Going to AMMMMSTERRRDDAMMMM!

[philly_artist]

First off, I apologize for the above annoying title to my post but I am just too freaking excited about a trip I'm taking to Amsterdam. I went there maybe about ten years ago but I did not get high once while I was there. With many thanks and blessings to the members of this forum, I bought myself a vaporizer about 2 years ago and have been oh so happy since.
So - that being said, I will be heading to Amsterdam among other places and want to hear everyone's thoughts on what coffeehouses I should hit up and which are the best for those who prefer vaporizers. On that note, I'm a pretty clean person and don't want to get mouth herpies or God knows what else from using a random vaporizer as well. I really really appreciate any thoughts, suggestions, or feedback regarding this. I've been looking online and it sounds like I must hit up The Grey Area (and try the Grey Mist Crystals) and I also need to visit Barney's too but I want to hear your thoughts on it and hopefully you can educate an Amsterdam newbie like myself - thanks!!!

 

[GOATPUSSY]

I went there about ten years ago too. I was high the whole time... And for a few days after!! Liked grey area although it was kinda small... Barney's was good for breakfast... There were a couple other spots I liked but I'm spacing on the names...

Whenever I have friends that are on their way their I strongly suggest renting a bike, picking up a copy of the Get Lost! Guide to Amsterdam, and bringing or picking up a disposable vape you're familiar with that you won't mind leaving there or passing onto someone... Maybe like a vg coil...

Good luck, have fun and safe travels!

 

[newVaper420]

When are you going? I don't mean to burst your bubble, but you know they are changing the coffeeshop laws right? Tourists won't be allowed to go in. Not sure when or if the law went in effect yet.

http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/apr/27/netherlands-cannabis-cafes-off-limits-tourists

I went in 2002, 2003 and 2009. When I went in 2009, a bunch of shops had vaporizers, but I wasn't into then, so I didn't know what I was missing. They had like water pipes with a vhw or something similiar if I can remember correctly.

One of my favorite coffeeshops is the Noon. I also am a big fan of Grey Area, and the Greenhouse. Have a great time.

 

[SoulCaptivesAreFree]

I think amsterdam still serves tourists, and i honestly can't imagine that this will change there soon, the rest of the NL maybe, but not the dam...

For vapes check the anyday coffeeshop - they have a bunch of verdampers (i think they are connected with the guy who invented the verdamper) even a verdamper with bag - i have never seen this one anywhere else... also the owner of the shop is a really nice guy, even gave us free drinks after hearing us cough from too much verdamping (you'll see it's not common to get anything for free in the dam lol)

also i second newVaper420's suggestion of going to the coffeeshop NooN - it's one of my absolute favourite ones (mellow yellow got the same weed-menu btw), i also like bluebird (for black hash), grey area (tasty weed), green place (american clones), the dampkring shops (nice variety of strains, always at least 1 good haze on the menu, also good nyc diesel)

but best bet is to find some friendly local weed-enthusiast because quality varies greatly on a day to day basis, and the locals know where a good batch can be found but even then... when you're a grower expect to be disappointed by the quality of the weed most europeans smoke mixed with tobacco so don't care that much about a good cure and clean burning - unfortunately :/

i mostly check out import hashes when i'm there - you can find some real exotic, 1st class hash with a bit of luck... also for vaporists it's nice to try the import-weed as well! it's not good for smoking, but can be real nice if vaped and most of the times will have a special high that differs from the neder-wiet (dutch-strains).

well enough stoned rambling i hope you have a pleasant trip to the dam, it's a unique experience and very much worth going

p.s. haven't been since 08 or 09, so things might have changed a little (although i think i know what changed: good weed even harder to find, and prices more ridiculous than ever)

 

[newVaper420]

I think amsterdam still serves tourists, and i honestly can't imagine that this will change there soon, the rest of the NL maybe, but not the dam...

Normally, I'd agree. But in 09' when I went, I spoke to every coffeeshop owner who said the law wasn't going to even pass. And they were wrong about that. So I'd definitely check it out. Hell, if Washington/Colorado/Oregon legalize it, that will be my next trip :-)

 

[Blood420]

Here is a handy map for coffeeshops in amsterdam http://www.coffeeshop.freeuk.com/Map.html
You can click on any shop and read reviews people have left.

The last time I was in Amsterdam was 2 months ago, no problems with tourists getting served. The new law is coming into effect on January 1st though

I'll have to disagree with the post about Barney's breakfast, I thought it was hands down the worst breakfast I ever bought and it was a ridiculous price, something like €17!!

I was in Barneys coffee shop recently and had a great time. Lots of volcanos to use and the pieces were clean. The waitress was incredibley friendly too!

Another thumbs up for Noon, fantastic blueberry =)

 

[OhTheAgony]

I think amsterdam still serves tourists, and i honestly can't imagine that this will change there soon, the rest of the NL maybe, but not the dam...

Our governement has fallen and we have new elections coming up September 12th & hope that that will lead to a change of this ridiculous new policy, but if not you can bet your ass you'll be buying from street dealers instead of getting in to coffeeshops from January first 2013 as a foreigner.

 

[SoulCaptivesAreFree]

Our governement has fallen and we have new elections coming up September 12th & hope that that will lead to a change of this ridiculous new policy, but if not you can bet your ass you'll be buying from street dealers instead of getting in to coffeeshops from January first 2013 as a foreigner.

Damn! keeping my fingers crossed that the new government is a little bit smarter about that topic!

I think the dutch right-wing conservatives don't realize how much of an impact this would have on the economy - weed-tourism is a very real thing and they not only buy weed but also need acommodation and alimentation, as well as just spend money on other stuff... if they go through with this quite some people will lose their jobs :/

NL for the longest time has been the mekka of european canna-culture, for producers/breeders spain already is preferred, if they keep foreigners out of the coffeeshops it will be the same for the end-users...

luckily none of this really concerns me, as i grow my own and know where to get good hash in the dam outside of the shops, but meh - still sucks big time!

 

[newVaper420]

Yeah, I honestly really loved Amsterdam, and am a bit bummed about the new laws. I hope they all get voted out, and this new policy gets overturned.

I am praying. This would not be good for the Netherlands economy.

 

[JohnDeere]

For vaping the dam is not the best...pick up a portable at one of the head shops. I typically smoke a shitload of joints while there. A pocket portable keeps me sippin in between shops.

I always like to stay away from the redlight and dam districts...I like hangin in the 9's streets (u shaped streets that follow along the outer canals) and by the Leidslplein and Vondelpark.

Tops is a great small little-known Coffeeshop right on the canal on prisengracht with a couple little tables outside....always a plus because technically you are not supposed to smoke/vape outside...UNLESS they have nice little tables set up, then puff away!

Bulldog is touristy, but there are a ton of tables outside and is right in the middle of the leidesplein. The Rookies has good herb and is nearby on a tiny side alley which also has some great food (Dub, some little italian place).

Do alot of walking and like I said stay over by the museums and vondelpark if you like a chill environment. Twitty is down that way, but most of the shops near there are actually in Leidsplein or on one of the 9's canal streets (prisengracht, herrengracht, keisersgracht, singl).

Barney's does have good herb, but it is a bit taxed...they do usually have waterpipes to smoke out of and volcano vaporizers at tables. Breakfast at Barneys is a novel experience, but the food is not good. There is also a Barney's lounge on Reguliersgracht which is a cross canal right off of Keisersgracht...so you can stay in the 9's and still get Barney's (just not breakfast).

For fining dining eat at Momo and at Dub Bel and at Keizersgracht 238. For late night fast food get a veal krokketten out of the vending machine portion of the FEBO Restaurants!

Check out a classical performance at Concerbegouw, and something more modern at Paradiso, both are legendary venues.

 

[Havelock Vetenari]

I'm afraid this ball has started rolling and gathered such momentum,that it i suspect it will be enforced for the foreseeable future...
I'll be voting for the PvdD(http://www.partyfortheanimals.nl/),mostly as a countervote to the more rightwing idiots,that a scary amount of fellowcountrymen thought necessary to give quite a bit of power to...
Also because part of their manifesto is the reversal(or cancellation) of implementing the dreaded and completely moronicl 'wietpas'.
But as i said,even if the elections turn out good for the cannabiscause,i think there will be certain amount of time,with restricted access to the shops.

Till the end of the year,it's business as usual though.
As mentioned coffeeshop Any Day has Evert's Verdamper,Katsu has as well and if you've never tried that before,you really shouldn't miss that.

 

[philly_artist]

I think amsterdam still serves tourists, and i honestly can't imagine that this will change there soon, the rest of the NL maybe, but not the dam...


also i second newVaper420's suggestion of going to the coffeeshop NooN - it's one of my absolute favourite ones (mellow yellow got the same weed-menu btw), i also like bluebird (for black hash), grey area (tasty weed), green place (american clones), the dampkring shops (nice variety of strains, always at least 1 good haze on the menu, also good nyc diesel)

Thanks for the awesome feedback!!! When you say a good "haze" is that like a strain Purple Haze? Not knowledgeable on strains so I greatly appreciate the suggestions. I'm leaving in two weeks so I gotta figure that stuff out. I've never tried hash - what can I expect and what type should I try??

 

[philly_artist]

Wow - thanks everyone for the suggestions! So far it sounds like I'm going to hit up The Grey Area, Anyday and Noon - what do you guys think about Rookies or the 420 Cafe? Any food suggestions??

The best part of when I went was the bike trails which I'll definitely hit up as well and visit that pancake house out in the country, The White Swan I think it is called - ohhhhh heaven!!!!

 

[djonkoman]

in this case, haze means a category of strains, strains with haze somewhere in the lineage(like amnesia haze, silver haze, special haze etc)
hash hyere in the netherlands is mostly importhash, my personal favorite is nepal. but there's also afghan and especially a lot of maroc, those 3 are the most common. and I also often see different grades/quality of maroc under various names(like 'honingmaroc', it doesn't mean it tastes like honney, and right now I have some hash called casablanca that I'm pretty sure is maroc too)

 

[SoulCaptivesAreFree]

Thanks for the awesome feedback!!! When you say a good "haze" is that like a strain Purple Haze? Not knowledgeable on strains so I greatly appreciate the suggestions. I'm leaving in two weeks so I gotta figure that stuff out. I've never tried hash - what can I expect and what type should I try??


Wow - thanks everyone for the suggestions! So far it sounds like I'm going to hit up The Grey Area, Anyday and Noon - what do you guys think about Rookies or the 420 Cafe? Any food suggestions??

The best part of when I went was the bike trails which I'll definitely hit up as well and visit that pancake house out in the country, The White Swan I think it is called - ohhhhh heaven!!!!

Yeah, haze like in purple haze (although the purple haze story is a difficult one, even more so than that of regular haze) Haze is a stabilised polyhybrid 100% sativa from the 60/70ies, created in california by the "haze brothers". Today it has become more of a generic term for sativas and sativa-hybrids in general (especially in places like amsterdam)

real haze for me always reeks of incense and catpiss with a lot of other nuances depending on the exact genetic makeup / phenotype... but incense and catpiss and maybe lemon are constantly found in the hazes

some good hazes i remember finding in amsterdam: mexican haze (dampkring), oceans 12 haze (dampkring), nevils haze (can't remember shop), hawaian haze (abraxas), silver haze (can't remember shop), blueberry haze (NooN, although it's supposed to only be a special ssh pheno, but real nice haze-hybrid anyhow) and a few more i can't remember now...

also i remember getting some fantastic kali mist in the NooN, kali is similar to haze, but different

But be aware that haze is not for everybody! it's famous for it's trippy high and can make you pretty paranoid if you're not used to it, so start slow and see if it's for you...

hash is a pretty complicated topic as well, to find good hash is very much a matter of experience - with time you get a feel for the hash...

if you're completely inexperienced i would advise to ask the dealers at the shop what's their best import hash and where it comes from.

finding good maroc should be easy, nepali already is harder to find real good ones, lebanese often times is just maroc that gets called lebanese - but if you find real leb it's nice. don't know about newer things like mexican ice or jardallah from marocco - they have been around in europe for a while now, so i imagine you can get them in amsterdam as well... also indian charas can be found, but most of the times on the low quality side... just ask in the shops what they recommend, buy the smallest amount they offer and go from there, i'm sure you'll find something nice this way

sorry for the rant lol purple haze x panama gets me pretty talkative

 

[dirtpie]

The 420 Cafe was pretty nice, allthough I didn't like their selection. What really attracted me to that place was their Volcanos. It was the first place that I ever tried a Volcano, and that really resparked my interest and love for vaporising. I found myself coming back again and again to use their Volcanos, allthough they would always try to limit how many bags I could get with bringing in strains that weren't bought from their shop. I would just make sure to order extra drinks and be extra friendly to keep the bags coming! One of the tenders even started sharing his own personal grow with me, after he realized how much I loved vaping and was enjoying all the subtle tastes to herb that I had never had the pleasure of before.

My first Volcano experience was with Nevilles' Haze( pretty sure it came from one of the Bulldog cafes that was a bit more secluded and not as touristy), and it was unreal. It was one of those moments where I understood all the flavors that are listed on the back of wine bottles. It was very strong and trippy though. It took an extra long time to get back to our hostel.

I really wish I remember the shops, streets, heck even the city better, but I was super shot by the time we got to Amsterdam. The Blues Brother's stands out as a place where I got some tasty and strong strains.

 

[Good Bacteria]

I've been a few times but can never remember the names of the the coffeeshops! To be honest though the more I go the less time I actually spend in the coffeeshops. Amsterdam has so much more to offer, seems a shame to spend the majority of your time inside. There's some amazing artwork, musuems, architecture and nature to appreciate too.

 

[Kommyknocker]

Been a couple times, f@#king awesome place.. completely overpriced and touristy but heyho eh. Like everyone else I seem to be suffering some kind of strange memory loss when it comes to names. One I always remember is Resin. A nice dark downstairs area with a pool table. If I remember there were mirrors everywhere.
As far as the new laws comin in?!! Guess I gotta book me some flights before christmas hmmm.

Have an awesome time.. if you can have at least a couple days T break as it won't take long to 'fill your cup' then youre essentially just wasting expensive herb.

 

[philly_artist]

Good point Tommyknocker - I definitely will take into account that it won't take much to make me feel super stoned and I'll likely only hit up one coffeeshop a day with all I want to do but I've got questions in regards to vaporizing:

- do coffeeshops offer something you can put on the vaporizer so that it's clean or maybe a temporary filter I can put on it so I don't get mouth herpes?

- I like edibles though I know they can be super strong - any suggestions on what I should try considering I smoke three times a week with good quality weed so I don't have the best tolerance but it's not like I never toke.

- can anyone recommend a cool comic book store or book shop where I could drop off some of my comic books at?

 

[Havelock Vetenari]

Hold your hand(thumb+indexfingers) in a ring(O) and you'll have yourself a perfectly good 'handcondom' as Evert likes to call it.

 

[OhTheAgony]

Or bring some sterile wipes & clean it yourself

Havelock & Djonko, I think all stoners should unite on this one & make sure they vote equally so that the VVD won't become the biggest party again. I think either SP or the PVDA is our best choice, & I really like the PVDA's view on a new MJ policy in NL. If they could realize their plan we could even have legal growers & saver weed that's checked on spores & bacterias & whatnot. Their idea is to create a law for mj equal to our alcohol law & remove it from the controlled substances list, thus making it a completely legal substance. I know they're gonna tax it too if that happens, but I still believe that's the way to go in the long run.

 

[djonkoman]

but I think the PvdA is also in favor of the 15% rule, and SP has said to involve the VOC in the policymaking.

actually I think the talkj of legal growers is nice for the big business, but I think they should also completely legalize some plants for personal use, especially outside where there is no trouble with electrics, I would love to see it regarded more like vegetables/herbs(cheap seed sold by weight not amount, sowing in excess and let the weak ones be elliminated, being able to plant enough to make some seeds/do some breeding and have enough to supply yourself yearround. maybe even plant some specificly for seeds for consumption. and something I would love to try, according to multiple sources cannabis works as companionplant with brassica's/cabbages to keep the cabbagebutterfly from laying eggs on them)
but unfortunatly no party has that point and I think it's unrealistic to expect it to go that far(maybe in time, eventually)

I'm still doubting between SP and groenlinks, on weed strategically SP would be best, but I'm still not really sure what I'm going to vote. with the recent developments PvdA has began to sound good too, but I still prefer SP(and groenlinks) over PvdA. but anything is better as VVD, CDA and PVV

 

[OhTheAgony]

I just took that poll on stemwijzer.nl & it says the SP matches my views the best by far, so I guess I'm gonna go with that. I'm getting tired of going back and forth anyway, there simply isn't a perfect party.

Yeah, one day hopefully. I personally find it kinda crazy they ever made something like a plant illegal. I really don't understand what harm it does to anyone if I have a few plants in my yard every summer.

 

[djonkoman]

according to stemwijzer the pirateparty was my nr. 1 but I included all those small parties just for fun.
my 1 and 2 not considering the tiny parties were groenlinks forst, then SP, but only small differences

 

[Kommyknocker]

Just google the comic store and edibles just ask for advice at the counter. Sorry been years since i was there. I do rememberpretty much the first sight that greeted my friend and I as we exited our first coffeeshop(yesss medicated) It was a motorcyclist, hed parked up next to a fat metal bollard and his big touring bike had leaned to the side, trapping the silly mans leg against the bollard, the angle was funny so he couldn't get it off of himself. We obviously looked at one another and started f@#king ending ourselves.. someone came and freed the teapot and after much scowling and pointing he stormed off. We laughed everytime we would see either a motorbike or bollard for four days.. there are a whole f#@k load of bollards in the dam!