Medical Marijuana is a Joke!

[cornbread]

I've been to the Netherlands twice (Holland is a county). This news is very strange coming from Amsterdam. Years ago, a cafe owner went out of his way to explain to me that the Dutch were very picky about the quality of cannabis products that comes ashore. He even said they had recently turned away a whole cargo ship from China because of the low grade hashish onboard. Obviously, their standards have taken a hit since I've been there. I guess I lucked out and left without the schwag.

#2 post is still your best answer...:smokin:

[bigtopsfinn]

i paid 50 euro for an 1/8 of silver bubble at grey area..... i payed 34 euro for 2 grams of vanilla kush from barneys and this was average price everywhere i went. and most of the stuff at 8-10 euro was so bad i wouldnt want my worst enemy to smoke it....:jointsmile:

These are tourist coffeeshops, no wonder you didn't see any locals there.

Next time go to Dampkring or Kashmir, and 10 euros gets you very nice buds, I think 12.50 was their "top shelf". Better yet, go to Rotterdam or Utrecht.

Again, comparing Europe or Amsterdam to the US is impossible. For one, the Netherlands has significantly higher corporate wages (if we're comparing dollars to euros).

For those who don't know, Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands! It is merely tolerated and decriminalized for small possession, and there's a fucked up law that gives coffeeshops the right to sell cannabis in small amounts. However, it is illegal for coffeeshops to purchase cannabis... yeah go figure that one out. BTW- growing is illegal too. If you are caught with 5 plants or less, they get confiscated without penalty.

Another reason for rising prices in the Netherlands is the fact that the government has been cracking down on coffeeshops (reducing in number of coffeeshops from over 1200 to now less than 800, and not giving out new licenses) as well as large grow operations for that last few years, and much of the weed that is smoked in Amsterdam and elsewhere actually comes from Germany!

Ok, rant over, the point is that there are many other factors in Amsterdam and the Netherlands which raise the prices. I believe that as long as the governments and special interests keep their hands off this industry, prices should be at least 25-50% lower in a legal establishment than on the street. But as long as medical patients and tourists are willing to dish out the cash for overpriced weed, I'll just have to grow my own :jointsmile:

[neversummer]

These are tourist coffeeshops, no wonder you didn't see any locals there.

Next time go to Dampkring or Kashmir, and 10 euros gets you very nice buds, I think 12.50 was their "top shelf". Better yet, go to Rotterdam or Utrecht.

Again, comparing Europe or Amsterdam to the US is impossible. For one, the Netherlands has significantly higher corporate wages (if we're comparing dollars to euros).

For those who don't know, Cannabis is illegal in the Netherlands! It is merely tolerated and decriminalized for small possession, and there's a fucked up law that gives coffeeshops the right to sell cannabis in small amounts. However, it is illegal for coffeeshops to purchase cannabis... yeah go figure that one out. BTW- growing is illegal too. If you are caught with 5 plants or less, they get confiscated without penalty.

Another reason for rising prices in the Netherlands is the fact that the government has been cracking down on coffeeshops (reducing in number of coffeeshops from over 1200 to now less than 800, and not giving out new licenses) as well as large grow operations for that last few years, and much of the weed that is smoked in Amsterdam and elsewhere actually comes from Germany!

Ok, rant over, the point is that there are many other factors in Amsterdam and the Netherlands which raise the prices. I believe that as long as the governments and special interests keep their hands off this industry, prices should be at least 25-50% lower in a legal establishment than on the street. But as long as medical patients and tourists are willing to dish out the cash for overpriced weed, I'll just have to grow my own :jointsmile:

That is what i have been trying to say. You just worded it better.
When i went to Amsteradam, the weed was the same price, but the exchange rate was 1$ to 2 guilders. An eighth would cost around $25-$30 and it was always super good. I never got any weed in Amsterdam with seeds, or kiefed buds. The bubble hash alway bubbled.

Soma had the best weed back then i thought, and all his stuff went to the dampkring. I dont know anyone else who cures their weed for 6 months!

[cornbread]

bigtopsfinn, that's one of the most interesting posts I've ever read about the Netherlands...Amazing that it's actually illegal...I never would have guessed...I hung at someplace called the grasshopper in the 'dam years ago...probably gone by now

[bigtopsfinn]

bigtopsfinn, that's one of the most interesting posts I've ever read about the Netherlands...Amazing that it's actually illegal...I never would have guessed...I hung at someplace called the grasshopper in the 'dam years ago...probably gone by now

Grasshopper's still there. :jointsmile:

Honestly the 'Amsterdam' that most people here are talking about SUCKS. It's a huge tourist trap, and the greedy businessmen know this, which is why everything is so expensive, and the service and weed are so shitty. The Cannabis Cup is the worst of them all. Most tourists don't make it past the Herengracht, which is actually where the real Amsterdam starts. The coffeeshops are fewer and farther between, but there are still some decent ones, and filled with locals.

Some of the best weed I had while I was there was from Steppin' Out in Alkmaar, called 'Big Tops' (not a strain, just a brand) - 12 euros for 1.7 grams. They also cure their buds for months before selling them. Also got some really nice White Widow in Rotterdam for 7 euros a gram. The best was the Amnesia Haze from Nemo in Rotterdam, 20 euros for 2 grams, and it blew me away every time. Cured, tasty and really great sativa.

If you plan on a trip to Amsterdam or the Netherlands, do your research! Coffeeshop Directory. And just because it's the highest price on the menu doesn't mean it's the best. Sometimes it is, sometimes it's not. Always ask to see the bud first, and ask for a few different kinds to compare. And for everyone's sake don't support these greedy bastards in Amsterdam's central district!

[cornbread]

Yes...I'd have to agree it's a huge tourist trap but the American kids love the idea of buying pot everywhere.

I was buying some hash in a Amsterdam coffeeshop and the rasta dood behind the counter kept peeking out the window and around the corner. He did this 4-5 times in 3 minutes before I finally asked WTF he was doing. He said he was watching his car. Huh? Then he told me there's a HUGE car theft problem.

But there's just too much rain and junkies to go back a third time. Besides, pot is everywhere.

I'm glad I went to the Anna Frank Haus just before I left...

I lived 2 years in Switzerland and travelled around from there in central Europe. Next time I go, it's Ireland, England, and Italy for me...and back to Venice :smokin:

[stuartambient]

ps the reson liquor is like it is and so free to do as you please with is because it's leo's/gov's fav past time.can't make that illegal.

what is reson liquor ?

Stu

[diamante73]

I'm sorry, but of all people, those on this site should know better than to suggest criminalizing ANY substance. Doesn't even pass the giggle test.

Who suggested criminalizing anything at all?

[ColoradoCareMMJ]

Well to be honest, im only in the dam for 8-10 days at a time, and usually it is just to meet up with old friends and new associates. I really dont have enough time to beat down every shop door in the dam hoping to save a few euros per gram. I always bring my own weed and hash, and if i can find anything comparable in quality in the dam, ill usually grab a few grams of it... but usually the only thing i end up purchasing is melt from soma....:jointsmile::jointsmile:

[bigtopsfinn]

I really dont have enough time to beat down every shop door in the dam hoping to save a few euros per gram.

Well that's the beauty of the internet, because you don't need to go to every door if you spend some time on that link - real reviews from real people. Unfortunately the people that go to the Dam thinking that the world's best weed is around the corner are setting themselves up for failure. And from what I've read around these boards, the same holds true for US medical marijuana.

The more we talk and post about bad quality places (dispensaries, coffeeshops), the less there will be. Let's put all these $hitheads out of business by the spreading the word... and da herb :rastasmoke: