Cannabis law in the Netherlands (2026)

Last reviewed: 9 October 2026

In short: Cannabis remains prohibited, but possession of up to 5 g and growing up to 5 plants are not prosecuted. Coffeeshops are tolerated and are open only to residents.

RuleWhat applies
Possession for personal usePersonal use by an adultNot prosecuted within a limit [1]
Quantity limitsPersonal use by an adultUp to 5 g of cannabis is not prosecuted. [1]
Growing at homePersonal use by an adultNot prosecuted within a limit [2]
Sale to consumersPersonal use by an adultTolerated outlets [1]
Use or carrying in public placesPersonal use by an adult⚠ Not yet verified
Medical cannabisPersonal use by an adultLegal for medical use [3]
VisitorsPersonal use by an adultSome rules for residents only [1]

Notes

  • Cannabis is a list II substance under the Opium Act. The limit comes from the prosecution policy (gedoogbeleid), not from a right to possess.
  • Growing is prohibited. For up to 5 plants for own use the police only seize the plants; with more than 5 plants the grower may be prosecuted.
  • Sale remains an offence. Coffeeshops are tolerated under conditions: no more than 5 g per person per day, stock under 500 g, no sale to minors. Municipalities may set extra conditions.
  • The Rijksoverheid pages read do not state a national rule on use in public places; municipal rules may apply.
  • The government Bureau voor Medicinale Cannabis supplies medicinal cannabis to pharmacies. The pages read do not describe the prescription rules.
  • Only residents of the Netherlands may enter a coffeeshop and buy cannabis. The pages read do not say whether the non-prosecution limits apply to visitors.

Sources

  1. Rijksoverheid: Gedoogbeleid softdrugs en coffeeshops (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  2. Rijksoverheid: Aanpak illegale hennepteelt (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources
  3. Bureau voor Medicinale Cannabis (CIBG, Ministerie van VWS): Medicinale cannabis | Bureau voor Medicinale Cannabis (consulted 9 October 2026) · all sources

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General information, not legal advice. Rules change: check the official source before you fly or ride.