drugs information project in the Dutch party scene.

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Emergency services

Many people get so ill from their first experiences with cannabis that they phone the emergency number 112 and summon an ambulance. They may feel panicked or nauseous; they fear they’ll never get better. If you feel like that, you should first find a quiet place and eat something sweet. Usually the worst will be over within an hour’s time.

In 2012, ambulances were called 517 times for people who had consumed too much cannabis. Most were tourists who had smoked hash or weed or eaten spacecake. Doctors also kept track of their symptoms. Most patients were suffering from serious physical distress, and many were experiencing nausea, heart palpitations or psychosis. Some had suffered falls after consuming hash or weed, as your blood pressure drops if you suddenly stand up when on cannabis. Drugs also interfere with your coordination and motor functions.

Dutch marijuana generally contains more THC than the dope sold in other countries. Its THC content can also vary greatly. If you’ve taken more drugs than you can deal with, consult coffeeshop or club staff or first aid professionals (at large events, look for the EHBO stand) or phone 112.

For serious alcohol- or drug-related emergencies, you should get to a hospital accident and emergency deparment immediately.

Although possession of both hard and soft drugs is illegal in the Netherlands, it is not against the law to TAKE drugs. Always be honest about your drug consumption when you’re at an emergency department so they will know exactly what treatment you need. Your health is the most important thing. Doctors will not hand you over to the police.

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Prepare & repair

Sleep to reset your mind. Make sure you’ve had enough sleep before you go out at night.

Listen to your body, and to your brain: know what you can and cannot handle.

Think for yourself, care about others. Stay together and make sure you’re surrounded by people you trust. Make mutual agreements and keep each other informed.

Stay safe and don’t drive after drinking or taking drugs.

Going to a club or dance event? Check out the information on the website of Unity, the alcohol and drugs peer information project in the Dutch party scene: http://www.unity.nl/drugs-abc/info-in-english.

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15.04.2016